The 2023 Dairy Festival concluded Saturday night, June 17, 2023, with the 62nd Annual Dairy Festival Pageant. This year’s theme was “Kickin’ It Up For Dairy.”
The community gathered at the Hopkins County Civic Center and waited in anticipation to see who would win the 2023 Dairy Festival Queen Pageant.
It was a tough competition. The twelve contestants gave the 2023 Dairy Fest Queen Judges quite the challenge, but Caroline Prickette won the title of 2023 Dairy Festival Queen at the end of the night.
Along with the crown, which was placed on Prickette’s head by 2022 Dairy Festival Queen Colbie Glenn, Caroline Prickette, daughter of John and Gena Prickette, will receive a $1,250 Scholarship. She also received a Silver Bowl, flowers, and will represent the community at events such as ribbon cuttings, fairs and other area events as an ambassador for Hopkins County and the dairy industry over the next year.
Caroline Prickette also won the 2023 Talent Award, which includes a $500 Scholarship. Prickette did a fun and unique rendition of “I’ve Been Everywhere” during the talent contest. Caroline Prickette was also rewarded for selling the most Dairy Festival tickets.
Addison Graves, daughter of Dave and Jennifer Graves, won second place in the ticket sales competition.
First runner-up for the crown was Kate Monk, daughter of Kevin and Kristin Monk. She wins a $1,000 Scholarship and a Silver Bowl, and flowers.
Winning a $750 Scholarship, and a Silver Bowl, is second runner-up Emerson Penny, daughter of Asher and Meredith Dial,, and Chris and Jeana Penny.
Third runner-up for the title of 2023 Dairy Festival Queen, earning a $500 Scholarship and a Silver Bowl, is Tomi Pirtle, daughter of Clay and Tanna Pirtle.
The Dairy Festival Contestants vote for the Contestant they feel is the most sincere, kind and helpful. This year the Tracey Gold Fox Miss Congeniality Award went to Sara Voss, daughter of Eric and Amy Voss.
Every five years the Dairy Festival Board retires a Queen’s Portrait. This year the Board presented Sadie Evans, the 2016 Dairy Festival Queen, with her Portrait.
Saturday’s Dairy Festival Pageant was emceed by Craig Roberts, who entertained the audience with cow jokes in between events. Some of the jokes were texted to him right then and there by audience members. Alina Tatum Sanders sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. As the judges tallied up their scores Brad Cummings entertained the audience with a couple of songs.
Usherettes for this year’s pageant were Alaina Johnson, Trinity Martin, Aspen Mayhew, Kolbi McCoy, Maddie Poskey, Sadie Shutt, Jordan VanWinkle, and Coryn Young.
Save the date! The 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival is scheduled to be held June 7th through 15th. Additional information will be posted as it become available on the Festival’s social media accounts, as well as at www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com
