Valerie Reynolds was crowned Miss Jefferson County Fair to kick off the week-long event Saturday night. Photo by Toni Milbourne.

KEARNEYSVILLE — As per tradition, the Jefferson County Fair held the Miss Jefferson County Fair contest on Saturday, the night before the official opening of the fair’s festivities. The selection of a fair queen on the eve of opening allows the recipient of the crown to be on-hand for all activities, including the opening ceremony held on Sunday at 1 p.m.

This year, 15 young women vied for the crown during Saturday’s event. They were judged in a variety of categories including overall appearance, poise and how they connected with the audience and judges.

The top winner for this year’s fair was 15-year-old Valerie Reynolds. Reynolds is the daughter of Robert and Lisa Reynolds of Charles Town. She is a sophomore at Washington High School.

“I am most looking forward to handing out the ribbons for all of the animal winners,” Reynolds said after her crowning. “I am just happy to represent Jefferson County.”

Joining Reynolds in completing fair duties such as the ribbon presentations, presiding over the livestock auction and being present at many of the competitions throughout the week are Junior Miss Jordan Schneider, who was selected out of a group of 45 competitors, and Little Miss Jefferson County Fair Brylee Durso. The Junior Miss competition took place Sunday evening while Little Miss Jefferson County Fair competition was held Sunday afternoon.

Jordan Schneider was selected to serve as the Junior Miss Jefferson County Fair queen for 2018. Photo by Toni Milbourne.

Schneider and Durso will join Reynolds throughout the week judging competitions and helping preside over award ceremonies. The three will traverse the fairgrounds throughout the week, and can be easily spotted wearing their tiaras and sashes proclaiming their titles.

In addition to their fair duties, the girls will also participate in various activities over the next year within the county.

Pageant coordinator Roxanne Stagner has served in her role for 21 years at the Jefferson County Fair.

“I love working with the girls,” Stagner said. “They’re so much fun.”

According to Stagner, the program gives girls confidence.

Brylee Durso was crowned Little Miss Jefferson County Fair on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Toni Milbourne.

“I encourage them all to be proud to be themselves. I tell them all to be themselves, not who they think the judges want them to be,” Stagner said, mentioning that all contestants are winners, even though only one can walk away with the crown.