Kelsey Miller Named 2023 Missouri State Fair Queen

Photo courtesy of Kyle Hill

(Sedalia) A recent graduate of Warrenton High School has taken on the mantle of Missouri State Fair Queen. Kelsey Miller, representing the Northeast FFA District, won the crown Thursday afternoon in the Mathewson Exhibition Center, after claiming top overall marks among the field of 35 contestants. Miller says she was surprised to have won the judges’ nod.

As part of the contest, Miller delivered a speech reflecting on her family’s tradition in agriculture, as well as her willingness to branch out and pursue leadership roles in FFA. She’ll attend the University of Missouri this fall, with plans to pursue a degree in agricultural education.

Miller will receive a $2,000 scholarship and represent the fair over the next year. She succeeds Elsie Kigar of Bible Grove.

Audrey Bellfield of La Plata picked up first runner-up honors and won the speech portion of the contest, claiming a $1,000 scholarship. Second runner-up went to Alice Reed of Concordia, who won the interview portion. Rachel Ancell won third runner-up, representing the Missouri Sheep Producers. Lilli Hendrix of Cooper County won fourth runner-up along with the evening gown portion. Top talent marks went to Karli Hamilton of Memphis.