Miss Illinois County Fair Pageant

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Miss Illinois County Fair Pageant

The official account for the Miss Illinois County Fair Pageant and 2026 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Krista Phillips of Effingham County
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08/21/2026

A day full of experiences! 🎡

I got to visit the Society Horse Show before checking out the award-winning fruits and vegetables in the Hobbies, Arts & Crafts Building. Since the harness races were cancelled, we visited the stables and got to meet some of the racing horses and their trainers.

I also milked a cow at the Milk-A-Cow station, rode the Sky Glider, and took on the Big Slide! We ended the night with photos at the Route 66 area, the giant cozy dog, and the carnival. Such a fun day! 🎡

08/20/2026

The Dairy Cattle Show was first on my schedule today, where I was kindly welcomed and able to hand out awards. Next, I had the chance to test my skills at the Auctioneer Competition. Let’s just say I have some practicing to do! 😂

For the first time this week, the weather cooperated for the Harness Races! I’m thankful to have been able to stop by and watch before seeing Susan Shea be honored as Illinoisan of the Day. She has been a chaperone for the county fair queens for so many years, making her very deserving of the recognition. 🤍

I wrapped up the day at the prestigious Sale of Champions, celebrating exhibitors and their accomplishments. I’m so thankful for the individuals and companies who bid and bought livestock and commodities. It’s inspiring to see you all invest in the next generation of Illinois agriculture! 🌾

08/19/2026

Another busy day at the State Fair! I started off at the Open Swine Show where I helped hand out awards, then made a few stops at the Culinary Shows throughout the day to present ribbons as well! 🏅

I explored tents and barns, including those by the Illinois Fire Marshal, Illinois State Police, and FFA Barnyard, before catching the circus. The acts made me a little nervous, but were definitely entertaining! 🎪

Then came something I’ve never done before, riding in a six-horse hitch at the Draft Horse Show! Such a neat experience and one I won’t forget. I ended the night at the Tractor Pull, where I got to hand out ribbons too! 🚜

08/18/2026

The weather couldn’t have been better for day five at the State Fair! ☀️ With livestock shows happening all morning, I had the chance to help hand out awards at the sheep, cattle, and goat shows.

I also explored a little more, walked through the Illinois Building, and even stopped by to call a few numbers at bingo. The highlight of my day was getting to walk and trot with Grace, one of the Verner Family Clydesdales! She was so gorgeous and well-mannered. Thank you for letting me have such a special experience! 🐴

And of course, I had to try a Vose’s corndog for the first time. Delicious! 🌭

08/17/2026

Veterans Day at the Illinois State Fair was one to remember. 🇺🇸 I started my day at the Draft Horse Show before attending the Veterans Day program, where we honored those who have served and remembered those who gave their lives for our country.

Although there were storms today, the rain didn’t stop the fun! I got to greet kids at the Queen Exhibit in the Fair Museum, where my picture was added to the wall of queens! 👑 I also stopped by the Illinois Building to see the window display, featuring a great collection of items from counties across Illinois. Of course, I had to grab some taffy from Malone’s State Fair Taffy, too!

Wrapped up the day with the Veterans Day Parade and presenting awards at the Meatloaf Competition. Another special day at the fair! 🎡

08/16/2026

There is truly something new around every corner at the Illinois State Fair, and I loved getting to experience a little bit of everything today! ☺️

I spent the morning walking through the show barns before helping with the Pigtail Contest and Diaper Derby, which were so much fun! I also stopped by Conservation World for an interview that will be included in a time capsule celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

I also had the chance to be interviewed on the radio, attend mass, and received an autographed children’s book by the author Darcy Day Zoells! To end the night, I headed to the Parade of Champions to celebrate the accomplished exhibitors before attending the Lainey Wilson concert, which was incredible! 🎶

08/15/2026

Agriculture Day! 🌽

We started the day honoring family farms, and even with the rain, Director Costello and his team made it happen! Next was the Department of Agriculture ribbon cutting, followed by the Bake-A-Cake contest where I had the opportunity to taste-test each cake! I also had the chance to help judge the Golden Abe Competition, featuring creative food combinations from fair vendors. Safe to say, I ate my way through the day! 😋

I finished the evening at the Master Showmanship competition, showcasing talent from numerous counties across the state. So grateful for a day dedicated to celebrating the people who make Illinois agriculture what it is. I love seeing the passion, hard work, and pride that goes into keeping our agricultural community thriving! 🌾

08/14/2026

Opening day of the Illinois State Fair was a blast! 🎡 From a morning radio interview and ribbon cutting to celebrating the county fair queens and board members, it was such a fun day. I loved getting to catch up with so many familiar faces, meet new queens, and even take part in a flash mob!

I ended the night with the Twilight Parade, the rodeo, and food from some of the best vendors! Couldn’t ask for a better first day! ✨

08/11/2026

This year the Illinois State Fair’s theme is “Miles of Smiles”, celebrating 100 years of the iconic Mother Road, Route 66! 🛣️

I can’t wait to see communities from across the state come together in Springfield for some fair fun! 🎡 Here’s a sneak peek at one amazing attraction you’ll find at this year’s fair, come see it for yourself starting August 13th! 😁

08/09/2026

One of those moments I wish I could slow down. Representing my Effingham County this past year has been such an honor, and I’m beyond grateful for every memory, friendship, and person who made this year so special. 💐

Congratulations to our new Queen Marah and Jr. Miss Lydia! I’m so excited for you both to experience the year of a lifetime!

Address

Springfield, IL
62701

Website

https://www.illinoiscountyfairs.org/, https://illinoiscountyfairs.org/peoples-choice/, https://missillinoiscountyfair.an

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