The 2026 Adams County Fair kicks off on Wednesday, July 29th as we crown the 61st Adams County Fair Queen. Nine local contestants are vying for the title of 2026 Miss Adams County Fair Queen. They have been working hard to gain experience in the areas of interview, speech, and stage presence. Be in the crowd cheering for your hometown gal on the first day of the Adams County Fair!
The reigning Miss Adams County, Andrea Schaffnit, is the 20-year-old daughter of Kevin and Nicole Schaffnit of Mendon. Andrea currently attends SIUC and studies Healthcare Management. After her bachelors, she plans to obtain her masters in Hospital Administration, with hopes to be a leader in healthcare.
Here are the contestants vying for the 2026 title of Miss Adams County Fair Queen:
The reigning Miss Adams County, Andrea Schaffnit, is the 20-year-old daughter of Kevin and Nicole Schaffnit of Mendon. Andrea currently attends SIUC and studies Healthcare Management. After her bachelors, she plans to obtain her masters in Hospital Administration, with hopes to be a leader in healthcare.
Here are the contestants vying for the 2026 title of Miss Adams County Fair Queen:
Miss Adams County, Andrea Schaffnit
Bailey Heller is the 16-year-old daughter of Laci and Jared Heller of Liberty. She will graduate from Liberty High School in May of 2027. She plans to attend a 4-year university and pursue a bachelor's degree in secondary mathematics education with plans to become a high school math teacher. She currently works at Tri State Sno Biz, Revival Coffeehouse and Eighth Avenue Villager.
Bailey Heller
Lily Baker is the 18-year-old daughter of Bobby and Kelly Baker of Quincy. She graduated from Quincy Senior High School in May of 2026. She plans to attend John Wood Community College for an Associate degree in Animal Science before pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Veterinary School to become a large animal Veterinarian. She currently works at Bailey’s Coffeehouse and Fudge Shop, and Baker Farms.
Lily Baker
Claire Norsworthy is the 18-year-old daughter of Ryan and Pam Norsworthy of Fowler. She graduated from Unity High School in May of 2026. She plans to attend Connors College to study Agriculture Business before pursuing further education at Oklahoma State University. She currently works at Texas Roadhouse.
Claire Norsworthy
Cloe Owens is the 19-year-old daughter of Bill and Theresa Owens of Liberty. She graduated from Liberty High in May of 2025. In the Fall, she will be attending Blessing Reiman College of Nursing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Cloe works at Revival Coffeehouse and Blessing Hospital.
Cloe Owens
Brinley Hackamack is the 16-year-old daughter of Adam and Melissa Hackamack of Fowler. She will graduate from Liberty High School in May of 2028. Brinley plans to attend John Wood Community College before transferring to the University of Illinois to pursue a doctorate in Animal Science to become a large animal veterinarian. She currently works at a local dairy farm.
Brinley Hackamack
Audrey McKinney is the 17-year-old daughter of Adam and Erika McKinney of Liberty. She will graduate from Liberty High School in May of 2027 and plans to pursue a degree in nursing and become a labor and delivery nurse. Audrey currently works at Carter’s Coffee Bar and American Kolache.
Audrey McKinney
Rebekkah Waterkotte is the 17-year-old daughter of Angela Waterkotte of Coatsburg. She will graduate from Central High School in May of 2027. She plans to attend John Wood Community College to study nursing while participating in softball. She then wants to pursue a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She currently umpires in the Adams County Youth League and is a babysitter.
Rebekkah Waterkotte
Chloe Shaffer is the 19-year-old daughter of Curtis and Shannon Shaffer of Mendon. She graduated from Unity High School in May of 2025. She currently attends Culver Stockton College, double majoring in Business Administration and Marketing, with plans to pursue entrepreneurship and open her own business. Chloe works at The Daily Grind.
Chloe Shaffer
Sierra Miller is the 20-year-old daughter of Toby and Amanda Miller of Quincy. She graduated from Quincy Senior High School in May of 2024. Sierra attends Western Illinois University, double majoring in Music Education and Music Therapy, with plans to teach Elementary General Music. She currently works at WIU, Quincy Park District, and Sheridan Swim Club.
Sierra Miller
We would like to extend a huge thank you to all our pageant sponsors. Thank you to Smith Brothers/ R&R Golf, Rachel B Photography, Trudy’s Trendy Boutique, Nutrition HQ, Eighth Avenue Villager, Little Jess Jeep, Ruthie Beas, Tanning Unlimited, Kvitle Eye Care, TannieKakes, Neora by Nicci Woodyard, Praireland FS, Farm and Home Supply, Denise Tallcott Leadership, Farmhaus Coffee Company, Duncan & Co, Expressions by Christine, Texas Roadhouse, Autumn Harvest Farm, A+ Clay, Jeff Hughes Home, Inc., Stay Golden, TCBY, Emerald City Jewelers, Bluff View Photography, Sturhahn Jewelers, RaNea Turlington Lashes, Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County, Griffen Signs in Time, Muddy River Engraving, Kaylyn Bartz, American Kolache, Speckhart Shrimp Farms, CC’s Coffee Bar, Angie Higgins at Suite 6, Titan International, The Pour Haus, and to Beth Heinze for choreographing the production number.
The 2026 Little Miss and Mr. Adams County Pageant starts on July 29th at 6:00 p.m. followed by the 2026 Miss Adams County Fair Queen Pageant at 7:00 p.m.
The Junior Miss Adams County and Teen Miss Adams County Pageants are Thursday, July 30th at 7:00 p.m.
The 10th annual Sweetheart of Adams County Pageant will also be included during the evening. The Sweetheart of Adams County is a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages with intellectual or physical disabilities to experience being a Queen or King for a day. The Sweetheart of Adams County Pageant is open to all ages from 0 to 99 and is meant to give individuals a chance to focus on their abilities and gain life skills, self-confidence and happiness. We would like to thank the sponsors who have made the Sweetheart of Adams County possible; Eighth Avenue Villager and Overhead Door.
The 2026 Adams County Fair runs from July 29th to August 4th at the Adams County Fairgrounds off Highway 336 in Mendon, IL. For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit www.adamsfair.org.
The 2026 Little Miss and Mr. Adams County Pageant starts on July 29th at 6:00 p.m. followed by the 2026 Miss Adams County Fair Queen Pageant at 7:00 p.m.
The Junior Miss Adams County and Teen Miss Adams County Pageants are Thursday, July 30th at 7:00 p.m.
The 10th annual Sweetheart of Adams County Pageant will also be included during the evening. The Sweetheart of Adams County is a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages with intellectual or physical disabilities to experience being a Queen or King for a day. The Sweetheart of Adams County Pageant is open to all ages from 0 to 99 and is meant to give individuals a chance to focus on their abilities and gain life skills, self-confidence and happiness. We would like to thank the sponsors who have made the Sweetheart of Adams County possible; Eighth Avenue Villager and Overhead Door.
The 2026 Adams County Fair runs from July 29th to August 4th at the Adams County Fairgrounds off Highway 336 in Mendon, IL. For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit www.adamsfair.org.