MOUNT VERNON — Little Miss Knox County Fair 2009 was crowned Sunday afternoon at the Knox County Fairgrounds during a pageant that is a 17-year tradition at the fair, according to pageant coordinator Julie Chester of Fredericktown.
Following a welcome by the 2009 Knox County Fair King Bernie Douglas and Queen Becky Shaffer, the 28 contestants were each interviewed for two minutes by Chester.
The girls answered questions on a variety of topics, including their families, pets, favorite activities and family vacations.
Maria McKinley of Mount Vernon was asked by Chester about modeling for the book “Bad Dog Marley.” McKinley explained she posed for the illustrator as Cassie, the main human character in the book.
Marissa Simmons of Fredericktown told the audience how much she enjoys dancing and music, especially music performed by her favorite artist, Taylor Swift, who was mentioned by more than one contestant as a favorite.
“She makes the coolest songs,” said Simmons.
Some of the contestants told stories about their families, including Haley Rook of Fredericktown who wore a white dress with red, white and blue decorations and a butterfly sewn onto the center of the bodice. The 8-year-old Rook helped her grandmother make the dress, and told the audience about her love for her grandfather’s horses.
Lucy Quinn of Fredericktown also wore a dress sewn by her grandmother. Quinn said her grandma is teaching her to sew as well. An artist, Quinn said she has art projects entered at the fair this year.
McKenna Davidson of Fredericktown, who went on to win the pageant, told the audience about the pictures she makes for local nursing home residents. She said she began making and distributing the pictures after seeing how lonely her uncle was when he was living in a nursing home. “They make them happy,” she said of the 50 pictures she has passed out so far.
The daughter of Daniel and Amy Davidson, McKenna also told the audience about a recent family trip to the Hocking Hills.
First runner-up Kaitlain Dilts, the daughter of Phillip and Brenda Dilts of Fredericktown, told the audience stories about her pony, who she said tends to be ornery and buck her off sometimes. Kaitlain’s cat also recently had kittens.
Second runner-up Sophie Hart of Fredericktown is an actress who recently performed in a modern version of “The Three Little Pigs.” The daughter of Randy and Collette Hart, Sophie said she enjoys skiing with her family.
Centerburg resident Zoe Webb, the daughter of Bill and Angie Webb, was the third runner-up. She told stories about her dog, Apollo, who is afraid of the vacuum cleaner. Zoe also told the audience about the cards she enjoys making for people.
At the end of the pageant, the four winners were given tiaras and trophies. Each of the participants received a necklace, a trophy and a cash prize.
