Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
In the end the conventional pageant comment from an unconventional contestant won top prize in Tuesday's Cutie King and Queen contest at the county fair.
"I like world peace!" said Gabby Lee, 2, daughter of Traci Lee of Cromwell, during the interviews for the five finalists.
In a field of untalkative 2-year-olds, Gabby charmed the crowd - and emcee Brian Walsh - with her enthusiastic comment. She later walked away with the queen's crown for her age group.
Most of the 2-year-olds were unsure of what they were being asked to do during the pageant. Some walked onstage by themselves, others had to hold a parent's hand. Some ignored Walsh's questions, others got distracted by the speakers or flowers on the stage. A few cried. One toddler got to the middle of the stage then lay down and crawled to the edge of the stage to see her father.
Nineteen girls and 12 boys, ranging in age from 16 months to 2 years, competed.
For the 2-year-olds, the queen was Gabby Lee and the king was Brayden Sammons, 2, son of Tim and Ruchele Sammons, Warsaw (Sammons' sister, Bethany, was crowned Junior Miss on Monday).
First runner-up for queen was Katelynn Gaff, 2, daughter of Tresa Gaff, Warsaw, and Matt Gaff, Larwill; and for king was Noah Shriver, 2-1/2, son of Darrell and Kris Shriver, Warsaw. Second runner-up for queen was Madison Ann Charlton, 2, daughter of Craig and Cindy Charlton, Leesburg; and for king was Scott Michael Hesser, 2, son of Randy and Sonja Hesser, Leesburg.
Candidates in the 3- and 4-year-old category for Cutie King and Queen were more poised and talkative - some were even anxious to get onstage, and one little boy even burst into song ("A-Hunting We Will Go") during his interview.
This age group had 24 girls and 21 boys competing.
Cutie queen in this age group was Braiden Storm Grindle, 4, daughter of Christi and Cecil Meade. King was Andrew Jacob Bryan, 4, son of Jeff and Cheri Bryan, Winona Lake.
First runner-up for queen was Cassidy Ward, 3, daughter of Tara Bushong, Syracuse; and for king was Cameron Reed Hoskins, 4, son of Matt and Leah Hoskins, Warsaw.
Second runner-up for queen was Makenna Hunter, 4, daughter of Matt and Andraea Hunter, 4, Warsaw; and for king was Tanner Hughes, 4, son of Todd and Robin Hughes, Pierceton.
Judges for the contest were Karen Wood, Alyssa Bott (2000 Kosciusko County Fair Queen), Julie Hall and Jennifer Mink. The pageant organizer was Amy Pitt.
