MACON COUNTY FAIR
Donnette Beckett
DECATUR — A new queen was crowned during Wednesday’s opening night of the Macon County Fair.
Layla Hackert, 17, was presented with the crown and sash by2023 Queen Morgan Binder.
"I'm so grateful for this," Hackert said, shortly after her name was announced.
Fair activities will continue until Sunday evening.
Hackert’s competitor was Anya Ireland. Both are from Macon.
Ireland, 17, has already experienced royalty having been crowned Miss Blue Mound in 2023. She said she was encouraged to run for county fair queen by the outgoing queen.
People are also reading…
“She said to do it and thought I would do really good at it,” she said.
Hackert was encouraged by her mother.
“I think it would be really good for you to get out of your shell,” she said, repeating her mother’s advice.
The women were given training on what is required for pageants, and Hackert said, “This is a lot more preparation."
Addressing the crowd of more than 100 friends, family and visitors was important for the women as well.
“Macon County is such a big county,” Ireland said. “There’s a big range of people that come out.”
Binder said her experience as last year’s queen was amazing.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity,” she said.
As Macon County queen, Binder competed in the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen pageant in January at the Springfield Crowne Plaza Hotel. She placed 16 out of 73.
“I’m excited for the next girl, but it is a bittersweet moment for me,” she said.
Binder currently attends the University of Alabama and hopes to compete in the Miss Teen Illinois next year. At 18, she has one more year left to compete.
During the 2022 fair, Binder and Allison Stewart were the only women competing for the crown. Stewart went on to the state pageant. Binder, who won the following year, said the fewer competitors, the more stressful the competition.
“That’s not the easiest thing to do,” she said. “I would rather compete with 73 girls than just one.”
Boat races set to make their return to Lake Decatur
A new addition to the pageant was the Parade of Princesses. Seven girls, ages 4 to 6, were taught the basics of pageants, including the walk down the aisle and speaking to crowds.
“It’s just an opportunity for them to get on stage and show their personalities,” said Ashlie Hall, pageant director. “Everyone walks out a winner.”
Organizers said the young girls have given them an experience as well.
“They’re all different and very energetic,” Hall said. “Hopefully this gets them interested (in pageants).”
Binder took on the responsibility of coaching the princesses before the pageant.
“They were so darling, just to be able to watch them have a love for it, as I did,” she said. “That’s why I am where I am today.”
Binder was once crowned Little Miss Macon County and later Junior Miss during past Macon County Fairs.
As their coach, Binder encouraged them to have fun with the experience, “And smile, wave, do a pretty curtsy, just be yourself,” she said. “This is their moment to shine.”
Both queen contestants have encouraged others to try for the crown.
“Definitely do it if you’re scared, because it helps you grow,” Hackert said.
84 photos of the Macon County Fair from 1924 to today
Paratrooper
Marvin Meyer
Boot race
Jumps
Hampshire gilt
Sassy's All
Greased pole
Kelli Benner
1985 Ribbons
Hold on tight
Pileup at the pole
Title seekers
Reserve champion
Grand champion barrow
Final racing
Spreading manure
In the wings
Setting the pace
Off-road entry
1985
4-H queen and king
Suffolk ewe lambs
1985
Napping
E-e-e-e-e-asy does it
1985
Electrician
Mike Coppas
Off the track
Don Meadows
Pace Way
Final turn
1981 4-H Royalty
1982 prince and princess
Princess and Prince
Goat stitchery
Ribbons
Rain
Abe Lincoln
1925
1924-2
Beef barn
Jog Time
1932
Grandstand
Carnival operator
1971
Fairground is a busy place
Carnival lights
Judging cattle
Savage
1976 Fair
Grand champion boar
Lights point the way
Record
Tap dancer
Saanen
Lights
Moment of truth
At track
Airview
Lights
Carnival kaleidoscope
4-H Royalty
Fair opens
Cattle in line
Royalty
Sheep
Columbia Ram Lamb
Lights
Taking a break
4-H competition
1975
Big fair attractions
4-H Royalty
Shy performer
4-H Royalty
1981 4-H Royalty
Grandstand
Aerial
Midway
Debris
1924
Jack Butts
Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983. Follow her on Twitter: @donnettebHR
'); var s = document.createElement('script'); s.setAttribute('src', 'https://assets.revcontent.com/master/delivery.js'); document.body.appendChild(s); window.removeEventListener('scroll', throttledRevContent); __tnt.log('Load Rev Content'); } } }, 100); window.addEventListener('scroll', throttledRevContent); }
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Donnette Beckett
"Together Decatur" Columnist and Food/Drink Reporter
- Author facebook
- Author twitter
- Author email
Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Followed notifications
Please log in to use this feature
Log In
Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
