The 2014 McDonald County Fair was unique -- this was the first time in it's 40-year history that no one complained about the heat.
Three postcard perfect days made for this year's fair to be one of the most memorable for all the right reasons -- kids and their animals, kids and their exhibits and kids and their experiences.
The fair traditionally gets kicked off with the crowning of the princess and the queen.
The queen contest had a field of six candidates while there were nine girls vying for the honor or princess.
The winner of the queen contest was Whitley Mitchell with Cailet Bowman taking first runner-up and Hannah Sherman being named second runner-up.
Mitchell, 19, is a student at Crowder College. Her parents are Sammy and Kathie Mitchell, of Anderson.
"It was a totally great honor when I heard my name," Mitchell said. "I want to be a role model for others. I looked up to previous queens and I want to be the one other princesses and queens look up to."
Mitchell, though only 19, is a veteran of many fairs, becoming involved at the age of 3, showing a bucket calf.
"I had a lot of support,"Mitchell said. "My whole family was a big support for me."
Princess of the 2014 fair was Rylie Huston. First runner-up went to Callie Keaton while Ruth Sherman was named second runner-up.
Huston, 9, will be a fourth grader at Anderson Elementary School. She is the daughter of Ryan and Julie Huston. She credited her family support for helping her win.
"I just want to thank my family for helping me so much," Huston said. "They believed in me and gave me the courage to do this.
Huston said this was just her second year to enter the princess contest.
"I am really shocked," she said. "I thought this is really crazy when they said I had won. It is a pretty big honor."
See Page 1B for Tiny Tot Contest photos and 3B for photos from various other activities at the 40th annual McDonald County Fair.
Community on 07/24/2014