Beauty pageants light up the stage at Clark County Fair

Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, July 5, 2022

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After the Clark County fair’s opening day festivities highlighted the little ones, the fair continued with its tradition of pageantry over the next week via several competitions.

On last Sunday afternoon, Jennifer Marshall, Shelly Castellani, and Corranna Tolle took home the Mrs. Clark County, Ms. Clark County, and Modern Miss Clark County respectively.

Just a few days later, the Miss Clark County Fair and Miss Clark County pageants were in full swing.

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While both competitions were close, Shanna McClung took home the top prize in the former race while Hannah Runyon stood out in the latter.

Runyon, a former GRC student who finished home schooling and will be attending Morehead State University this fall, was a rookie to the world of pageantry.

“I was nervous at first, but I am glad that I did it so I can be a role model for all young ladies to show them to get out there, to be confident, and no matter what happens it’s all about a learning and growth experience for yourself,” said Runyon. “It’s definitely great to represent your own county because you’re familiar with everything.”

During last Wednesday night, both the Miss Teen Clark County and Miss Teen Clark County Fair pageants took place.

Contestants were graded on categories such as casual wear, evening gown, and responses they gave to questions backstage prior to the show.

In the end, Morgan Boley took home the Miss Teen Clark County crown, while Miss Clark County Fair went to Taylor Reign Moore of Pikeville.

Moore, 13, has had prior experience in pageantry going back to when she was two months old.

“The key is to have self-confidence and believe in yourself,” she said. “I met a lot of girls backstage…I really felt that everyone was happy for each other.”

And on last Thursday night, the pageants wrapped up – as Emily Walker took home the Miss Clark County Pre Teen Fair Honors, while Isabella Combs was named the Miss Clark County Pre Teen Winner.

Within the different pageants, a number of other criteria was sometimes noticed and rewarded: including congeniality, best smile, and photogenic.