Eight to compete Wednesday at Miss Adams County Fair Pageant in Mendon

MENDON, Ill. — Eight contestants will take the Adams County Fair stage at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, vying for the title of Miss Adams County Fair.

These ladies represent several schools and communities throughout Adams County. In preparation for the pageant, they have been working to gain experience in the areas of interview, speech and stage presence.

Morgan Widmer, the reigning Miss Adams County, is a daughter of Mike and Trudy Willis of Quincy. She will be a junior at Quincy University this fall, majoring in elementary education. Widmer, 20, is a member of the “Hawkettes,” the QU Dance Team, as well as a student ambassador, Hawk Bound leader and orientation leader for Quincy University. She represented the Adams County Fair in January at the Illinois State County Fair Pageant during the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs convention in Springfield.

Here are the eight contestants vying for the title of Miss Adams County Fair Queen:

Olivia Williams, 18, is a daughter of Shawn and Laura Williams of Quincy. She is a graduate of Quincy High School. She will be attending Truman State University this fall, majoring in nursing with a minor in music. Her sponsors are RT Auto Center, Farmers Insurance and Unlimited Paint and Body.

Genavieve Zengel, 19, is a daughter of Eric and Shelly Zengel of Liberty. She is a graduate of Liberty High School. She will be a sophomore at John Wood Community College in the fall, majoring in business. Her sponsor is Mowen Appraisal and Bullseye Material Placement.

Charlotte Smith, 17, is a daughter of Nick and Amanda Smith of Quincy. She will be a senior at Quincy High School and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and work in sales. Her sponsor is Harvey’s Furniture.

Madison Hester, 18, is a daughter of Jarred and Sue Hester of Golden. She is a graduate of Central High School. She will be attending Quincy University in the fall. She plans to major in criminal justice/pre-law and hopes to become a prosecuting attorney. Her sponsor is Ron Snider Auto Sales.

Madalyn Gibbs, 17, is a daughter of Jason and Amanda Gibbs of Liberty. She will be a senior at Liberty High School this fall. She plans to join the Air Force after graduation. She would like to pursue a career in criminal justice and eventually become an FBI agent. Her sponsor is Meyer Premium Beef.

Ashley Walbring, 17, is a daughter of Matt and Lori Walbring of Quincy. She will be a senior this fall at Quincy High School. After graduation, she plans to attend Culver-Stockton College and pursue a bachelor of health science in respiratory therapy. Her sponsors are Titan Wheel, Custom Turf and Sweet Tweets.

Maddi Cramsey, 17, is a daughter of Rachel and the late Joe Cramsey of Quincy. She is a graduate of Quincy High School. She will be attending Culver Stockton College this fall with plans to major in nursing. Her sponsor is Blessing Remain College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Sierra Miller, 18, is a daughter of Toby and Amanda Miller of Quincy. She is a graduate of Quincy High School. She will be attending Western Illinois University this fall and plans to major in music education and music therapy. Her sponsor is Advanced Dental Care.

Pageant sponsors are:

• Trudy’s Trendy Boutique
• Little Jess Jeep
• Expressions by Christine
• Smith Brothers Power Sports
• Kaylyn Orpet Bartz
• Angie at Suite 6
• A & A Afterglow
• Hy-Vee
• Eighth Avenue Villager
• TCBY
• Buff City Soap
• Speckhart Shrimp Farms
• Sturhahn Jewelers
• A + Clay
• Hula Bowls
• Ruthi B’s
• Tannie Kakes
• R&R Golf
• House of Color Champaign
• Jill Kenady with Arbonne
• Farmhaus Coffee Company
• Neora Skincare by Nici Woodyard
• Quincy University Fitness Center
• Emerald City Jewelers
• Rachel B Photography
• Nutrition HQ
• Duncan & Co.
• Bluff View Photography
• Texas Roadhouse
• LC Accounting
• Griffen Signs in Time
• Avie and J Boutique
• Adams County Fair Board
• Madelyn Thompson
• Beth Heinze for choreographing the production number

The Little Miss and Mr. Adams County Pageant starts at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24.

The ninth annual Sweetheart of Adams County Pageant will be included during the night. This pageant is an opportunity for people of all ages with intellectual or physical disabilities to experience being a queen or king for a day. The Sweetheart of Adams County Pageant is open to all ages and meant to give people a chance to focus on their abilities and gain life skills, self-confidence and happiness. The pageant is meant to be a fun family experience, so a pageant wardrobe is unnecessary. Participants are asked to wear what makes them feel special. Sweetheart of Adams County pageant sponsors are Eighth Avenue Villager and Overhead Door.

This year’s Adams County Fair runs from July 24-30 at the Adams County Fairgrounds off U.S. 336 in Mendon. For more information, visit www.adamsfair.org.