Hello Everyone and happy spring (if the warm weather every decides to show itself)! I am so honored to be blogging for the first time as your 2014 Miss Illinois County Fair queen. I have made a goal to keep all of you informed of my duties as I travel across our state and ladies and gentleman my appearances have begun! 

I am so happy to finally be able to say that my crowning moment has finally sunk in. After a whirlwind of representing Montgomery county at the 2014 Miss Illinois County Fair queen pageant I cannot believe that I now have the opportunity to represent our entire state during my reign. Before I begin to describe my first few appearances I would like to sincerely thank a few groups of people for their never ending support through all my endeavors. First of all, thank you to my wonderful county directors, Toby and Missy Dean as well as the entire Montgomery County Fair Board and former Mont. Co queens, for giving me the opportunity to compete at the state pageant with the greatest support system. Another thank you is due to my new director, Cathy Redshaw, and the incredible State Crew. Without their dedication and support our state pageant could not be possible. Nor could I and my 72 fellow county fair queens have had the most memorable weekend. From meeting on day one, to laughing, dancing, “competing” and then doing it all over again the next day; our state pageant journey made a week for the record books. Last but not least, thank you to my family- Mom, Dad, and Sgt. Kathy. Your constant laughs and the time you all dedicated to helping me prepare will never be taken for granted.

It has been two months since my crowning moment. I have no idea where the time has gone but since my contract signing and speech to the IAAF board less than twelve hours after being crowned I have been so fortunate to already have had many amazing opportunities. Just last week I spoke to the Illinois State Senate and was recognized in the House of Representatives at the 2014 Ag Legislative Day. With Sam Detwiler, the FFA President, and over 700 FFA members from all over the state, I was thrilled to speak about the importance of agriculture and trade courses in curriculum statewide as well as continuing funding for our state and county fairs. It was fantastic to meet with my local Representative Wayne Rosenthal and Senator Andy Manar and hear their supportive comments in regards to our fair system. 

Only three days later I was honored at my congratulatory reception in Butler, Illinois by so many of my greatest fans. It was wonderful to see the people that I heard screaming and cheering for me during the pageant, as well as other county queens, and my local support system from Montgomery County. Even the pageant’s wonderful photographers from Studio 131 were in attendance to document the day. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the day so special.

Up next I will be attending numerous events across our state ranging from a youth 5K to an easter egg hunt! Check back soon for another post. Thank you all for following my year via the blog!