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Allyson Fuller crowned Fairest of the Fair
Allyson Fuller queen
Fairest court
Fairest of the Fair Allyson Roxanne Fuller, center, is shown here with her court. From left are, Shaelee Foster, second runner-up and most photogenic, Fairest Fuller, and first runner-up, Jasmen Faith Chapman. Fuller was also voted as Miss Congeniality.
Ellie Ray queen
Junior Fair court
Junior Fair Princess Ellie Caorline Ray, center, is shown here with her court. From left are, McKenna Reece Miller, second runner up, Princess Ray, and first runner-up Baylei Anne Benson.
Junior options
McKenna Reece Miller, left, was chosen Most Photogenic during Monday night’s Junior Fair Princess contest, while Cali Beth Agee was voted as Miss Congeniality by her peers.
Brandi Liggitt
Miss Fair Queen

Monday night kicked off the official 186th year of the DeKalb County Fair, known as the Grandpa Fair of the South. Young ladies ages 13-54 competed for titles and crowns in three different contests on stage at the Lion Club Pavilion.

In the first contest of the night, 13 young ladies, ages 13-16, vied for the title and crown of Junior Fair Princess. Walking away with the prize was Ellie Carline Ray, the 13 year-old daughter of Shayne and Kandi Ray of Alexandria.  She succeeds the 2023 Junior Fair Princess Ansley Faith Cantrell. Cantrell is the 17 year-old daughter of Tony and Amee Cantrell of Smithville.

First runner-up went to Baylei Anne Benson. She is the 13 year-old daughter of Karey and John Washer and Christopher Benson of Smithville.

McKenna Reece Miller was named second runner-up. She is the 16 year-old daughter of Christen and Charles Cox and David Miller of Dowelltown. Miller was also awarded Most Photogenic.

Cali Beth Agee, the 16 year-old daughter of Kevin and Jennifer Agee of Smithville, was chosen as Miss Congeniality.

Those also making the top seven were Deanna Marie Agee, 16 year-old daughter of David and Dama Agee of Smithville; Cali Beth Agee, 16 year-old daughter of Kevin and Jennifer Agee of Smithville; Kenli Faith Fish, 13 year-old daughter of Cody Fish and Tiffany Pedigo of Smithville; and Kendee Rose Prichard, the 15 year-old daughter of Luke and JoDee Prichard of Alexandria.

Other competing in the competition were Karah Jo Ford, Chaylea Lundsfor, Averie Nicole McMinn, Ellabeth Jane Ferrell, Brileigh Nicole Bullard, and Sage Olivia Atkins.

In the second contest of the night, three young ladies competed for the title of Fairest of the Fair.

Allyson Roxanne Fuller, the 15 year-old daughter of Anthony and Amanda Fuller of Smithville, was chosen as queen. She was crowned by the 2023 Fairest of the Fair Kenlee Renae Taylor. Taylor is the 19 year-old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville. Fuller was also named Miss Congeniality.

First runner-up went to Jasmin Faith Chapman, the 17 year-old daughter of Debbie Miller and Jamie Chapman of Smithville.

Shaelee Foster was awarded second runner-up. She is the 17 year-old daughter of Margie and Doyne Glass of DeKalb County. Foster also won Most Photogenic.

Finishing out the night was the contest of Miss Fair Queen. This newer contest is for ages 21-54. Taking the crown was 39 year-old Brand Liggitt. She is a resident of Smithville and mom of two. She was crowned by the 2023 winner Amanda Jo Ford.