Wednesday, August 04, 2010
 
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Bethany Rea 2010 fair queen; Danielle Phillips Little Miss Logan County

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[August 04, 2010]  A packed grandstand braved the 96-degree heat Tuesday night to welcome Lincoln native Bethany Rea to her throne as the 2010 Logan County Fair queen. 

HardwareOne 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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