Girls from across the state gathered at the Tennessee State Fair recently to compete to see who was the fairest of them all. Many contestants traveled from DeKalb County to participate in the fair’s festivities in Nashville, TN with hopes of winning a crown. Contestants from Alexandria, Liberty and Smithville, TN were among some of the coveted top winners from over 150 awards and titles. Tyra Graham of Smithville, TN was named Queen Supreme Overall for the 16 to 20 age category. Tyra is the 16 year old daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham and also received an optional award for prettiest hair.
“I was thrilled when Tyra was named Queen Supreme Overall,” says Tyra’s Mom, Doris, “She was a little nervous about the interview and wasn’t sure how the judges would score. We are so very proud of her.”
The judges, accredited by the Miss America Association, apparently scored Tyra very well as she received the highest overall score in the supreme optional. Additional DeKalb County awards and titles went to the following contestants: Addison Oakley was awarded Junior Tennessee Top Model, Junior Fair Princess third runner up, and prettiest smile. Addison will receive a one year modeling contract with Dan Talent Group in Franklin, TN. Addison is the 13 year old daughter of Clark and Lisa Oakley of Liberty, TN; Alexis Grace Atnip of Smithville, TN was awarded first runner up, prettiest eyes and prettiest hair. She is the 11 year old daughter of Veronica Atnip; Shelby Clayborn of Liberty, TN was awarded Jr. Fair Princess Miss Congeniality. Shelby is the 13 year old daughter of Brian Clayborn and Holly Clayborn; Grace Howland was named Miss Sweetheart Congeniality and Miss Sweetheart third runner up. Grace is the 11 year old daughter of Rick and Nikki Harris of Alexandria, TN; Brylee Key was awarded first runner up and best personality. Brylee is the 32 month old daughter of Holly and Shannon Key of Alexandria, TN.
For 2014, the state fair added a pageant designed especially for girls with disabilities called, Miss Sparkle. Twenty-four girls participated in the Friday evening event provided free to contestants sponsored by Studio Six Limited, The TN State Fair and Metro Parks Disabilities of Nashville. Mrs. Tennessee Rachael Neudecker came out and took photos with each of the girls along with 2013 TN State Fairest of the Fair Mary Grace Walkonowski.
“We were so very proud to see DeKalb County come out and compete at the Tennessee State Fair,” said Shan Burklow- Tennessee State Fair Pageant Director, “The girls helped us raise money for the kids at The Monroe Carrell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and had a great time in the process. DeKalb should be very proud of these girls. They represented their county with good-sportsmanship and character. The old saying, ‘It takes a village’ is very true. The state fair pageants could not be a success without the help of many of our friends and family. The baby and toddler pageants are directed by Smithville Review’s own, Angie Meadows, and her excellent staff, along with our Pageant Producer Beth Chandler and her crew of loyal volunteers and workers from DeKalb County and across the state. Thanks to everyone who had a part in making this year better than ever.”
Toddler Show- 1st Runner Up: Brylee Key, 32 month old daughter of Holly & Shannon Key of Alexandria
Toddler Show- Best Personality: Brylee Key
Miss Sweetheart-3rd Runner Up: Grace Howland, 11 year old daughter of Rick & Nikki Harris of Alexandria
Miss Sweetheart-Congeniality: Grace Howland
Jr. Fair Princess- Jr TN Top Model: Addison Oakley, 13 year old daughter of Clark & Lisa Oakley of Liberty’
Jr. Fair Princess- 3rd Runner Up: Addison Oakley
Jr. Fair Princess- Prettiest Smile: Addison Oakley
Jr. Fair Princess- Congeniality: Shelby Clayborn, 13 year old daughter of Brian Clayborn & Holly Clayborn of Liberty
Miss Sweetheart- 1st Runner Up: Alexis Grace Atnip, 11 year old daughter of Veronica Atnip of Smithville
Miss Sweetheart- Prettiest Eyes: Alexis Grace Atnip
Miss Sweetheart- Prettiest Hair: Alexis Grace Atnip
Fairest of Fair- Queen Supreme: Tyra Graham, 16 year old daughter of Kyle & Doris Graham of Smithville
Fairest of Fair- 2nd Runner UP: Tyra Graham
Fairest of Fair- Prettiest Hair: Tyra Graham
For more photos of winners, participants, and fun fair moments, join the Tennessee State Fair Pageants facebook page.
TOP Picture: Tyra Graham of Smithville, TN (THIRD FROM LEFT) was named Queen Supreme Overall at the Tennessee State Fair recently.
BOTTOM Picture: Addison Oakley of Liberty, TN (THIRD FROM LEFT) stands amongst additional winners as she is crowned Junior Tennessee Top Model. Oakley will receive a one year modeling contract with Dan Talent Group in Franklin, TN.
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