The 2026 Miss Marion County Fair Queen is Kallie Walsh of Salem. She was crowned at the conclusion of the queen pageant held Monday night in front of the grandstand at the Marion County Fairgrounds. What was she thinking when her name was announced as the winner?
“Am I dreaming? This is surreal; is it fake? I’m so grateful; I’m just looking forward to representing my community and to serve a place I love so much that I just call home.”
Walsh explained why she first ran for fair queen.
“I’ve just grown up around many fair queens and the impact they have on people, and I want to have that impact myself.”
Walsh is a graduate of Salem Community High School and will be a sophomore in the nursing program at SIU-E in the fall.
First runner-up was Jillian Green. Second runner-up, best interview, and the winner of the Rustler Award was Lorelai Rose. Hanna Duncan of Salem was named best in speech and communications. Abigail Patrick was named Best in Beauty and Physique. Best Stage Presence went to Kenzi Coffee. Miss Congeniality was Jillian Green. The People’s Choice, awarded by voting on the internet, was Madison Thrash.
2025 Queen Ella Douglas said her farewell to the crowd before helping to crown Walsh as the new queen.
“I really enjoyed my year. I couldn’t have asked to do anything more. I think this is why, when people ask me if it is bittersweet, I say it is nothing but sweet. I was so proud to give this crown away to the next deserving girl. She has no idea the joys that she is going to experience this year. I wish her all the best, and I’ll be there in any way she needs, but she has the support team of a lifetime.”
A new Marion County Junior Miss will be crowned Tuesday night.
Marion County 2026 Fair Queen candidates. (left to right) Kenzi Coffee, Madison Thrash, Lorelai Rose, Kallie Walsh, Jillian Green, Sierra Ford, Abigail Patrick and Hanna Duncan. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
