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 The
evening began with welcoming comments by Katie Alsup, one of the
many volunteer organizers behind the weekend.
The youngsters from Moochelle’s Day car came to the steps of the Mt.
Pulaski Courthouse and sang the National Anthem and then led the
audience in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The theme for the 2023 fall festival was “Our community is Mighty &
Tuff,” and chosen as a tribute to two children in the community who
are battling disease. Mikah Martin who has cancer and Tinley Rubenacker
who has Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome. The two
were chosen as the grand marshals for the parade that was held on
Saturday and were recognized on Friday evening as well.
Alsup had explained earlier in the evening that Tinley was not going
to be present on Friday evening but intended to be in Mt. Pulaski on
Saturday. Both children would ride in the parade, and then would
have a special view box at the top of the hill where they could
watch the rest of it.
Shannon Meister, another volunteer on the planning
committee, announced this year’s Volunteer of the Year, Greg Holmes.
She read aloud notes about his years of service to the community
including volunteering for the fire department, helping with many
fundraisers for his community and the people in it, and always being
a calm and assuring voice in times of stress and trauma.
Holmes was also not present for the award, but his wife accepted it
on his behalf.
Alsup called on Mikah Martin and his mom to come to the front. Mikah
was given a plaque as the grand marshal and a gift basket full of
fun things.
When Mikah and his mother Kim came forward, she said that she wanted
to thank the Hill Top Club for another great fall festival. She said
that she was a member of the club but had taken a break this year.
However, she knew full well the effort that went into putting
together such an event.
She did comment about her son, saying simply that “Cancer Sucks!”
then adding that they will beat it.
Then it was time for the Junior Miss and Little Miss Pageant.
This year, the judges were Katie Gosda who is Director of the Logan
County Fair Pageant, 2023 Logan County Fair Queen Ellyn Martinez,
Junior Miss Logan County Ellie Wrage, and Little Miss Logan County
Kodi Eigenbrod was there to assist as well.
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The pageant began with an introduction of each
contestant, then the girls were called back one by one to answer a
couple of questions for the audience.
There were 13 Little Miss contestants who were
introduced first, followed by 10 Junior Miss contestants.
When the girls returned to the steps of the courthouse one by one,
they were assisted with the stairs be Graham Meister.
The Little Miss contestants were asked what they would like to be
when they grow up. Coley Olson was the first up and she said that
she wanted to be a nurse.
The answers continued “Elsa because she’s got the powers,” being a
hair stylist, a pharmacist, a zookeeper, a teacher “so I can go
swimming all summer,” a doctor, an artist, a princess, and a
cowgirl.
The final contestant, Reese Jones, brought lots of laughs and cheers
as she came to the steps and announced, “My name is Reese Jones and
I’m scared!” She then exited without further ado.
In the Junior Miss category, the ladies were asked to tell the
audience what is their favorite thing about the Mt. Pulaski Fall
Festival? Answers included spending time with family, going to the
parade with grandpa, hang out with friends, and “the community comes
together.”
It was then time for deliberation among the judges.
Former Little Miss Logan County 2022 Lucy Bobell was on hand to
assist with the crowning of the new local royalty.
The judges spent quite a bit of time discussing who should be
selected to wear the crowns. Finally the decisions were made, and it
was announced.
The 2023 Little Miss Mt. Pulaski Fall Festival was Coley Olson, and
the Junior Miss was Lindy Jones.
Both young ladies were quite surprised and delighted by their wins.
[Nila Smith]
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