GREENVILLE – The Great Darke County Fair Little Miss and Mister Pageant took place Monday night in the Youth Building with a large crowd. Zoe Swank and Ray Sutter walked away with the crowns at the conclusion of the annual contest.
The theme this year was ‘The Great Darke County Fair salutes the military’ with a patriotic twist to the decor including a beautiful display from Vinyls By Celeste and Courageous Creations.
MC for the evening was Madison Werner from Phelan Insurance who is also a very active member in the community.
Judges for the evening included Amanda Stein – Primetime Amusements, Tonya Keller – Sales Manager at My County Link, Mara Kendig – 8th Grade Science Teacher at Dennis Middle School, and Laura Ahrens – Darke County Fair Manager. Becky Luce with Fry & Company was also responsible for the score tabulation for the evening.
The 2024 Darke County Jr. Fair King and Queen were also escorts for the evening, escorting contestants on and off the stage and also crowning the new 2024 Little Miss and Mister and Court.
The contestants all dressed related to the Stars and Stripes theme and did not disappoint. Each contestant walked onto the stage and showcased their outfit and Werner asked each contestant roughly three questions.
Little Mister was held first with seven contestants. The Little Mister Contestants were Gabe Lefeld, Leo Duke, Sawyer Moneysmith, Dalton Stover, Ray Sutter, Noah Lefeld, and Bennet Robison.
Third Runner-Up was Noah Lefeld
Second Runner-Up was Bennett Robison
First Runner-Up was Dalton Stover
The 2024 Darke County Fair Little Mister was Ray Sutter
Ray Sutter was dressed up in a patriotic suit with a matching bowtie and a blue mohawk. Ray wants to be a police officer when he grows up. He also shared his favorite holiday.
“Christmas,” exclaimed Ray. “Because of the presents you get.”
Following the crowning of Little Mister was Little Miss.
Little Miss had 25 total contestants. The Little Miss Contestants were Naomi Perry, Lillian Kindell, Tayla Reeser, Penelope Grant, Monroe Bourne, Zoe Swank, Lyrah Dohme, Sawyer Mikesell, Emeri Pettit-Fourman, Baylor Strikeleather, Vivian Post, Lucy Kremer, Juniper Hill, Shaylee Spencer, Eliza Powell, Kennedy Moneysmith, Sadie Mae Bourne, Alaina Pitsenbarger, Autumn Moler, Emery Young, Ivy’Lynn Simpson, Elyse Coons, Layne Lephart, Rowan Reier and Baelyn Robison.
Third Runner-Up was Sawyer Mikesell
Second Runner-Up was Juniper Hill
First Runner-Up was Naomi Perry
The 2024 Darke County Fair Little Miss was Zoe Swank
Zoe Swank was dressed up in a beautiful red white and blue dress and was happily waving flags as she walked onto the stage. She was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up.
“I want to be a mommy,” said Zoe.
“More than a million,” was what she replied once asked how many kids she would like.
The 2023 Little Miss and Mister Haven Hummel and Jaxon Metzcar were also in attendance during the event to help crown the new court.
All contestants did such a wonderful job! Congratulations to Zoe and Ray!
