Miss Claire Walker, of Chillicothe, was named the 2024 Missouri State Fair Queen in a ceremony held yesterday, Thursday, Aug. 8. Miss Walker received the highest score of 31 contestants vying for the title in the two-day competition, held in the Mathewson Exhibition Center. Miss Walker will reign over the remaining State Fair events and be an ambassador for the State Fair and Missouri agriculture throughout the coming year.
Miss Walker is 19-years-old attending the University of Missouri majoring in Agribusiness Management. As Queen, she will receive a $2,000 scholarship to continue her education. Miss Walker entered as Miss Livingston County and is the daughter of Brice and Tiffany Walker.
Miss Walker said she is most looking forward to “appreciating the finer moments of the Fair like handing out ribbons at shows and meeting young exhibitors.” Her favorite stories come from hanging out in the cattle barns getting her cattle ready to show with family and friends.
Miss Walker has participated in the Fair in numerous activities including showing Simmental cattle, exhibiting in the both 4-H and FFA Buildings. She has also volunteered her time at the Missouri Cattlemen’s Beef House.
Participants in the Queen Pageant were judged in multiple areas including interview, speech, talent and evening gown.
Rachel Ancell, Missouri Sheep Producers Representative, was named first runner-up and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Second runner-up went to Miss Scotland County, Emma Harvey, who will receive a $500 scholarship. The third runner-up honor went to Miss NEMO Fair, Allison Pollard, who will receive a $350 scholarship, and the fourth runner-up honor went to Miss Platte County, Trinity Wrightfield, who will receive a $250 scholarship.
Recognition plaques went to contestants ranking highest in each of the four competitive categories: Abby Loesing, Miss Washington Town and Country Fair, received top ranking in Interview; Miss Ancell received top ranking in Speech; Miss Pollard received top ranking in Evening Gown; and Miss Johnson County, Taylor Skelton, received top ranking in Talent.
The 2024 Missouri State Fair continues through Aug. 18 in Sedalia. Learn more on how to make your Summer’s Best Story on the Fair’s website and follow along on social media.