Cooper, Cherry and Stewart win titles at Mount Pulaski Fall Festival

[September 10, 2012]  MOUNT PULASKI -- Friday night's storms and rain did not interfere with Mount Pulaski Fall Festival contests. The Mount Pulaski Little Farmer, Little Miss and Junior Miss pageant was moved inside the Life Center and continued without another hitch.

In front of a crowd of more than 150, 19 boys and girls competed for the three titles.

Little Farmer contestants:

• Alec Martin

• James Fuhrer

• Asher Erickson

• Nolan Deibert

• Clay Leonard

• Kenneth Cooper

• Zeke Wakeman

• Dean Mileham

Little Miss contestants:

• Chasey Stewart

• Ellee Fuhrer

• Rhiah Solomon

• Alyson Murphy

• Jayden Cherry

• Madison Manus

Junior Miss contestants:

• Mikayla Harris

• Keyleigh Stewart

• Bethany Reynolds

• Makenna Wilham

• Josie Wakeman

Contestants were judged in three categories: personality, appearance and presentation.

Emcee Renee Marten introduced the contestants and asked each one three questions: What is your favorite food? What do you do in your free time? What do you want to be when you grow up?

Winners were Kenneth Cooper, Jayden Cherry and Keyleigh Stewart.

Little Farmer: Kenneth Cooper

• Favorite food -- taco burger

• Free time activity -- play games and kickball

• What do you want to be? A farmer that drives trucks and combines

Little Miss: Jayden Cherry

• Favorite food -- pepperoni pizza

• Free time activity -- swimming

• What do you want to be? Nurse

Junior Miss: Keyleigh Stewart

• Favorite food -- tacos with taco sauce

• Free time activity -- volleyball

• What do you want to be? Hairstylist

The 2011 Little Miss, Peyton Weiss, was on hand to encourage and crown the 2012 winners. She was sad that her reign was over but excited that she got to help with the pageant.

Little Farmer Kenneth Cooper was ready to enjoy a corn dog after his win. Junior Miss Keyleigh Stewart and Little Miss Jayden Cherry were most excited to wear their crowns for the whole weekend, maybe even to school on Monday.

The events were sponsored by Vonderlieth Living Center, Lake Fork Fertilizer Service and ABC & G Real Estate.

[By HANNAH MICHALSEN]