 Coordinator and Emcee for the afternoon, Darlene Begolka, introduced
the judges: Rachel Hall-Jordan, Laura Lee, and Connie Dehner. Fair
Queen, Miss Michelle Paulus, and Little Miss Logan County, Paisley
Baker, welcomed everyone to the fair and wished the contestants best
of luck with Paisley adding, “May the winners be happy!”
There were four acts in the Junior Division – young people not over
14 years of age by October 1:
Maycee McCree
Baylee Baker
Zoi Dunser
Alianah Kodatt and Sophie Kodatt
Maycee started the afternoon singing “We Can Be Stars,” a nice
selection to start the afternoon, as each talent show participant
was a star in the eyes of the audience members.
Baylee and Zoi, who enjoy entertaining their families, sang a duet
last year, but this year they split into two solo acts, each singing
a song of choice.
The winners of the Junior Division, sisters Alianah and Sophie
Kodatt, won the hearts of everyone as they hoola hooped to the
“Cha-Cha Slide.”
[to top of second column] |
 Alianah is seven years old and her little sister Sophie is five
years old. Along with hoola hooping, the girls enjoy singing,
dancing, and 4-wheeling. Alianah used to take dance lessons but her
mom is a cheerleading coach and Alianah decided she didn’t need to
pay for dance lessons when they dance at home all the time. Alianah
wants to be a teacher when she gets older; while Sophie would be
happy if she has a career in dancing.
There were two acts in the Senior Division – young people over 14
and under 22 years of age by October 1:
Danielle Glover
Company of Kings: Caleb Meador, Tyler O’Rear, Brady Walsh, Josiah
Keller, and Justin Woods.
Danielle is a college graduate with interests in Cosmetology,
singing, and exercise.
Performing together for the first time, Company of Kings, took first
place in the Senior Division. They are a classic rock band driven
with jazz and folk influences. When asked how they got together,
Brady explained that two of the guys, Josiah and himself, are music
majors at Lincoln College. They met the other band members while
playing in worship bands and through Lincoln Community Theatre. All
the band members agree that their favorite thing to do is entertain.
 While waiting for the judges to make their decision about the
winners two audience members, Jaden and Talan, took to the stage to
do a little break dancing. Maybe next year they will compete in the
Junior Division.
The winners of each County Fair in Illinois will compete for the
State Title in Springfield on the third Saturday in January. Alianah,
Sophie, and Company of Kings will be there to represent Logan
County.
[Lisa Ramlow] |
