The 2025 Junior Miss Marion County is Jane Taylor Rose of rural Kinmundy. She was selected out of 18 candidates seeking to replace Audrey Parker at Tuesday night’s Junior Miss competition at the Marion County Fair.
“I thought like wow, that’s not what I expected. Crazy, my mind was racing going everywhere. I didn’t know if I was supposed to smile or cry. I’m just so thankful for the judges. This is a lot.”
Rose is excited about the year ahead.
“Just going to the rodeo, representing the county, and doing the best I can. I’m so excited for this year, and I can’t wait to see what it has to bring.”
Rose will be an 8th grader at South Central Middle School this year. The 13- year-old lives on a farm with her family. Rose plays basketball and volleyball as well as pickleball. This is the first time she has entered a pageant.
1st runner up was Paisley Meyer of Centralia. Second runner up was Ava Sigrist of Salem.
Rose also won the Rustler Award. Meyer was also selected as Ms. Congeniality. Sigrist also won the People’s Choice competition. Most Photogenic was Briah Henseler of Salem, and Best in Interview was Baylie Purcell. Best in Themed Attire was Hope Despres of Odin. The Best Stage Presence was won by Aubrey Sauter of Kinmundy. The Best Communication Award was presented to McKinleigh Parker of Salem.
Outgoing Queen Audrey Parker says it’s been a great year and she is proud of all the activities she has been part of.
“I never talked about how much fun the practices were. They were amazing, I got to learn, and teach all different kinds of stuff. I got to learn so much about the girls that I never knew. Learned new things about the pageants I never knew, and overall it was such a good night.”
And Parker says she’ll be back. After taking next year off, she plans to be a contestant for Miss Marion County Fair Queen.
The fair continues Wednesday night with highlights being the 4H Auction at the Show Arena at six and the Whippoorwill Rodeo in front of the grandstand at seven.
2025 Miss Marion County Fair Ella Dougas left) with new Junior Miss Jane Taylor Rose and 2024 Marion County Junior Miss Audrey Parker. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
1st Runner Up Paisley Meyer, Queen Jane Taylor Rose, and 2nd Runner Up Ava Sigrist. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The 18 candidates seeking the Junior Miss Title at Tuesday night’s pageant. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
