JOHN COFFELTContributor

Megan Renee Smith was crowned Fairest of the Fair during the pageant held Saturday at Coffee County Central High School.

Smith is the daughter of Nathan and LaDonna Smith. She attends Middle Tennessee State University and is involved in photography, travel, hiking and kayaking.

Smith called the win a surreal experience.

“I just love being able to represent my community in a positive way and be an example to other girls,” Smith said. “I love pageants. I’ve been participating in pageants since I was five years old. Truly, I just love getting all dolled up and making new friends.

One of the elements that weigh heavily on the judges’ decision is how the contestants answer the on stage question. Smith’s question was what fictional character she would be for one day.

“I would be Winnie the Pooh,” she said. “My little nephew is six-months-old and he just loves Winnie the Pooh. As of now I want to be the model for him, so I could really do that with Winnie the Pooh.”

The Fairest of the Fair court also included fourth runner-up Belle Sanders, third runner-up Kellie Tucker, second runner-up McKenzie Givens, and first runner-up Audri Leann Patton. The peoples’ choice award went to Nevaeh Frazier.

This was Givens’ last time being eligible to compete. She said the off-stage interviews were a little tougher than last year.

“I’ve done this since I was 16,” she said shortly before taking the stage. “This is my last time to do it. I’m super excited.”

Givens said the competition was pretty tough.

“There are a lot of great girls out there,” she said. “They are all so beautiful and I think everyone has a fair chance.”

Givens said pageants give her the opportunity to get out of her comfort zone, have a unique experience and a chance to dress up.

“And it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “I would encourage other people to do it as well.”  

Outgoing Coffee County Fairest of the Fair and statewide Fairest of the Fair Ryan Green emceed this year’s event.

Green commended the contestants for their courage to participate.

“Not everyone can be as confident and brave as they are, so I want to recognize each one of them,” she said.

Green said she has attended many fairs across the state which gave her the inspiration for several ideas to bring to the Coffee County Fairest pageant, like including more local businesses with a queen’s basket with donations from local small businesses.

“It’s been great to better our Coffee County Fair pageant and I look forward to the years to come,” Green said.

She advised this year’s Fairest of the Fair to make the most of her year.

“Take it all in and make the most of it,” Green said. “Have a passion for the fair because it’s a great opportunity to represent our county. You make such great memories, so take a moment and … be proud to represent Coffee County.”