Rylee Kitchens is crowned queen at the 2024 Georgia Mountain Fair Beauty Contest. She is the daughter of Abby Kitchens and the late B.J. Kitchens.
By Deby Jo Ferguson
Staff Writer
Rylee Kitchens, 21, of Towns County, Ga. was crowned queen at the 2024 Georgia Mountain Fair Beauty Contest and was also named Miss Congeniality and awarded for her talent performing the song Hallelujah. Kitchens is a 2020 Towns County High School graduate. She is also graduated from the University of North Georgia with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology with concentration in exercise science. Kitchen’s career ambition is to work as an occupational therapist.
According to Kitchens, “I am so blessed and honored to represent the Georgia Mountain Fair and my beautiful hometown. This group of girls hold a special place in my heart and always will.”
Others recognized at the event include:
• First runner up: Laura Mauldin
• Second runner up: Ansleigh Hardin
There were 10 contestants including Ansleigh Harden, Deanna Crowe, Carlee Moody, Laura Mauldin and Lilly Cannon all of Towns County; Kelly Young, Elyssa Whicker and Lucy Vinez of Union County and Breeze Hinton of Cherokee County, N.C.
The contestants were judged in five devisions including 30 percent during personal interview with judges, 10 percent in active wear, 20 percent evening gown, 20 percent stage question, 20 percent overall presentation. An optional talent cash award and plaque was given to the talent winner.
Other rewards included queen, $1,500 and a Fossil Watch from North and Main in Hiawassee, Ga.; first runner up, $300; second runner up $200; talent winner, $100 and Miss Congeniality received recognition. Sponsors included Retreat on the Lake and Red Rooster Realty.