WJBD and WSIQ continues its series introducing you to the eight candidates seeking to be Marion County Fair Queen 2026.
Candidate number three is Lorilee Rose of Kinmundy who is a South Central High School student. She became interested in the contest after seeing how her younger sister Jane Taylor Rose had grown and enjoyed being the Marion County Junior Miss.
“I love all of the girls, and I gained a lot of confidence already since the first time I stepped out here. I’ve made so many friends.”
Rose plans to go to Murray State University in Kentucky to become a physical education teacher and study school administration.
Candidate number four is Kelly Walsh of Salem. She is a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and later moved back to Salem. She is currently studying nursing with a minor in business at SIU.
“So I’ve grown up around many fair queens. I have always loved the fair. I’ve been to the fair every single year, all week long, and I just love being able to represent our community.”
Walsh says the boot camp program for the contestants was a blast. She also liked participating in the fundraising chicken dinner at the Salem Elks and learning the dance that will be part of the pageant.
The Marion County Queen Pageant is Monday night at the fairgrounds. It begins at seven.
