The Marion County Fair’s new Junior Miss is Paisley Stanford of Salem. She was one of 20 vying to be the Marion County Fair’s 2022 Junior Miss.
“I was like ‘oh my gosh’. It was only my first year and I wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out. I am so excited. Ever since I was little I always wanted to be a fair queen and I’m so excited about being able to represent our county.”
The 10-year-old Stanford is homeschooled and is the daughter of Matt and Ashley Stanford. She said the best part of the pageant was all the friends she met and making good memories. Stanford also was named best in communications.
First runner up was Raegan Jezek of Sandoval. She also won the Rustler award named after long-time Fair Secretary Russell Vandeveer for enthusiasm, organization, and love for the fair. 2nd runner-up was Ava Tate of Kell. Other winners included Ella Sanders of Centralia Miss Congeniality and Most Photogenic. Charlie Bunton of Iuka won the award for Best Themed Attire. Dakota Sullivan of Salem was named Best in Stage Presence.
The selection of a new Junior Miss ends the reign of Sarah Morris of Iuka.
“My favorite moments were obviously this Junior Miss Pagent tonight. I got to spend it with all these lovely ladies. Even though sometimes I was rushing, it still overall was one of my favorite things. I also really did enjoy spending time with all of these ladies and Former Queen Maggie I had an amazing time with her.”
Pageant Director Morgan Crouse says all the candidates handled a last-minute change in direction due to the muddy conditions very well.
“To get 20 across the stage to model and teach 20 how to be in a group setting. It’s just a lot of girls. It is like a classroom of kids would be. The just the fact they were able t be great listeners and pull off tonight and pull off the summer it was a great success.”
18 Little Misses were also crowned and given trophies.
Junior Miss Court. Left to right: Ms. Congeniality Ella Sanders, 2nd runner up Ava Tate, Junior Miss Paisley Stanford, and 1st runner up Raegan Jezek. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Junior Miss Paisley Stanford takes her first walk down the stage. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
All 20 of the Junior Miss candidates on stage.
