This Thursday, January 15th, seventy-five County Fair Queens from across Illinois will make their way to the Crowne Plaza in Springfield for the 115th Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Convention, Celebrating Agriculture 2026. During the preliminary competition on Saturday, contestants will compete in communication skills, stage presence, and beauty and physique, where only sixteen contestants will be selected by the judging panel to compete in the finals on Sunday evening.
Hey everyone! My name is Natalie Boyd, and I am deeply honored to represent Henderson County as Contestant #11 this January. I am 20 years old and currently attending Illinois State University as a sophomore, pursuing a degree in Mass Media with a minor in Business Administration. When I graduate in May 2028, I look forward to building a career in media broadcasting or marketing/sales.
A little fun fact about me, I love thrifting and can never resist a great deal! This gorgeous teal dress I’m wearing was actually a thrift find from my local shop.
One of the most meaningful highlights of my year as Queen so far has been supporting The Out of the Darkness Foundation in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The Henderson County Queens proudly raised over $500 in support of suicide awareness and mental wellness. It was an incredible honor to have my Little Miss and Junior Miss walk beside me as we contributed to such an important cause, promoting the value of prioritizing mental health and overall well-being.
Hello everyone! My name is Malia Killey, and I am thrilled to represent Warren County as contestant #50 at the 2026 MICFQ Pageant! I am from Roseville, and in just a couple weeks I will be 21! I am a 2024 graduate of the Aveda Art & Science Institute of Nashville, and had incredible opportunities working as a hairstylist and makeup artist in Nashville, TN for a year. Since then, I have returned to my roots back in Illinois to pursue my passion for Agriculture Business by obtaining my property and casualty insurance license with a focus on selling farm and crop insurance.
Fun fact! I have the privilege of coaching three volleyball teams – 10U Spirit, 16U Spirit, and ICS Junior High. Guiding athletes through each stage of skill development, from cognitive to autonomous, allows me to teach, mentor, and celebrate their growing passion for the game.
I am deeply grateful for every opportunity, interaction, and event that the Warren County Fair Queen title has provided, but one that truly stands out is getting to partner with the Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program. This experience has allowed me to inspire curiosity, promote agricultural literacy, and build meaningful connections with students throughout my community.
Makaiha Moore, 20, grew up in Knoxville, Illinois, where she graduated from Knoxville High School. I am currently a junior at Monmouth College, working toward my bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor is psychology with the goal of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. Passionate about helping children thrive, I am driven by my desire to make a positive, lasting impact on young lives.
A fun fact about me is I love the rides at ANY fair!! Here is a picture from the State Fair this year enjoying the warm weather and enjoying the day!
My favorite part of the year so far was volunteering at the Steer-man Fly-In where my little queens and I worked the flight line, had a wonderful breakfast proved by the Lions Club, made crafts, and enjoyed greeting a meeting new people in the community!! The last hour of our time volunteering I had the opportunity to fly with some amazing crew! A unforgettable once in a lifetime experience!
Hello Everyone! My name is Sarah Hess and I am your 2025 Miss Mercer County Fair Queen. What a year it has been! I have cherished each and every moment of this amazing experience. I am from the small but mighty town of Aledo. I am 18 years old and currently attend Spoon River College. My career goal is to become a radiologic technician and obtain further certification as a sonographer.
A fun fact about me is that I have always enjoyed traveling. It is a bucket list goal of mine to visit all fifty states. I have been to and stayed in twenty four, plus the District of Columbia! Additionally, I have been outside of the United States twice, visiting Panama and Costa Rica.
The highlight of my reign so far was actually at the very beginning. I had the blessing of celebrating my 18th birthday at the fair, just days after being crowned. From surprise decorations, spending time with my sister queens, and ending the day with the entire grandstands singing happy birthday to me. It is truly a day I will never forget.
