Youth Fair Queen, Princess crowned

2011 Vernon County Youth Fair candidates watch as 2010 Vernon County Youth Fair Princess Kaylee Farmer is introduced. From left are Hanna Miller, Miss Congeniality Tayvia Meek, Farmer (in the foreground) Hanna Bates, Kianna Mogan, First Runner Up Hannah Horn, 2011 Vernon County Youth Fair Princess Morgan Ernsbarger and Elena Rodriguez.

This year's Vernon County Youth Fair Royalty Coronation marks the 50th year for the tradition, first conducted in 1961. Long-term extension youth specialist Leonard Ernsbarger, now retired but still active with many aspects of life in Vernon County, is credited with its creation.

Maranda Taylor, who served as mistress of ceremonies for the event, said it's a tradition that Vernon County women continue to maintain to celebrate the value of character, service, talent, and appreciation of agriculture in Vernon County.

Taylor said the royalty event has inspired Vernon County women to go on to take part in other pageants, including competing at the Missouri State Fair and in the Mrs. Missouri and Mrs. America pageants.

2011 Vernon County Youth Fair Queen candidates wave to the crowd just prior to discovering which one will reign. Three of the contestants tied for the title of Miss Congeniality. From left are First Runner Up and Miss Congeniality Caitlin Claflin, Miss Congeniality Janell Hawks, Miss Congeniality Mary Ann Schlueter, 2011 Vernon County Youth Fair Queen Michelle Westerhold, Natalie Wolf and Hailee Miller.

This year, seven candidates were vying for the title of Vernon County Youth Fair Princess: Hanna Bates, Hannah Horn, Morgan Ernsbarger, Hanna Miller, Kianna Mogan, Tayvia Meek and Elena Rodriguez. Tayvia Meek was selected as Miss Congeniality, and Hanna Horn was first runner up. This year's Vernon County Youth Fair Princess is Morgan Ernsbarger.

Six candidates were vying for the title of Vernon County Youth Fair Queen: Janell Hawks, Hailee Miller, Mary Ann Schlueter, Michelle Westerhold, Natalie Wolf and Caitlin Claflin. In this event, contestants couldn't decide on just one Miss Congeniality. That title was shared by Janell Hawks, Caitlyn Claflin and Mary Ann Schlueter. Claflin also was named first runner up. This year's Vernon County Youth Fair Queen is Michelle Westerhold.

The coronation was held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, in the show pavilion at the Vernon County fairgrounds, and was attended by hundreds of fairgoers.

Michelle Westerhold, the daughter of Denver and Jane Westerhold, greets the crowd just after being crowned the 2011 Vernon County Youth Fair Queen. Michelle represents Nevada FFA.

Royalty escorts were Chandler Holland, Payton Dahmer and Paxton Dahmer.

Morgan Ernsbarger,the daughter of Brent and Deborah Ernsbarger, greets the crowd just after being crowned 2011 Vernon County Youth Fair Princess. Morgan represents the Lone Star 4-H Club.