| Miss Sangamon County crowned 2009 Illinois County Fair Queen |
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Tom Jennings and Molly Reeves, the 2008 Miss Georgetown Fair and Miss Illinois County Fair, crowned Morgan Metz, Miss Sangamon County, the 2009 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen the evening of Jan. 18.
Metz is the daughter of Craig and Lynne Metz of Springfield. She is pursuing a degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the University of Dayton in Ohio. The Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant was held at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield as part of the annual convention of the Illinois Assoc. of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF).
“The individuals who participated in this year’s pageant are intelligent, talented young ladies who have represented their counties well,” Jennings said. “I want to congratulate Ms. Metz on being crowned the 2009 queen, and I look forward to working with her this year.”
As County Fair Queen, Metz will reign over the 2009 Illinois State Fair, Aug. 14-23, and the DuQuoin State Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 7.
“I’m still trying to wrap my mind around this,” Metz said. “I am incredibly grateful for this excellent opportunity to promote agriculture throughout the state, and I am excited about the many new adventures I will encounter in the coming year.”
The judges selected Miss Schuyler County, Megan Ervin of Rushville, as first runner-up. Miss Montgomery County, Kaitlin Weitekamp of Raymond, was named second runner-up.
The remaining nine finalists included: Miss Coles County, Laurian Brankey of Charleston; Miss Farmer City, Janell Baum of Clinton; Miss Logan County, Sabra Boyd of Lincoln; Miss Macon County, Mackenzie Knop of Forsyth; Miss Marshall-Putnum, Alaine Noll of Toluca; Miss McHenry County, Carly Dikun of Harvard; Miss Ogle County, Taryn Pfeiffer of Ashton; Miss Rock Island County, Deanna Zwicker of Orion; and Miss Williamson County, Samantha Gusentine of West Frankfort.
Non-finalist competition awards were presented to Miss Effingham County, Kaitlin Hinkle of Teutopolis, for best interview; Miss Mercer County, Briley Bolinger of Viola, for best communication skills; Miss Adams County, Casey Marquess of Fowler, for best stage presence; and Miss Moultrie-Douglas, Jenifer Fortney of Arcola, for beauty and physique.
The Ruby Crum Memorial Award for charm and enthusiasm was presented to Miss Bond County, Lauren Gall of Greenville.
A total of 65 contestants participated in 50th anniversary of IAAF pageant. |
| 6/3/2009 |
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