 The 74th anniversary Miss Logan County Fair Queen Pageant and fifth
anniversary Little Miss competition had its twists and turns,
starting with the weather and the location. A phrase is gaining
popularity this year, especially in contrast with last year's
extreme heat and drought: "There's never been a day this cool for
this event."
The day also held more than a few raindrops. A good soaker fell
all morning, and with the threat of more to come, the event was
moved from the spacious outside grandstand to the Visual Arts
Exhibit Building's Lincoln Stage.
The more confined space and show lights actually provided warmth
from the 72-degree damp chill that descended as a drizzle outside
the barn doors.
Later in the event, Dean Bruns, president of the Logan County
Fair board, who is fondly considered "Father over the Fair,"
recalled a few of the unusual years.
Now in his 64th year working the fair, Bruns has seen it all. He
observed that while the rain drove everyone into the tight quarters
of the exhibit barn, the fair is a farmer's event. Farmers are used
to dealing with the weather, and his proclamation, "They like rain!"
brought chuckles.
So, those running this year's fair weren't complaining this day.
Bruns also recalled the year that a heavy rain began during the
pageant. It became necessary to move across the midway, which was
not paved then, to finish the event.
"Luckily, there were only five contestants that year," Bruns
remembered, as when the contestants crossed the midway, they all
lost their shoes in the mud. After they finished, the girls all had
to go back into the mud to find their shoes.
This evening went on as expected, with some modifications to fit
the space, but no one lost their shoes. In the next hours, sunny
smiles prevailed and broke the gloom that weighed just outside. Each
queen candidate did her best and presented with a poise that would
make any county proud.
Eight queen candidates graced this year's stage:
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Brittney Bone, 19,
from Lincoln, attends Southeast Missouri State University. .
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Sara Buchanan, 19,
from Lincoln, attends Bradley University.
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Kenna Cooper, 20,
from Lincoln, obtained her cosmetology license from Empire
Beauty School in Florida and plans to continue in the
cosmetology profession here.
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Haylie Langley,
20, from Hartsburg, attends Heartland Community College.
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Crystal Quint, 19,
from Lincoln, attends Western Illinois University.
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Sydni Rohlfs, 18,
from Emden, will be attending Benedictine University.
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Angie Ruff, 19,
from Lincoln, attends Lincoln College.
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Rachel Skelton, 19, from Middletown,
attends Illinois State University.
The candidates introduced themselves, telling about what living
in Logan County has meant to them. Each talked about valuing her
family and community, as well as describing some challenge she
overcame and her hopes for the future.
The pop question was a bit challenging to each as it came as
close to where each one was standing as you get. Rather than some
nebulous question about how to bring world peace, master of
ceremonies Cameron Kurtz asked each contestant what exhibit they
would add or change at the Logan County Fair.
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And, of course, there were those precious moments that come only
when you put a 5-, 6- or 7-year-old on stage and a microphone in her
hands. The Little Misses' presentation of self and their
predictable, unpredictable candor delighted the crowd.
Candidates were Charlie McFadden, Charlotte LaForge, Addison
Stonecipher, Lily Holmes, Mattea McFadden, Chloe Stone, Cloee
O'Donoghue, Emma Baker, Becca Heitzig, Kathryn Schleder, Kristina
Morrow, Sarah Jane Dahmm, Baylee Cronin, Celia Cross and Kamryn
Battin.
Outgoing 2012 Little Miss Karson Mott delivered sunshine and
well-honed, though genuine messages. Those vying for her spot
brought chuckles in their charming responses to their favorite
things about the fair: "the rides," "funnel cakes," "cotton candy."
With the flash of a smile, some with deep dimples and maybe a wiggle
or two thrown in with their hand waves; each Little Miss was a
delight.
A number of special guests filled the time needed for the
contestants to change between their opening dance number, "The Way
You Look Tonight," and self-introductions, beauty and physique, pop
question, and stage presence. Special guests for the evening
included former Miss Logan County 1945 Evelyn (Oltmanns) Belcher,
who was applauded, along with visiting county queens, junior misses
and little misses. Miss Illinois County Fair 2013, Amelia Martens of
Orion, took the stage and spoke about her experiences this past year
and the value of agriculture to Illinois. She complimented 2012 Miss
Logan County Dani Juilfs on her representation of Logan County.
Crystal Quint was crowned the new Miss Logan County Fair 2013 and
Celia Cross was chosen as the new Little Miss Logan County.
Other awards were presented to Haylie Langley, for both Crowd’s
Choice and Miss Congeniality; Brittney Bone, second runner-up; and
Sara Buchanan, first runner-up.
Queen Crystal Quint is the daughter of Gene and Patricia Quint.
She is a graduate of Lincoln Community High School and plans to
graduate from college in 2016. Her goal is to become a pediatric
oncology nurse. She enjoys reading, cross-stitch, board games,
spending time with family and friends, working out, traveling, and
experiencing different cultures.
Little Miss Celia Cross is the daughter of Kent and Julie Cross.
Other awards for the Little Miss contest: Miss Photogenic was
Charlotte LaForge, daughter of Gary and Lisa LaForge. Crowd’s Choice
was Lily Holmes, daughter of Corey and Dana Holmes. Second runner-up
was Emma Baker, daughter of Jessica Robertson and Derek Baker; and
first runner-up was Becca Heitzig, daughter of Tim and Kim Heitzig.
Queen Quint will reign over the Logan County Fair and be in
attendance at as many events, awards and presentations as possible.
Little Miss Cross will join her as well. They will continue to
represent Logan County at other events for the rest of the year, and
Miss Quint will go on to compete this winter for the title of Miss
Illinois County Fair.
[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]
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