I’ll never forget Monday, November 5, and getting the news that a very dear member of our pageant family, Darrell Fisher had passed away. The words didn’t really sink in for a while. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to.

Darrell worked security for the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant for many, many years. He’s known by past contestants around the state as the door man. At the State Pageant, he made sure no one entered the dressing room who shouldn’t. And there were never any issues; Darrell took care of all of us.

I met Darrell at the Central Zone Meeting in the fall of 2012. At the time, I didn’t know who he was; in fact, I didn’t know who anyone was on the State Crew. Darrell was one of my judges in my mock interview. He told me I was the only girl who had kept his attention throughout the entire interview, a complement that I had never been given before, but certainly appreciated. 

In January, Darrell helped me move all of my stuff (and trust me, there was A LOT) into my room at the Crowne Plaza. I didn’t ask for help and didn’t expect it either, but when he came out with me to our car and offered to help move me in, I accepted his offer. All weekend long, Darrell guarded the door to our dressing room. We all felt safe and secure.

When I was crowned last January, I had no idea just how close I would get with all of the State Crew. It really has become a family to me, a family that would not be the same without the Fishers. Darrell and Linda always kept me laughing.

Mom and I had the opportunity to stay in Fisherville (rural Lawrenceville, but I’ll never call it that) in June for the Jasper County Fair Queen Pageant. It was a quick turnaround for us, since we had to leave around 6 a.m. the following morning to get back to Rock Island County. We were up before dawn, and so was Darrell. He insisted upon cooking us his famous breakfast, and boy was it good! Ham, bacon, omelets, and Linda made sure I had lots of blueberries (they’re my favorite). Right before we left, we checked out the corn which was easily three to four feet taller than our corn at home at that time. I loved being able to talk about the differences in agriculture between northern Illinois and southern Illinois. 

Darrell was the best bodyguard I could have asked for. Whenever I needed to get up at a pageant, he was right by my side, making sure I didn’t go anywhere alone. At the end of the summer, I was able to spend more time in Fisherville for the Georgetown and Effingham pageants, and I am so thankful I was able to do that.

Darrell and Linda showed me around Vincennes. We rode over the “scary” old railroad bridge, and I remember how happy Darrell was that the rickety old bridge didn’t really scare me because I was a country girl. We stopped by the military museum that was nearby, he pointed out the levy and where it had broken, where Lincoln had entered Illinois, and even Red Skelton’s childhood home. Darrell didn’t want to shop with Linda and me. Can’t say I blame him. Linda and I took our time meddling through the little shops in Vincennes. 

We all met up with Kim for pizza burgers. Pizza burgers, a novelty in those parts, were good, but probably not something I’ll eat again. Nevertheless, it’s a memory with the Fishers that I’ll always think about.

The State Pageant won’t be the same without Darrell this January. We’ll all miss seeing him guard the door, and I’ll miss my bodyguard. I’m sad that more queens won’t get to know him. 

I will always have a special place in my heart for Darrell Fisher. I feel so blessed that I got the chance to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Fisher family.

Zone Meetings

Central Zone Meeting, Springfield. Check. Northern Zone Meeting, Ottawa. Check. Southern Zone Meeting, Mt. Vernon. Check. All zone meetings have been attended and completed.

Yes, that’s right, my fall pageant obligations have ended. And there are only about two months until state. Time flies. Now that’s an understatement. Time hasn’t just flown this year; it has gone by lightning fast.

It was great seeing all of the contestants at all of the zone meetings. We have a wonderful group of 72 girls competing, and it will be an excellent pageant. And while I will be crowning a new queen, it’s going to be bittersweet. Bittersweet because this is probably the best job I will ever have. Bittersweet because I have loved this so much. Bittersweet because I have made some wonderful friendships this year and met outstanding people I won’t be seeing as much now.

As the girls prepare for State, I’d encourage all of them to work hard, be themselves, and most of all have fun! It will be an unforgettable weekend, super busy, but way more fun.

Best of luck to all contestants as you continue your preparations for the State Pageant. I will see you all in January!