By Deby Jo Ferguson
Staff Writer
A Clayton, Ga. woman was crowned queen of the Miss Georgia Mountain Fair Pageant on Thursday, Aug. 17 in Anderson Music Hall at the fairgrounds in Hiawassee.
Caroline Roberts, 18, is the 2023 reigning queen. She is pursuing a career in forensics by attending Liberty University. In high school, she was a member of the Beta Club. Roberts has worked with Winshape Camps and traveled the entire southeastern United States.
She said one of her dreams is to travel and eventually earn a private pilot’s license. Most important, Roberts wants everyone to know she “lives her life for Jesus” and as a hobby loves to shoot her bow and guns when she gets a chance.
The winner receives $2,000 and merchandise prizes; First runner-up, $300; second runner-up:$200; talent winner, $75; and Miss Congeniality, $25.
Miss Georgia Mountain Fair Queen will represent GMF and Towns County Lions Club at the “Miss Georgia-South Carolina Fairs Pageant” in January 2024.
The pageant featured 10 contestants gracing the stage. Among them was first runner-up Cara Heerde from Jefferson, Ga.
Heerde, a Commerce High School graduate, is attending Piedmont University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is trained in dance, music and drama.
Second runner-up was Jewell Massey, a senior at Union County High School who has excelled in softball as well as track. Massey is trained in theater, chorus and enjoys watching sunsets and gardening.
Emily Leonard took first place in the talent competition. She has been dancing for 14 years and competitively for 10 years.
Kylee Parker, who attends Piedmont University was voted Miss Congeniality.
Also competing in the pageant were Cece Pizarro of Young Harris; Adaelyn Grace Ray of Blue Ridge, Ga.; Brynne Culp of Jefferson, Ga.; and Laura Mauldin of Hiawassee.
Adding to the entertainment for the evening were dancers from Star Dance Performing Arts Studio in Hayesville taking the stage numerous times to show off an array of talent.
The pageant was full of excitement thanks to hosts Corrina Luckenbach and Mark Ward.