Fair Queen and Little Miss Pageant Tonight at Altamont

(2017 MISS EFFINGHAM COUNTY FAIR MARIA LUEKEN)

Tonight marks the end of the reign of Maria Lueken of Teutopolis as Effingham County Fair Queen.

Six girls are vying for the crown for 2018. One will be crowned during tonight's pageant, which will begin at 7pm in front of the grandstand at Altamont.

This year's contestants are: 

--Kiersten Goodman, daughter of Steve and Deanna Beccue and Tony and Lori Goodman

--Kirstin Lindsey, daughter of Michael and Tori Lindsey

--Shayna Phillips, daughter of Glen and Jeni Phillips

--Anna Wines, daughter of Jason and Kathy Wines

--Brooke Shoemaker, daughter of Ryan and Kristie Shoemaker

--Serena Strullmyer, daughter of Joe and Sherri Strullmyer

Tonight's winner will reign over the balance of this year's fair. She will also compete in Springfield in January at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention. The winner there will reign over next year's Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair.

A major portion of tonight's event is the introduction of the Little Misses. There are 33 Little Misses this year.

Also tonight, the Little Miss Pigtail competition, sponsored by the Effingham County Pork Producers. That event will begin at 6:15pm in front of the grandstand.

This is also opening night for the carnival midway, which still plans to open at 6pm.

The fair runs through Saturday at Altamont.