County fair queen finalist at state pageant

The reigning Union County Fair queen was a finalist in a state pageant last weekend in Springfield.

The state fair queen pageant was held in conjunction with the annual convention of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs.

Reigning Union County Fair queen Crystal Davis of Anna was one of the top 15 finalists at the state pageant.

Brittani Schisler, Miss Lake County Fair queen, of Fox Lake was crowned Sunday night by the retiring 2011 queen Jackie Driscoll.

There were 70 queens vying for the state title this year.

Miss Montgomery County Fair queen Lauren Murphy of Harvel was named first runner-up.

The judges selected Miss Effingham County Fair queen Melissa Mellendorf of Montrose as second runner up.

Davis was crowned as Union County Fair queen in August. She also is the reigning Cobden Peach Festival queen.

Davis is the daughter of W.L. and Debra Davis of Anna.

She was accompanied to the state pageant by her directors, Lorraine Moreland and Jennifer Ray-Barnhart, as well as by members of the Union County Fair Board of Directors.

The state fair queen pageant included competition in categories which included swim wear, evening gown, communication skills and an interview.