Queen contestants The Miss Carroll County 4-H Fair Queen pageant will be Saturday evening. Those vying for the title are, from left: Front Amy Linn, Heather Clark, Jessica Huffer. Middle Amanda Plank, Kylene Miller, Lena Schock, Nicole Spesard, Kara Overholser. Back Hannah Mears, Jennifer Hardyniec, Leann Cossairt, Elizabeth Myers, Kelsie Thornburg, and Samantha Grimes. Not pictured is Sharayah Red Elk. Photo by Portraits by Lori Fifteen young women will vie for the title of Miss Carroll County 2006 on Saturday evening. The 49th annual pageant will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the show arena at the 4-H grounds in Flora. During the event, contestants will compete in professional wear, formal wear and will be required to respond to an impromptu question. Earlier in the day, the contestants will be tested on their formal interview skills.

A queen and three runner-ups will be chosen by the judges, along with Miss Congeniality, chosen by the contestants. The court will preside over the 4-H Fair, presenting ribbons and attending events. The queen will represent Carroll County at the State Fair pageant to be held in August.

Miss Carroll County 2005, Annette Miller will co-host the pageant with Jerry Hendress. Miss Miller will highlight her events from the past year as reigning queen. Past Carroll County queens will be introduced, as well as any visiting queens. The newly crowned Little Miss and Mister will also be introduced.

This year's theme, "No Place Like Home," was chosen by Miller. The set will be decorated accordingly. The contestants have been busy preparing for the pageant with meetings, mock interviews, a make-up session with Beauti Control, and practicing stage walking. For a fun activity the girls went putt putt golfing and to the Clinton County Queen Pageant. The activities have allowed the girls to become a closer group.

Contestants and their sponsors are: Amanda K Viola Plank, 16, is the daughter of Terry Plank. Ajunior at Kokomo High School, her sponsor is Air Indiana Skydiving Center LLC. She is an eight-year member of Democrat Township Lads and Lassies 4-H Club.

Jessica Huffer, 19, is the daughter of Marion and Denise Huffer. A sophomore at Purdue University, her sponsor is M & C Farms. She is a 10-year member of Burlington Wildcats 4-H Club.

Nicole Lynn Spesard, 17, is the daughter of Lance and Debra Spesard. A senior at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School, her sponsor is Yoder's Stitching Line. She is a nine-year member of Democrat Township Lads & Lassies 4-H Club.

Samantha Marie Grimes, 18, is the daughter of Michael and Aundrea Grimes. A freshman at Indiana University, her sponsor is Rockfield Renegade 4-H Club and family members. She is a nine-year member of the Rock Creek Renegades 4-H Club.

Elizabeth Corla Myers, 19, is the daughter of Randy and Rebecca Myers. A sophomore at Manchester College, her sponsor is Brosman's IGA.

Sharayah Red Elk, 17, is the daughter of Keene Red Elk and Greg and Lisa Rush. A senior at Delphi Community High School, her sponsor is Robert A. Lucas DDS. She is a nine-year member of the Jackson Livewires 4-H Club.

Kylene Ann Miller, 18, is the daughter of Mike and Kathy Miller. A freshman at Purdue University, her sponsor is Gayle's Place. She is a nine-year member of Monroe Achievers 4-H Club.

Heather Leann Clark, 18, is the daughter of Scott and Rita Clark. A freshman at Goshen College, her sponsor is Tippecanoe Triumphs 4-H Club. She is a nine-year member of Tippecanoe Triumphs 4-H Club.

Kara Renae Overholser, 17, is the daughter of Rex and Suzan Overholser. Ajunior at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School, her sponsor is Sun Star Seeds. She is an eight-year member of Burlington Wildcats 4-H Club.

Amy Louise Linn, 18, is the daughter of Gary and Susan Linn. Afreshman at Marian College, her sponsor is Stephan's IGA. She is a nine-year member of the Jackson Livewires 4-H Club.

Lena Rose Schock, 16, is the daughter of Todd and Rose Schock. A junior at Delphi Community High School, her sponsor is Deer Creek Delphiniums 4-H Club. She is an eight-member of the Delphiniums 4-H Club.

Hannah Elizabeth Mears, 18, is the daughter of John and Mary Mears. A freshman at Purdue University, her sponsor is Sun Star Seeds, George's Country Beef, and Calico Plus. She is a nine-year member of Jackson Livewires 4-H Club.

Leann Jean Cossairt, 17, is the daughter of Terry and Bonnie Cossairt. A senior at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School, her sponsor is Parrett's Meat Processing. She is a sevenyear member of the Monroe Achievers 4-H Club.

Kelsie Ann Thornburg, 16, is the daughter of John Thornburg and Laurie Thornburg. A junior at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School, her sponsor is the Cutler Yacht Club. She is an eight-year member of the Monroe Achievers 4-H Club.

Jennifer Evelyn Hardyniec, 18, is the daughter of Bruce and Lori Hardyniec. A senior at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School, her sponsor is Mann Chevrolet-Buick, Inc. She is a nine-year member of the Monroe Achievers 4-H Club.