The new Barry County queen, princess and little princess pageants were held this Saturday evening, June 14, at the new Crowder College Auditorium in Cassville.
“We had a wonderful turnout, but we want to make next years pageant even larger and get more county contestants involved” stated the co-coordinator and emcee, Larry Julian.
This year’s event began with a rendition of our National Anthem by Amanda Jones, a Cassville student, followed by the introduction of the judges
This year’s judges were: Donna Hillhouse, who has worked for KOLR TV and modeled extensively during her career; Don Ruzicka, State Representative for Lawrence County and 27- year veteran of the Missouri Conservation Associate; and Jacque Farmer, an Independent Sales and Marketing director for Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Also introduced were the Barry County Fair officers and board members.
The talent portion of the contest was held next. There were 10 contestants total participating. The Queen contestants had to participate in talent since the Missouri State Fair competition requires a talent and the other contestants could compete if they choose to do so.
The talent contest winner was Cory Cope from Crane. Cope intrigued the audience by singing a solo and playing guitar. She is the daughter of George and Sandy Cope of Crane.
Cope received a $50 savings bond from 1st State Bank of Purdy and a $50 cash award from Mr. J’s Studio of Voice Aurora.
This year’s Barry County Little Princess winner was Megan Thomas, daughter of Jerry and Ronda Thomas of Purdy.
Thomas is very active with the McDowell 4-H Club.
Her prizes included a crown, sash, flowers, $50 savings bond from Security Banks with Southwest Missouri, $100 cash award donated by Jim and Janice Fohn of Fohn Funeral Homes.
The other little princess candidate was Mattie Stephenson of Cassville.
Kaitlyn Kast was crowned as the 2008 Barry County Princess. She attends Purdy High School and is the daughter of Liz and Randy Kast.
Kast is involved with the Purdy High School FFA Chapter and enjoys showing cattle, reading, and art.
Her prizes included a crown, sash, flowers, $50 savings bong courtesy of Commerce Bank, $100 cash award from Jim and Janice Fohn of Fohn Funeral Homes.
The other contestant was Brittany Mareth, daughter of Ed and Julie Mareth.
In the queen competition, Hailey Hall of Aurora emerged as the winner. Hall is the daughter of Russ and Samantha Hall of Aurora. Her hobbies include volleyball, track, family, public speaking and agriculture.
