The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs held its 112th annual convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield over the weekend with a new Miss Illinois County Fair Queen crowned.  20-year-old Paige Van Dyke of Lewisville, IL was crowned the 63rd Miss Illinois County Fair Queen.  She represents Clay County.

It was the 112th Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention. Van Dyke is the daughter of John and Katrina Van Dyke and is currently attending Oklahoma State University majoring in ag communications with a minor in special education. She hopes to someday start an agriculture program for special needs students.

Miss Van Dyke will be a summer employee of the Department of Agriculture. She will travel to about 30 county fairs and will be the official hostess of the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair. As queen, Van Dyke’s main duty is to emphasize the importance of agriculture and county fairs to Illinois.

Caroline Smith of Edgar County was named the first runner up, Avery Osman of Union County was named second runner up, Kyla Epplin of Perry County was named third runner up, and Charlie Weishaar of Schuyler County was named fourth runner up.

Also, Miss Vermilion County Fair Queen Naomi Dolan was among the 15 finalists.

Representing Iroquois County was Jakki Mowrey of Milford.  Gracelyn Greenburg competed as the Ford County Queen.  Brylie Smith also represented the Georgetown Fair.

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