Higdon Crowned Carroll County's Fairest

By Lyndsey Summers, lsummers@mckenziebanner.com • August 10, 2026

From the Aug 11, 2026 e-Edition

Stella Higdon is crowned as 2026 Carroll County Fairest of the Fair by Bailey Rogers, last year's titleholder. Photo by Lyndsey Summers/The Banner

HUNTINGDON (August 8–9) — Stella Higdon, of Bruceton, is Carroll County's 2026 Fairest of the Fair. Higdon earned her title Saturday afternoon, receiving her crown and sash from last year's queen, Bailey Rogers.

Higdon is the 17-year-old daughter of Josh and Jana Higdon. She is a senior at Central High School.

Also in 2026 court were first maid Allie Kate Smith and second maid Katelyn Prather.

Smith, of Huntingdon, is the 19-year-old daughter of Alicia Busby and Terry Smith.

Prather, of McKenzie, is the 16-year-old daughter of Brian Prather and Amanda Prather.

The Fairest of the Fair pageants took place August 8 and 9 in the Carroll County Civic Center. Contestants ranged from just a few weeks old to 19 years of age.

Saturday's pageants were Little Miss Carroll County (ages 4–6), Little Miss Fairest of the Fair (ages 7–9), Junior Fairest of the Fair (ages 10–12), Miss Teen Fairest of the Fair (ages 13–15) and Miss Fairest of the Fair (ages 16–20). Sunday had the Fair Friends Baby Show (ages 0–23 months) and the Tiny Mr. and Miss Carroll County (ages 2–3) pageants.

The weekend's pageants marked the beginning of the Carroll County Fair, which continues through Saturday, August 15.