"Queen Caroline" looking forward to state competition this weekend
 

[January 14, 2022]    Caroline Ahrends, more affectionately known as Queen Caroline, is counting down the days until the Miss Illinois State Fair Queen Pageant, which will be held Thursday, January 13th through Sunday, January 18th at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, Illinois.

Queen Caroline, from Logan County, is contestant 9 out of 72 contestants.

Since being crowned Miss Logan County Fair Queen in August 2021, Caroline has not only been representing Logan County across the state, but has also been preparing for the state competition. Caroline has been working day after day to prepare for the different requirements of the state pageant, including an all contestant dance, individual interview, evening gown walking, pop questions, and her one-minute speech. “I have been keeping up with current news and agriculture events. I have also been hard at work on my one-minute speech and interviewing practices.”

And while we might all think that the hard part is talking in front of an audience full of spectators, maybe that’s not the hard part after all! “Every day I practice walking in my heels so that I can put my best foot forward on stage.”

Miss Caroline’s favorite part is the interview. Even though it can bring butterflies to the stomachs of even the most practiced contestants, Miss Caroline loves the energy and opportunity that it brings. “My favorite part is the interview! It allows the judges to get to know me. While it is my favorite part, it also makes me nervous. I love to share what I am passionate about, and I hope that the judges will be able to see that.”

The Miss Illinois State Fair Queen Pageant is more than just the competition. It’s four days with 72 young ladies from across the state. Caroline is looking forward to all of the opportunities the competition brings. “I am most looking forward to getting to know all of the other contestants! We have gotten to know each other a little during the little bit at the County Fair day at the Illinois State Fair and the Central Zone meeting. I look forward to sharing what I love about the Logan County Fair and learning about other counties’ fairs as well.”

The Logan County Fair Queen competition and the Miss Illinois State Fair Queen Pageant have given Miss Caroline countless opportunities.

Every day as the Logan County Fair Queen has taught Miss Caroline skills that she can take with her in the future. While all the skills are vital for her future, she has found the most value in speaking with the public. “I love to ramble on when I am having a conversation about something that I am passionate about. However, with only four minutes to tell three strangers everything about me, I have had to learn how to be efficient with my answer.”

Miss Caroline is as poised in high heels walking across the stage as she is delivering a speech in front of hundreds of people. She will represent Logan County with the same passion and commitment that she has used to prepare her for the Miss Illinois State Fair Queen Pageant.

Anyone who would like to come watch Queen Caroline’s competition should come to the Crowne Plaza on Saturday, January 15, 2022 for the 1pm afternoon competition. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

The Top 15 will be announced at the Sunday evening final competition, and the much anticipated final Grand March of all 72 contestants. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event.

The Logan County Pageant crew encourages those interested to watch the Facebook page for live updates throughout the weekend.

[Submitted by: Logan County Fair Queen Pageant Committee
Wrote by: Michelle Ryan, Committee Editor
Photos by Michael Gowin Photography]