It was the perfect weather as many people from around the county gathered to help kick-off the Stoddard County Fair by watching the parade prior to the fair.

There were many people lined up and down the streets of downtown Dexter anxiously awaiting the annual parade. There were a wide variety of float entries in the 2012 Stoddard County Parade.

With pageant queens, local businesses, political entries, marching bands, and many more, there was surely something there that everyone could enjoy.

Immediately following last night’s parade was the first night of the Stoddard County Fair. Many people anxiously wait to get their hands on a funnel cake, while others have their eyes set on riding the tallest ride.

One thing that has always attracted many people throughout the years is the Stoddard County Fair Pageant. This pageant is for high school girls within the county.

The pageant is always held on the fair grounds directly following the parade. The pageant is one of the exciting ways that the Stoddard County Fair gets started.

This year there was a great turnout for the pageant. With lots of spectators filling up the bleachers and even some of the standing area, the pageant got underway.

The contest started with Ashley Jarrell thanking everyone for watching, the contestants for participating, the retiring queen, and the emcee. Ashley announced that the retiring queen was Miss Stephanie Gee. Emceeing the pageant last night was Miss Lauren Thrower.

As the contest began, all the girls walked out for a first look. There was a wide variety in style and even color of all the dresses. From red, blue, black, and white dresses, it was noted to be a tough competition.

After each girl did her individual walk on stage to show off her personality, smile, confidence, and her dress, the judges then narrowed it down to the top six. Remaining in the top six were: Madison McGowan, Mackenzie Williams, Tesa Martin, Taylor Owens, Reale Cooke, and Chandler Crowley.

Now each top six girl knew they would be expected to answer a question. As each member of the top six got called onto the stage, they picked a question from the bowl and Lauren Thrower would ask them the question. All of the girls did a nice job answering the question right on the spot with the microphone in hand and judges watching carefully.

After each girl had answered their question, the judges had a big decision to make. After a few minutes of tallying scores, the winners were announced.

Claiming second alternate was Miss Taylor Owens, first alternate went to Mackenzie Williams, and Reale Cook was crowned the 2012 Miss Stoddard County Fair Queen.

All the contestants did a wonderful job in last night’s contest! Reale will be seen throughout the rest of the week at the fair assisting with her duties as fair queen.