The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs held its 114th annual convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield from January 17-19, with more than 2,500 people in attendance. A highlight of the event was the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant, which concluded on Sunday, January 19, with the crowning of 20-year-old Johnna Fulcher from Geneseo as the 67th Miss Illinois County Fair Queen.
Representing Henry County, Fulcher is the daughter of Margo and David Hohe. She is set to graduate this spring from Blackhawk College with an associate degree in art and plans to pursue a dental hygiene degree at Carl Sandburg College.
Fulcher will serve as an official ambassador for Illinois agriculture over the next year, promoting county fairs and their role in the state’s economy and culture. Her responsibilities include attending about 30 county fairs and serving as the official hostess for both the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair.
Delaney Epley of Christian County was named first runner-up in the pageant, followed by Claire Oliver of Sangamon County (second runner-up), Kaylee Ford of Western Illinois Fair (third runner-up), and Paris Van Dyke of Clay County (fourth runner-up).
The pageant’s top 15 finalists included contestants from Williamson, Effingham, Calhoun, and other counties. Non-finalist awards were presented to several participants, including Addison Earley of Macoupin County for Best in Stage Presence and Bella Welch of Okawville for Best in Communication Skills.
The convention also hosted the Illinois Talent Show, where Mia Ward of Mercer County won the senior division with a vocal solo, while Izzy Claudius, Serena Graham-Martinez, and Anlee Jones of Schuyler County won the junior division with a dance performance.
Four individuals received the Friends of Illinois Fairs Award for their contributions to county fairs: Rhonda Mueller of Washington County, Craig Gebhardt of Carroll County, Deb White of Boone County, and Susie Dvorak of Stephenson County.
This year’s convention celebrated the enduring importance of county fairs, agriculture, and talent in Illinois, uniting participants from across the state to honor these traditions.
