GREENVILLE – The Youth Building was full of smiles, sparkles, and red, white, blue outfits on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, as the Darke County Fair hosted the Lil’ Miss and Mister Pageant. The theme for this year’s pageant was “From Sea to Shining Sea.”
The evening started with 15 boys ranging in age from 3 to 5 competing for the title of Lil’ Mister. Madison Werner was the evening’s emcee. Each contestant was welcomed to the stage where Werner asked them three questions: their name and age, their favorite thing to do at the fair, and what they want to be when they grow up. The contestants then chose a wild card question, and after responding to it, they showed off their outfits and walked the runway, hoping to impress the judges. They were then escorted off the stage with the help of several 2026 Jr. Fair Royalty Court members, who presented them with goodie bags and medals.
Some contestants were shy, while others had no problem strutting their stuff for the crowd. When asked the question of what they want to be when they grow up, the boys’ answers included: cowboy, police officer, fisherman, paleontologist, worker, veterinarian, and Caterpillar worker like dad.
Next up were 32 young girls, all vying for a chance of royalty. Lil’ Miss contestants all walked onto the stage and replied to the same questions from emcee Werner. Some girls whispered shyly, while others blew kisses at the crowd, but each one brought something special to the stage, leaving the judges with tough decisions. When asked the question of what they want to be when they grow up, the girls’ answers included: several veterinarians and princesses, a horse rider, swimmer, Spider-Man, Elsa, doctor, Ariel, hockey player, mermaid, policeman, a big sister, a mom, nurse, dancer, and a Burger King worker like her sister.
Judges for the evening’s event included former Fairboard member Brian Rismiller, Ryan Delk from the City of Greenville, Christine Randall from AIM Media, and Taylor Hackney, 2004 Lil’ Miss Darke County Fair. The judging criteria are based on costume, stage presence, personality, and answering the questions.
When asked her feelings on judging a competition that she once won as a contestant herself, judge Taylor Hackney replied, “It was really fun! I like to see the little kids and the things they say.” Judge Brian Rismiller explained that the experience was a full-circle moment for him. He sat on the Fairboard for 17 years, and this was his department, and now he got to sit this side of the table instead of running the event.
While the scores were tallied, the 2026 Jr Fair Royalty shared about their experience at the pageant for their young counterparts. Jr Fair Queen, Shawna Schmitmeyer, said she loved seeing their smiles and excitement, noting that she was impressed that they were able to talk in front of such a large crowd. Jr. Fair King, Bryce Watson, said that his favorite part of the evening was seeing the joy on the contestants’ faces as they came off the stage and he put the medals over their heads. Queen court member, Kensey Homan, shared that her favorite part of the night was seeing all the cute outfits that everyone came up with.
Once the scores were tallied, Werner took to the stage to announce this year’s young royalty.
Lil Mister: Xavier Shimp, son of Kaylyn and Matt Shimp
1st Runner-Up: Hudson Pearson, son of Casey and Roxanne Pearson
2nd Runner-Up: Holden Tomey, son of Paige and Caleb Tomey
3rd Runner-Up: Winston Butcher, son of Michelle and Cory Butcher
Lil’ Miss Winners:
Lil’ Miss: Mackenzie Hunt, daughter of Kyle and Sarah Hunt
1st Runner-Up: Emileigh Snyder, daughter of Zach Snyder and Amanda Besecker
2nd Runner-Up: Scarlett Geyer, daughter of Dominick Geyer
3rd Runner-Up: Leighton Deeter, daughter of Preston and Jacquelyn Deeter
(Dale Barger photo)
Lil’ Mister Winners:
Lil Mister: Xavier Shimp, son of Kaylyn and Matt Shimp
1st Runner-Up: Hudson Pearson, son of Casey and Roxanne Pearson
2nd Runner-Up: Holden Tomey, son of Paige and Caleb Tomey
3rd Runner-Up: Winston Butcher, son of Michelle and Cory Butcher
Lil’ Miss Winners:
Lil’ Miss: Mackenzie Hunt, daughter of Kyle and Sarah Hunt
1st Runner-Up: Emileigh Snyder, daughter of Zach Snyder and Amanda Besecker
2nd Runner-Up: Scarlett Geyer, daughter of Dominick Geyer
3rd Runner-Up: Leighton Deeter, daughter of Preston and Jacquelyn Deeter
All of the crowned contestants gathered for congratulations and a photo session to complete their evening in the spotlight. When asked their favorite part of the event, Mackenzie Hunt said, “Talking on the microphone and getting candy” and Xavier Shimp said, “Getting the Jeep.”
The Fairboard would like to thank the sponsors who helped make this event possible. Sponsors were AIM Media, Spirit Medical Transport, Carl Dearwester of the Cane Game, Courageous Creations, and Carol Seitz from the Putt-Putt Golf on the midway.
