LISA HOBBS - News Editor
Leela Beaty captured the attention of the judges during tonight’s Warren County A&L Fair and was bestowed the honor of 2026 Fairest of the Fair. She is the 20-year-old daughter of Candy Seals and Philip Beaty.
Her court includes: First runner-up Harper Fuston, the 17-year-old daughter of Brandon and Kara Fuston; second runner-up Sophie Woodlee, the 20-year-old daughter of Amber and Richey Woodlee; third runner-up Macie Newby, the 19-year-old daughter of Craig and Sadie Newby.
People’s Choice Award went to Abigail Graves, the 18-year-old daughter of Emily and Chad Graves.
Not advancing in the court: Kadenze Herrin, 17, the daughter of Brandy and Douglas Herrin; Lennox Smith, 16, the daughter of Tiffany and J.T. Morgan, and Jamon Smith; Allison Hamby, 17, the daughter of Jacklyn Hamby and Josh Hamby; Ashlynn Graves, 17, the daughter of Caleb and Rachel Graves; Willow Durant, 16, the daughter of Wendy Meeks; Harper Patrick, 16, the daughter of Jerry and Kandice Patrick; Kate Gribble, 17, the daughter of Darrell and Jennifer Gribble.
Without giving a specific reason as to why, announcer Ryan J. Moore declared that an additional contestant was added to the top 20.
Not advancing into the top 10 were:
Shiley Saylor, 19, the daughter of Alex Saylor and Sara Saylor; Emma Pedigo, 20, the daughter of Brad and Sandy Pedigo; Marylou Margeson, 17, the daughter of Brenda and Jason Simmons; Athena Kominos, 17, the daughter of Kenny and Chasity Kominos; Allison Hart, 16, the daughter of Stacy and David Hart; Aleah Davis, 20, the daughter of Irving and Kimberly Davis; Abigail Graves, 18, the daughter of Emily and Chad Graves; Arianna Michael, 20, the daughter of Nathan and Brailyn Michael; Haven Hodges, 18, the daughter of Heather and Reggie Barboza; Shelby Miller, 18, the daughter of Kevin and Danielle Miller.
During the festivities, 2025 Fairest of the Fair Annabella Grace Culwell received the Kenneth Medlen Humanitarian Award.