A recent graduate of Columbus East High School competed against 12 other contestants and emerged to become the 2023 Bartholomew County 4-H Fair Queen.
Lilly Smith, the 18-year-old daughter of Mark and Linda Smith, received her crown and sash from last year’s pageant winner, Marnie Schwartzkopf, in front of a crowd of about 250 Saturday in the Columbus North Judson Erne Auditorium.
Smith said she didn’t believe her ears when her name was announced.
“I’m in shock,” Smith said. I can’t wait for fair week to arrive.” The fair begins Friday and continue through July 1.
Sponsored by MDM Trucking, Smith is extremely familiar with both 4-H and the annual fair. During her 10 years as a 4-H member, she has competed in a variety of areas ranging from swine, beef, foods and floriculture to woodworking, recycling, collection and arts and crafts.
“I’ve always loved the fair, it’s my favorite time of the year, and I want to experience everything the fair has to offer,” Smith said.
Her past honors include the Christian Attitude Award and the Olympian Award for cheerleading.
Members of the Queen’s Court this year are:
- First runner-up: Makena Jackson, daughter of Robert and Cathy Jackson.
- Second runner-up: Riley Carothers, daughter of Ross and Shelli Carothers
- Third runner-up: Carlie Menefee, daughter of Patrick and Katie Menefee
- ‘Miss Congeniality’: Antoinette “Annie” Hughes, daughter of Lisa Shafer and Jerry & Brooke Hughes.
Read more in Monday’s edition of The Republic.
