The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
On July 22, 2018 at the Historic Raritan Opera House the 2018 Henderson County Fair Queens were chosen.
With a background of Christmas in July, 19 young ladies competed for the title of Miss, Jr, Miss and Little Miss.
The Little Miss Pageant was held at 4pm and 7 adorable little ladies competed in interview, party dress and pop question.
The 2017 Fair Queens read an original poem to the contestants entitled, "Twas The Night Before Pageant.
Next, our lovely 2017 Little Miss Henderson County Fair, Kaylee Mills, gave her farewell speech it was time to announce the winners.
The Photogenic Award went to Kenzley Winters, the Director's Award was given to Justine Schaley, 2nd Runner-up was awarded to Islia Rodeffer, 1st Runner up was Madisyn Gridley and the 2018 Little Miss Henderson County Fair is Kenzley Sue Winters.
Kenzley is the daughter of Travis and Shannna Winters of Raritan.
After the Little Miss pageant the Jr. Miss and queen contestants competed in Interview, speech, pop question and evening gown.
The queen contestants also competed earlier that day in swimsuit.
The crowd grew more and more excited as each contestant entered the stage.
The young women gave heartfelt and moving speeches on everything from Bunny Therapy to the Demo Derby.
After the judges tallied the scores and the 2017 Jr. Miss Henderson County Fair, Kaylynn Hennenfent gave her emotional farewell speech, it was time to announce the 2018 Jr. Miss and her court.
Before we could meet the Jr. Miss Court, a special award was given to Brooklyn Miller.
Brooklyn Miller was awarded the first annual Joseph Kane Memorial Award. This award will be given every year in honor of Joseph Kane.
This past spring Joe's life came to an end, but his memory and the community service he stood for will live on forever, Joe was the President of the Henderson County Fair Association and was an avocat for the Fair Queen Pageant.
He committed his life to serving his church and community.
The award will be given annually to the contestant who demonstrates community service and leadership. Brooklyn Miller spends her time planning and preparing a Thanksgiving meal every year to raise money to support the Toys for Tots drive.
She never misses an opportunity to assist those less fortunate than herself.
The Joseph Kane Memorial Award was presented to Brooklyn by Joe's father, Dan Kane, and his sister, Jeanie Campbell.
The Jr, Miss awards were announced, Most Photogenic Award went to Hannah Carnes, the Director's Award went to Alexia Kane, 2nd Runner-up to Hannah Carnes, 1st Runner-up to Gracey Winters and the 2018 Little Miss Henderson County Fair is Alexia Kane.
Lexi is the daughter of Brian and Amanda Kane of Stronghurst.
Now the moment the crowd was waiting for the crowning of the 2018 Henderson County Fair and her court.
After the elegant and poised 2017 Henderson County Fair Queen, Megan Magee gave her tearful farewell speech the emcee for the night, the 2016 Henderson County Fair Queen, Tara Forbes announced the 2018 Miss Henderson County Fair and her court. Photogenic award was given to Abigail Dowell, Director's Award to Grace Meyer, Fitness Award to Abigail Dowell, 1st Runner-up is Grace Meyer, and the 2018 Henderson County Fair Queen is Kaitlyn Kane, Kaitlyn is the daughter of James and Kim Kane of Smithshire.
Kaitlyn is currently attending SCC for her associated degree and then plans to attend Western Illinois University and major in ag education and pre-vet.
Kaitlyn is no stranger to the fair as she has been showing her livestock for years, with many local and state awards.
Please come see Queen Kaitlyn and her court this week at the fair.
The 2018 Henderson County Fair Royalty who were crowned Sunday evening at the Raritan Opera House are Queen Kaitlyn Kane, daughter of James and Kim Kane of Smithshire; Jr. Miss "Lexi" Kane, daughter of Brian and Amanda Kane of Stronghurst; and Little Miss Kenzley Winters, daughter of Travis and Shanna Winters of Stronghurst.