 One of eight contestants vying for the crown at the 71st annual
pageant, Rea said that when the time came to announce the winner,
she had all but counted herself out. "I really wasn't (expecting
it)," Rea said. "After he'd called the other names, I was like,
'Oh
my gosh, I didn't get it.' Then he called my name and I was
completely shocked."
The daughter of Robert and Mary Ann Rea, Bethany graduated in May
from Lincoln Community High School. She plans to attend Lincoln
Christian University this fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in
business administration.
Master of ceremonies Cameron Kurtz stated Rea's future plans as
being "to serve others with everything she has."
Her involvement in numerous activities at both the high school
and Lincoln Christian Church has undoubtedly helped her to prepare
for the yearlong set of duties that are ahead of her, including
representing Logan County in the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen
Pageant this January. Emily Berglin, 2009 fair queen, was awarded
"Non-Finalist Best Stage Presence" at this year's state pageant.
What Rea says she is most looking forward to, though, is "getting
to know the fair more, and getting to see what happens behind the
scenes."
That wish will become a reality today, when she assumes her role
as fair hostess, participating in award ceremonies, raffle drawings
and favorites such as the livestock shows.
Rea earned her title in a series of competitions that included
communication skills, beauty and physique, pop question, and stage
presence.
Standing alongside her at the end of the night were Ashley Green
of Atlanta, named first runner-up; Katie Gosda of Lincoln, named
second runner-up and voted "Miss Congeniality" by her fellow
contestants; and Catrice Parke-Stacy of Lincoln, winner of the
"crowd's choice" award.
Appropriately, the contestants began the pageant themed "An
Evening Among the Stars" with a dance number choreographed to Abba's
"Dancing Queen."
During the pop-question segment of the evening, contestants had
to candidly respond to the question, "How will the Logan County Fair
be different 20 years into the future?" Popular answers were "bigger
crowds" and "better rides."
Drawing inspiration from the heat, Green expressed hope that 2030
will see a dome built over the grandstand, "because no one likes to
sweat at the fair." Rea said that no matter what changes, one thing
that won't is the fair's "hometown atmosphere."
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Preceding the queen pageant was the second annual Little
Miss Logan County Fair competition. Though less extensive than their
older counterparts' wardrobes, which included evening gowns,
swimwear and business attire, 15 girls between the ages of 4 and 7
boasted large, princess-like dresses as they took turns addressing
their favorite summertime activities.
Danielle Phillips, age 5, took home the winning title of "2010
Little Miss Logan County." She is the daughter of Greg and Nora
Phillips of Emden.
Sierra McEntire, age 5, was named first runner-up, and Ellyn
Martinez, age 5, was named second runner-up.
Six-year-old Abbi Montgomery, winner of the "crowd's choice" award,
elicited cheers from the audience when she stated her favorite
summertime activity to be "watching Cardinal games."
The "Miss Photogenic" award, judged on the pageant photos
provided of each contestant, was given to 5-year-old Alanea Cyrulik.
As spectators and proud family members crowded the stage to
photograph the winners, reigning Miss Illinois County Fair Queen
Haley Freeman made a special appearance to round out the company.
[By LINDSEY BOERMA]
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