June 8, 2023 – The 2023 Miss Macon County, Morgan Binder, of Warrensburg, was crowned last night at this year’s Macon County Fair.
This week marks the 167th annual Macon County Fair, with festivities beginning Wednesday and being held throughout the weekend. The first day concluded with the Macon County Queen Pageant, where seven area young women competed for the title of Miss Macon County.
Contestants participated in preliminary interviews with a panel of out-of-county judges yesterday afternoon and presented themselves in three rounds for a live audience. In addition to showcasing three outfits—business attire, a swimsuit and an evening gown—contestants performed a one-minute speech.
Ashlie Hall, the fair’s Queen Director, said Miss Macon County will spend the week visiting with attendees, agriculture exhibits, Grandstand events and more. She said the pageant is more than a crown, however—it teaches contestants skills they can carry into the future.
“These are things they can carry into their lives in adulthood,” Hall said. “It’s just really special that they all have different backgrounds, and it’s really cool to see them all come together.”
In addition to Miss Macon County, Jayla Waldhoff, of Dalton City, won first runner-up, Faith Brownback, of Macon, won second runner-up, and Madison Prasun, of Decatur, won Miss Congeniality—an award voted on by the contestants. Prasun said networking with the other contestants was her favorite part of the pageant process.
“It was just an empowering experience to be around so many important people and so many confident women,” Prasun said.
Other fair activities, including horse races, a car show, and a Demolition Derby, in addition to food vendors and a carnival, will continue through Sunday evening.
