Whether anyone realizes it or not, the White County Fair Pageant organization has turned into a juggernaut and it’s all founded on community support and successful women familiar with the feeling of a crown on her head. Laney York is the latest winner of the annual county fair pageant, and she followed that up with a 5th place win out of 75 entries at the state competition this past January. She dropped by Kiwanis Thursday to recap her year and experience as the organization prepares its search for a new dazzling, well-rounded trio of sash bearers. York was joined by Little Miss title holder Aubree Drone and reigning junior miss Hadley Williams.
The organization is sturdy with Hannah Sailer at the helm, plus support from mother/daughter duo Kara Kessler and Kelsi Hunsinger, Lacey Moore, and Emily Williams, all past winners with Hunsinger also taking the state crown in 2020. The pageant has come a long way in the 15 years since Sailer (Hannah Gowdy at the time) was crowned.
After that, I was just pretty much handed the directorship, so I’ve been doing this for awhile. I remember being crowned and handed a $200 check and it just gives me chills knowing how far we’ve come.
For the past several years, the organization has worked hard to be able to offer real cash prizes that further incentivize participation and making it worth more than an opportunity to get dressed up. That’s still appealing, especially for the youngsters, but with Little Miss walking away with a $400 scholarship, Junior Miss getting $500, and the fair queen receiving $3,000, it provides another reason to want to take part. Miss Congeniality and runners up also are awarded cash prizes. And that money is all thanks to community support. Part of the experience for competitors is going out to find a $25 sponsor which can offer a life skill by teaching them how to approach businesses, organizations, and churches to request that support. Additionally, there’s talk of adding some more fundraising activities including a tea with the queen in the fall. All that support means the pageant is completely self-sustained, only receiving county fair board money for the stay in Springfield during the state pageant.
The informational meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday, June 22nd at the floral hall. This years pageant will kick off the White County Fair at 7pm on Sunday, July 19th.