This Sunday, July 14, the 2019 Champaign County Fair Queen and Little Miss will be crowned at the City Center in Champaign. As representatives of the Champaign County Fair, they will have so new adventures and opportunities to represent Champaign County at other fairs, parades, events, as well as the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen pageant in Springfield, held in January.

Over the past year I have gotten to know the 2019 Miss Champaign County Fair Queen, Gracyn Allen as well as her Little Miss Champaign County Fair, Addilyn Bent-Perzee. Gracyn is a sweet, soft spoken young lady, who also graduated this year from Heritage High School, where she played Volleyball, Softball, and was active in her local FFA Chapter. She will attend the University of Illinois this fall, and has a very bright future ahead of her.

Addilyn will be a 5th grader next year in Fisher. She is in my daughter’s class and I’ve been lucky to know her and her family for a number of years. Addilyn has a smile that lights up a room, and when she flashes that dimple at you, you’re putty in her hands. She plays softball, does competitive cheer, and is an awesome big sister to her little brother Jak.

Gracyn & Addilyn share a special bond, and are truly #sistersbysash as they refer to themselves. You can always catch them chatting and giggling together with such infectious smiles on their faces and genuine affection in their hearts. They have made the most of their time as representatives of the Champaign County Fair. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing the pair for their official farewell portraits. I also asked them some questions about each other and their time as Miss Champaign County Fair Queen and Little Miss Champaign County Fair.

Scroll down to have a look and see what they have to say!

2018 Miss Champaign County Fair Queen, Gracyn Allen

Q. What is your favorite memory from this past year as Miss Champaign County Fair?

A. I have so many great memories from my year as Queen between all of the parades, volunteering, competing in the state pageant, and other events! My favorite memory would have to be being in the Champaign Parade of Lights. Our float was beautiful with all of the lights and I loved hearing all of the little kids along the parade route say “look it’s a princess!”.

Q. What advice do you have for the next Miss Champaign County Fair?

A. My advice for the next Queen is to be yourself and have fun with everything that you do, take lots of pictures, and go to as many events as you can because your year will fly by faster than you think!

Q. What is your favorite thing about your Little Miss, Addilyn?

A. My favorite thing about my Little Miss Addilyn is her personality. She is such a smart girl with a kind heart and is always full of energy. I remember after the long days at the fair, she still had so much energy and was able to do like ten back handsprings at the fairgrounds before we left. I was very impressed because I was so tired each night. We have grown so close this past year and she is like the little sister I never had.

Q. What is your favorite fair food?

A. My favorite fair food would definitely be Cullers Fries which I now get free for the rest of my life!

Q. What would you like people to know about the Champaign County Fair?

A. The Champaign County fair is such a unique fair because it is located in the center of Champaign-Urbana. It brings in many people who are not used to being around agriculture so it is a great learning opportunity. Between the livestock shows, 4H exhibits, grandstand events, the rides, and more there is something for everyone to enjoy.

2018 Little Miss Champaign County Fair, Addilyn Bent-Perzee

Q. What is your favorite memory from this past year as Little Miss Champaign County Fair?

A. Spending time with Gracyn and participating in all of the parades and hearing all of the little girls call me Princess.

Q. What advice do you have for the next Little Miss Champaign County Fair?

A. Spend as much time with your Miss as possible and cherish every single moment that you get to do as the Little Miss.

Q. What is your favorite thing about your Miss, Gracyn?

A. She is sweet and kind and she likes to have fun!

Q. What is your favorite fair food?

A. Funnel Cake and Culler’s Fries!

Q. What would you like people to know about the Champaign County Fair?

A. That we have an amazing Fair Board and so many people work very hard to put on a great fair every year, and we also have a lot of very talented kids in our community that can do amazing things.

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!

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