McHenry woman wins county fair pageant

The new Miss McHenry County wants to become a special-education teacher and believes in county fairs as a way to educate others about agriculture.

“My platform is supporting children with special needs,” 20-year-old Jordyn Butler said Wednesday night, just after winning her title at the McHenry County Fair in Woodstock. “I have always worked with kids in my life, from child care to after school (programs), and I have always been drawn to children with special needs.”

Butler, of McHenry, will be attending Northern Illinois University in the fall to study special education.

Pageant director Linda Zielinski said Butler will act as McHenry County’s ambassador for agriculture.

“Honest, sincere and intelligent. That’s always what we look for,” Zielinksi said.

The 17 contestants may have all vied for the same crown, but really, pageants are a chance to make friends like any other, said contestant Greta Bowser, 19, of Huntley. “Everybody still wants to hang out afterwards,” Bowser said.

About 300 people in the audience cheered and hollered as their favorites took the stage, including Valerie Watkins, of Woodstock, and her 17-year-old daughter Chelsea, who have come to the pageant every year since Chelsea was about five.

“It’s the thing to do on (the fair’s) opening day,” Watkins said.

Knowing one of the contestants made it all the more interesting, Chelsea said. “It’s really fun to cheer her on.”

Spectator Kimberly Woods, of Crystal Lake, said she wished the pageant included a talent competition.

“It would be nice, because it’s so amusing to watch,” she said.

Pageant judge Alice Brownlee said contestants’ speaking ability is considered the talent portion of the McHenry County Fair pageant. The contestants are judged on a point system, with 35 points for the interview, 25 points for speech, and 20 points each for swimsuit and stage presence, Brownlee said.

Butler won a $2,000 scholarship and multiple gift certificates from local businesses. First runner-up Kogan Murphy, 17, of Crystal Lake, and second runner-up Irina Tuluca, 17, of Lake in the Hills, got scholarships for $750 and $250, respectively.

The McHenry County Fair continues through Sunday in Woodstock.