Madison County Fair Association

Contestant Packet

Judging Categories:

Introduction

After the opening number, you will introduce yourself for the first time on stage. You will introduce yourself in your opening number outfit.

Personal Interview – 35%

You will have a 4 minute private interview with the judges. There will be 3 judges sitting at a table, where you will be sitting across from them in a chair. You must wear a skirted suit or dress. You may not wear pants into the interview. Make sure your skirt is not cut too high above the knee, or you will be “exposed” when you sit down in front of the judges. I strongly recommend wearing a suit, however it is not mandatory.

Communication/Speech – 25%

You will have a 1 minute speech that you will need to prepare. The speech is not timed; however, please limit it to 1 minute, as that is the requirement for the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen pageant. The speech can be on any topic that you choose. I recommend writing a speech on something related to YOU! Let the judges have another chance to learn more about who you are.

Evening Gown – 20%

You will be judged in an evening gown of your choosing. The only recommendations I have is to make sure the evening gown looks great on YOU! Do not pick something that doesn’t fit you right and something you are not comfortable in.

Swimsuit – 10%

You will be judged in a swimsuit of your choosing. The swimsuit must be a one-piece swimsuit and approved by the Madison County Director. It may not cut above the hip or show too much cleavage. The swimsuit may be any color and style.

Overall Appearance – 10%

This category is simply for your overall appearance. Choose makeup, hair and clothing styles that compliment your overall personality.

Tentative Pageant Day Schedule

8:30am: Arrive to the interview location fully dressed with hair and makeup ready.

9:00am: Interviews will begin

11:00am – 11:30pm: Lunch with contestants and judges

12:00pm: All contestants must be back stage in the dressing rooms

12:30pm: The doors will open to the auditorium
-Advanced reserved seating can be purchased

1:00pm: Pageant begins

Pageant Awards

Miss Madison County Fair Queen

This will be awarded to the contestant with the highest overall score. The queen will receive a crown and sash to be worn at all appearances and events.

1st Runner-up Miss Madison County Fair Queen

This will be awarded to the contestant with the 2nd highest points. The first runner-up will receive prizes TBA.

2nd Runner-up Miss Madison County Fair Queen

This will be awarded to the contestant with the 3rd highest points if applicable. The second runner-up will receive prizes TBA.

Miss Heart of Hartlieb

This award will be voted on by the contestants, fair board and pageant committee. Each contestant will vote for one contestant that they feel was the most outgoing and friendly to each of the contestants.

People’s Choice

This will be awarded to the contestant that raises the most money/votes from the audience. Each contestant will have their picture next to a box that any member of the audience may put money into. People’s Choice will receive a plaque.

Following the pageant, there will be a brief reception to congratulate each contestant on their hard work and successes and ensure each finalist and award recipient receives their scholarships and/or gifts. The new queen will be required to attend events for the that evening and for the rest of the week.