The 2026 Hancock County Fair Queen pageants are the traditional kickoff of the Hancock County Fair in Augusta, Illinois each year. The pageants were held on Wednesday, July 22 this year and history continues to be made, it seems like, every year.
Sierra Lucie accomplished her goal of being the only girl known to ever win all three pageants at the Hancock County Fair. She was named Little Miss Hancock County in 2013, and followed that up by winning the Junior Miss Hancock County crown in 2019.
In 2026, on her third try at being crowned Hancock County Fair queen, she took the title to secure her place in Hancock County Fair Queen history. Lucie was the second runner up in 2024 and 2025.
Sierra, 21, is the daughter of Chuck and Tammy Lucie of Basco, Illinois.
“I was very happy to hear my name called and cannot be more grateful to the judges for giving me this opportunity,” she said after being crowned. “I’m so excited and can’t wait to start the year off strong and make such an impact with everyone that I meet.”
Lucie indicated she had worked on her public speaking since last year.
“I’m involved in a lot of different organizations where I’m forced to step outside of my comfort zone and talk to people and be a leader,” she explained. “So I think that definitely helped bring my confidence to the stage and during my judge’s interview. I looking forward to promoting the fair and the importance of agriculture.”
First runner-up was Myley Jo Allison, 18, daughter of Jennifer Derry of Plymouth, Illinois.
Allison was also picked as the people’s choice award winner that was voted for by the fans in attendance, and as Miss Congeniality by her other queen contestants.
The 2026 Junior Miss Hancock County Queen is Adley Marie Rose, 13, daughter of Jonathan and Rena Rose of rural Burnside, Illinois.
“I was surprised when I heard my name as Junior Miss and was really excited when I went to the center of the stage and got my crown. I am excited for this fair week and to get to know my other queens. Finishing as runner-up last year was motivation to come back and do the pageant again.”
The 2026 Junior Miss Hancock County people’s choice winner was Danni Billingsley, 13, daughter of Brian and Jennifer Billingsley of rural Huntsville, Illinois.
The 2026 Little Miss Hancock County Queen is Hadley Ann Phillips, 8, daughter of Mitch and Lindsay Phillips of Augusta, Illinois. Miss Phillips had this to say after the pageant: “I was shocked to hear my name and I cried when my name was announced.” Being happy and joyful on stage is what she said put her over the top. “I’ve always wanted sisters and I will have so much fun with them,” she added.
In the Little Miss competition, the people’s choice winner was Landry Rauch, 7, daughter of Jordan and Shelby Rauch of rural Loraine, Illinois. Rauch was also named the first runner-up.
2025 Little Miss Charlee Kerker is excited to play travel softball and wants to compete for the Junior Miss and Queen title in the coming years. Her advice to this year’s Little Miss is always smile and make sure your crown is where it needs to be.
“It really has been quite a year as Little Miss,” Kerker said. “Hanging around with Addalynne and Miranda, I count them as my big sisters now.”
(Writer’s note: The confidence Kerker had compared to last year doing the interview was like night and day. She gained a lot of confidence being a year older and being around the other queens at parades and events.)
It’s bittersweet for 2025 Queen Miranda Klingler to see her year end.
“This past year has been amazing. I got share it with Charlee, my Little Miss, and we shared and made a lot of great memories together,” Klingler observed. “It was a full circle of emotion for me. I was the 2014 Little Miss and being the 2025 Miss has really meant a lot. Especially since Vickie and Taylor Hardy have been around me and by my side this entire year.”
Her advice to this year’s queen is to soak it all in.
“It goes by so fast,” she noted. “It will pass you by before you know it. Give it all you’ve got, go make those memories and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Klingler is headed back to Iowa State and will graduate in 2027 with her bachelor’s degree in animal science and a certificate in beef production management.
For 2025 Junior Miss Addalynne Lawrence, the year has been full of opportunities.
“This past year has been extraordinary,” she said. “I met Charlee and Miranda last year around this time. They inspire me to be a better person. Both have outgoing and sassy personalities, they are funny and fun to be around. I loved to spend with time them at the fair and everything that we have done.
“The advice I have for Adley is take every opportunity this pageant gives you and get close with her queen sisters and seize every moment.”