







Hundreds braved the breathtaking heat to attend opening night of the 169th Annual Grandpa Fair of the South last Monday night. Though the heat index was easily above 100, that did not stop visitors from attending, carrying on the tradition and cheering for new royalty who were crowned.
This year Keara McKinsey Milligan claimed Fairest of the Fair title and crown. Easily the greatest honor of the completions held all week, as she will represent DeKalb County at the Tennessee State Fair Convention in January 2026. She succeeds 2025 Allyson Roxanne Fuller, the 19-year-old daughter of Anthony and Amanda Fuller of Smithville. Keara is the daughter of 18-year-old daughter of Josh and Cyndi Milligan of Smithville.
First runner-up went to 17-year-old Calie Beth Agee, daughter of Kevin and Jennifer Agee of Smithville. Agee also claimed Most Photogenic.
Caroline Butler claimed second runner-up. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Dennis and Gina Butler of DeKalb County. Receiving votes from her peers, Butler also claimed the title of Miss Congeniality.
In the first pageant of the night, Brileigh Nicole Bullard was crowned Junior Fair Princess. She succeeds last year’s winner Ellie Caroline Ray. Ray is the 15-year-old daughter of Shayne and Kandi Ray of Alexandria. Bullard is the 15-year-old daughter of Nikki and Jimmy Martin and Riley and Kayla Bullard of Smithville. She was also awarded Most Photogenic.
Her court is made up of first runner-up Karah Jo Ford the 15-year-old daughter of Steven and Amanda Ferrell of Smithville.
Second runner-up went to Callen Alizabeth Tramel, the 13-year-old daughter of Hillary and Caleb Tramel of Smithville. Tramel also was named Miss Congeniality.
In the final completion of the night Amber Renee Bain won the title and crown of Miss Fair Queen. This pageant is for unmarried ladies ages 19-49. Queen Bain succeeds last year’s winner Brandi Liggett of Smithville. Bain is 29-years-old and is from Smithville and was also named Most Photogenic.
First runner-up went to 29-year-old Isabel Morales-Cantu, who is also from Smithville. She was also awarded Miss Congeniality.