Miss Adams County Fair to compete in state pageant this weekend in Springfield

QUINCY — Miss Adams County Fair Jersey Hesse will compete in the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant on Saturday and Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield against county fair queens from all over the state.

Hesse says she’s been working for the state pageant since she was crowned in July.

“Representing Adams County is a newfound passion I’ve developed over the months after receiving this title,” Hesse said in a press release. “The amount of support I’ve gained from my community and family is truly a blessing during this time of competition. I will compete to the best of my ability, but no matter the outcome, I know I have the support of those back home.”

Hesse also has been busy as a freshman agriculture communications student at the University of Illinois.  She says she’s looking forward to a new experience in Springfield.

“The atmosphere will be much different than our stage and dirt track back home in Adams County,” Hesse said. “However, I know that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I can’t wait to represent Adams County.  I also look forward to coming home and encouraging other young girls to take that first step out of their comfort zone to compete as well.”

Hesse 19, is a daughter of Nicole Hesse, and Curt and Amanda Hesse of Ursa. She lives in Ursa. She graduated from Unity High School in May.  

She is the 56th Adams County Fair Queen to be crowned since the pageant began in 1965.

Hesse has worked for several area farms for many years. In her spare time, she tends to cattle on her own family farm and enjoys showing cattle at area county fairs.  She has been showing cattle at the Adams County Fair for 12 years. She also enjoys hunting, fishing, boating and baking.