Each year, pageants are a huge draw to the Warren County A&L Fair. The grandstands are packed with people admiring girls’ dresses, listening to the Top 10 Q&A and, of course, cheering on their favorite contestants.

The winners of the 2019 Fairest of the Fair pageants have all been crowned. Here’s a recap of this year’s queens:

Fairest of the Fair – Sarah Grace Rains, 18 

Teen – Makayla Keli Danyel Cagle, 13

Pre-Teen – Kate Elyse Gribble, 10

Little – Josee Lopez, 9

Tiny – Kinslee Rae-Nani Rutledge, 4

Many of the queens said they learned self-confidence and public speaking skills by participating in Fairest of the Fair. These skills are invaluable for future college and job interviews.

“I have learned to be more confident in myself and my ability to get on stage and speak,” said Grace. 

Agreed Makayla, “I’ve learned to be myself. For the pageant, my mom did my hair and I did my own makeup and I’ve gotten better at answering questions.” 

As for her preparation for Fairest of the Fair, Grace said she practiced onstage and interview questions with the help of her mom and sisters.

But now what? What does it mean to become Fairest of the Fair? Becoming a titleholder means being handed a job, responsibilities, and opportunities. For Grace, she will help with events at the fair for the rest of the week. After that, Grace will start to work on state prep before competing in Tennessee’s Fairest of the Fairs.

Susan Burks, chair of Fairest of the Fair, explained that state paperwork is due at the beginning of November and Grace will participate in a state workshop next month as well.

“We work on interview, walking and wardrobe for state and I use the judges’ feedback to prep and get her to the best she can be for state,” said Burks. “She’ll do community service as part of her reign and help promote the fair and our sponsors.”

Added Grace about prepping for state, “I plan on getting better at coming out of my shell just a little bit and being more outgoing.”

All of the younger queens say they plan on participating in the Fairest of the Fair in the future. 

“I love dressing up, wearing beautiful dresses and making friends,” said Kate. “I can’t wait until I get a chance to be in Fairest of the Fair when I’m older.”

The state pageant will take place in January in Murfreesboro.