For the past several years, I have had the pleasure of photographing the Fisher Fair Queen, Little Miss, and last year the addition of the Jr. Miss. It is amazing to see the transformation these girls undergo during their reigning year. They gain so much confidence and self assurance. They mature and become more responsible. Holding a pageant title can do wonders for a young person. Fair Queens (I’m using that title to encompass all 3 girls), are ambassadors for the Fisher Fair. They visit as many county fairs as possible spreading the word about our wonderful local celebration. They participate in parades and events year round and last year they blessed a family in need during the holidays and found other opportunities to use their titles to help others.

The 2018 Miss, Junior Miss and Little Miss Fisher Fair, Alyssa, Paige and Mackenzie; would like to invite you all to the 2019 Fisher Fair (July 9-13) and the Miss Fisher Fair Queen Pageant to be held on July 9 at 6:30 at the Fisher Fairgrounds. Tuesday night is “Giveback” night at the fair. FREE gate admission for those with Military ID or for those that BRING FOOD for the Fisher Food Pantry. Tuesday night’s admission is $2 without a food donation.

Recently, I had the pleasure to photograph each of the young ladies, and ask the 2018 Fisher Fair Queen title holders about their experiences. Scroll down to see what each of these amazing girls had to say.

2018 Miss Fisher Fair Queen, Alyssa Wilcoxon

Q. Would you mind telling me your favorite thing about being Miss Fisher Fair?

A. My favorite thing about being Miss Fisher Fair Queen was getting to meet so many people and getting an inside look at what makes the Fisher Fair happen. Our fair board is made of volunteers and without their selfless, hard work none of this would be possible.

Q. Your advice for the next queen?

A. My advice to the next queen is to take as many pictures as possible. It may get annoying at the time, but when your year is over, these are the memories you will have to look back on.

Q. What your favorite experience was over the past year?

A. My favorite experience over the past year was getting to represent the Fisher Fair at the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant. It was so fun getting to know all 71 fair queens from all over Illinois. It was such an honor getting to announce myself as the queen of the fair I love so much.

Q. What you want people to know most about the Fisher Fair?

A. The Fisher Fair is a community fair, but it is nothing short of the full county fair experience. We have events for everyone to enjoy such as livestock shows, exhibits, donkey races, children’s day, a concert featuring Mark Chesnutt, Drew Baldridge, and the Feudin’ Hillbillys, tractor pulls, and our most popular event, the demolition derby.

2018 Junior Miss Fisher Fair, Paige Ferguson

Q. Would you mind telling me your favorite thing about being Junior Miss Fisher Fair?

A. My favorite thing about being Junior Miss Fisher is seeing all the little kids get excited when they see the princesses, whether it’s at parades, events, or just other fairs! Another thing I like about being Junior Miss Fisher is getting to spend time with Alyssa, Mackenzie, and other queens!

Q. Your advice for the next Jr. Miss?

A. My Advice for the next Junior Miss Fisher is, have fun, be positive, be patient, be a good role model and spend a lot of time with your Miss and Little Miss because time goes by really fast and you don’t realize it until your almost finished with your reign.

Q. What your favorite experience was over the past year?

A. My Favorite experience this year was adopting a family for Christmas, and just seeing the kids faces when they opened their presents, and how excited and grateful they were to have presents!

Q. What you want people to know most about the Fisher Fair?

A. Some things I want you to know about the fair is that, it’s really fun, because there are of course rides, and there is always some sort of entertainment going on whether it’s in the grand stands or in the commercials building there is always something going on during the day, and afternoon!

2018 Little Miss Fisher Fair, Mackenzie Bonham

Well hello there everybody!

(She told me to write that since she always says that)

Q. Would you mind telling me your favorite thing about being Little Miss Fisher Fair?

A. My favorite thing about being Little Miss Fisher Fair Queen is all the opportunities I have been able to experience along with my queen sisters, Paige and Alyssa.

Q. Your advice for the next Little Miss?

A. My advice for the next Little Miss Fisher Fair Queen would be to use this amazing opportunity for good. Choose a platform you are passionate about and do good things with that. Also, make sure to set a good example for the young fairgoers. Share a cookie, some Culler Fries, or win a gold fish and find someone who would love (and care for it).

Q. What your favorite experience was over the past year?

A. One of my favorite experiences would be when Paige and I were invited to help adopt a family that worked with Altorfer. Paige and I had fun shopping for the kids, picking out gifts and clothes. I remember the look of shock and gratitude on their faces when they realized everything was for them. Paige and I got to play “Santa’s helpers” and hand out gifts to the kids. I got to play the boys and get to know them…they were super sweet. I can’t wait to do it again this year!

Q. What you want people to know most about the Fisher Fair?

A. Something I want everyone to know about the Fisher Fair is that it is put together by a fair-board that are dedicated to making sure you have the time of your life at the fair. They meet year round and work really hard during fair week to make sure everything goes just right.

These images were photographed entirely on Fuji film. All sessions with kDarling Photography are photographed on film. What does that mean for you? That means you’ll still receive your images via an online gallery. You’ll still be able to print where you wish or through my professional lab. What will change? I will get to slow down a bit at your sessions, allowing me to pay closer attention to details. We’ll get to know each other better, and we’ll have even more fun! And best yet – you’ll get your session back much sooner! Sound great – you’re excited? Me too!

TO SCHEDULE A PORTRAIT SESSION, PLEASE CONTACT ME, I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

XOXO, KRISTIN

Hey there, I’m Kristin, owner and photographer at kDarling Photography located in Fisher, a small town in Central Illinois, just a few minutes from Champaign-Urbana.  When I don’t have a camera in my hand, I can be found at one of the kids’ many activities, or at the “happiest place on Earth”…which is Target, of course!!  I have 2 of the sweetest kiddos, Payton and Mackenzie and have been married to my best friend for 18 years.  Capturing the true personalities of those I photograph paired with yummy dreamy light makes my heart sing.  Film and digital photography are both my weapons of choice to create cherished memories, which makes me a “hybrid photographer.”   In studio lifestyle newborn photography is my specialty, along with children of all ages and families, with an occasional high school senior sprinkled in for good measure.  To schedule your next session, please contact kDarling Photography by email or at 217.778.1325

For information on wedding photography, please visit our wedding website at www.SweetDarlingWeddings.com