Morgan Sommerio is crowned Winnebago County Fair queen by Khloe Wiegers on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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PECATONICA — A college student who one day hopes to use music therapy to help young patients through their time at a children’s hospital has been named this year’s Winnebago County Fair queen.
Morgan Sommerio, 19, of Pecatonica was crowned Miss Winnebago County Fair on Wednesday during opening night of the five-day festival. Sommerio, who was second runner-up a year ago, earned the crown in this year’s five-contestant competition.
“I want to do so much more for my community so this was the next step,” she said. “I’m so excited. I’ve worked really hard for this. I just want to bring so much to the community. I want to show up as much as I can.”
The sophomore at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, wins a $1,000 scholarship from the Winnebago County Fair Association and $1,500 from Rock Valley College. She’ll compete in the 2027 Miss Illinois County Fair queen pageant in January.
Sommerio said she’s eager to walk around the fairgrounds and meet all the attendees. She encouraged people not to be shy and approach her to introduce themselves.
“I’m representing my community and I think meeting people and learning more about them is that first step,” she said. “I just want to learn everybody’s names and learn more about my community. If you see me, come up to me because I want to meet you. I’m going to come up to you first.”
Khaleesi Sutherland reacts to her name being called as the 2026 Jr. Miss Winnebago County Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
This year’s Jr. Miss Winnebago County Fair is Khaleesi Sutherland, a 13-year-old Pecatonica Middle School student whose jaw dropped upon hearing her name called.
“I didn’t know whether to be excited, upset. It was just a lot,” Sutherland said. “I feel like this is a big confidence booster for me.”
Fans of “Game of Thrones” will recognize the name, and yes she is named after the Dragon Queen in the fantasy series.
A year ago, Sutherland won three non-finalist awards. Her mother, Kristin Blanchard, said they shared a brief look before the winner’s name was called and she had not yet won an award.
“She has worked so hard for this,” Blanchard said. “She has had great mentors doing this. She has met so many friends. She loves it. She loves to shine. She loves to be on stage. So I love this for her.”
Winnebago County Fair pageant awards
Winnebago County Fair Queen Morgan Sommerio with first runner-up Brylee Knutti, left, and second runner-up Stephanie Hoople on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
Miss Winnebago County Fair pageant
Miss Winnebago County Fair: Morgan Sommerio
Miss photogenic: Alexa Sorg
Director’s Award: Brylee Knutti
Miss Congeniality: Stephanie Hoople
People’s Choice: Brylee Knutti
Best evening gown: Brylee Knutti
2nd runner-up: Stephanie Hoople
1st runner-up: Brylee Knutti
Jr. Miss Winnebago County Fair pageant
Jr. Miss: Khaleesi Sutherland
Miss photogenic: Cecelia Graves
Director’s Award: Karly Asprooth
Miss Congeniality: Scarlett Milsaps
People’s Choice: Scarlett Milsaps
Evening gown: Cecilia Graves
2nd runner-up: Cecelia Graves
1st runner-up: Hailey Powers
2026 Winnebago County Fair Queen Morgan Sommerio and past queens pose Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, for a photo of past and present queens that is an annual tradition. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
Jr. Miss Winnebago County Fair Khaleesi Sutherland poses for a photo Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, with past Jr. Miss winners and queens at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
2025 Winnebago County Fair Queen Khloe Wiegers brings her parents, Kim and Kevin, on stage for her final walk as queen on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
2025 Jr. Miss Winnebago County Fair Deegan Edwards crowns Khaleesi Sutherland on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
2025 Winnebago County Fair Queen Khloe Wiegers delivers her final speech on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
Khaleesi Sutherland reacts to being named the 2026 Jr. Miss Winnebago County Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
Morgan Sommerio reacts to being named 2026 Winnebago County Fair queen on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
Khaleesi Sutherland reacts to being named the 2026 Jr. Miss Winnebago County Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
Khaleesi Sutherland reacts to being crowned the 2026 Jr. Miss Winnebago County Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds in Pecatonica. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas