Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Faced with questions about their favorite toys and games, 17 girls and six boys competed for the Little Miss and Little Mister Kosciusko titles at the Kosciusko County 4-H and Community Fair Wednesday.
Eleven older individuals competed afterwards in the senior talent contest.
In the Little Miss and Mister competition, entrants were required to be at least 5 years old but not to turn 8 before Sept. 1.
After a preliminary round of questions and answers, the girls' contest was narrowed down to 10 finalists. All boys were invited back. Each child was asked another series of questions and the three judges tabulated their scores.
Ryan Scott Phillips, 5, son of Joe and Sabrina Phillips, Mentone, was crowned Little Mister Kosciusko. First runner-up was Rocky Bays, 5, son of Rocky and Tara Bays. Second runner-up was Nicholas Christian Bruner, 6, son of Kyle and Lalanya Bruner, Bourbon.
Named Little Miss Kosciusko was Natalie Elizabeth Bryan, 5, daughter of Jeff and Cheri Bryan, Winona Lake. First runner-up was Bridget Dawson, 5, daughter of Tina and Ed Dawson, Pierceton. Mallarie Stookey, 5, daughter of Jeff and Marla Stookey, Milford, was named second runner-up.
Beginning at 8 p.m., the senior talent contest was held. The contest was open to young persons age 13 to 21. Winners will go to the Indiana State Fair in the senior division.
There were six different division winners. Four people were named overall winners.
Melissa Wall won in the female vocal solo division for the song "Come to the Fair," while Thomas Hall won in the male vocal solo division for singing "Honor to Serve." Hall also won in his division for instrumental solo, playing the piano.
Performing a jazz number to the song, "Hot, Hot, Hot," Laura Warren won in the dance solo competition. Allison Davis and Melody Kuhn won in the dance group division for their swing dancing to the song, "Jump, Jive and Wail."
In the novelty solo division, Tim Mann won for his magic tricks.
Overall, Davis and Kuhn took first place for their group dance. Warren took second for her senior dance solo and Hall won third for his instrumental solo.
Today is Senior Citizen's and Farmer's Day at the fairgrounds, with senior admission $1 per person until 3 p.m.
Guitar Woodies will entertain in the Activity Tent at 7 p.m., and the Country Jam Band will give a free show in the Grandstand, also at 7 p.m.
Friday is Sponsorship and Media Day at the county fair, with wristbands for rides from 1 to 6 p.m. costing $10. The toy giveaway will be at 2 p.m. in the Activity Tent, the pizza eating contest at 6 p.m. in the Activity Tent, and the Demolition Derby at 6:30 p.m. in the grandstand.
For those interested in 4-H, horse and pony contesting and riding will take place at 9 a.m. in the horse arena.
At 10 a.m. in the show arena, the annual 4-H livestock auction is scheduled to begin, and is expected to last most of the day.
Ongoing programs at the fair include the antique tractor and machinery show and the Great Lakes Timber Show.
Also, the Budweiser Clydesdales are at the county fair this year, and will appear around the fairgrounds at various times.
