Missouri Beef Queen Receives 2007 Fair Title

(SEDALIA, Mo.) – Missouri Beef Queen Katie Allen from Marceline was crowned the 2007 Missouri State Fair Queen out of 52 contestants vying for the title Friday, August 10 in the Mathewson Exhibition Center.

Allen is the daughter of Kevin and Brenda Allen from Marceline, Missouri, and is a senior at the University of Missouri majoring in Agriculture Journalism. She is working towards a double minor in Animal Science and Agriculture Economics.

Being crowned queen was “a very pleasant surprise,” Allen said. “I have shown at the state fair for several years. I have shown market lambs and pigs. I am also very involved in the beef industry, and I have shown cattle at the local level as well.”

This was Allen’s first year to compete in the Missouri State Fair Queen Contest. “I plan to get my face out at as many events as I can to promote agriculture, because that is my passion and I think a great part of our state,” Allen said.

Fourth through first runners up were named. Fourth Runner-Up was Susan Maria Bernt, Miss Johnson County; Third Runner-Up was Elli Braungardt, Miss Lincoln County; Second Runner-Up was Kailee Jordan Richey, Miss Shelby County; and First Runner- up was Kari Gai, Miss West Central.

After three rounds of competition including interviews, speech, talent and evening gown several winners were named. Allen won top interview competition and tied with Susan Maria Bernt for top speech. The top talent and top evening gown winner was Sarah Rae Graham, Miss Marion County. Ashley Karle, Miss Moniteau County, was named Miss Congeniality.

The 2007 Missouri State Fair Queen will be reigning over the remaining events at the Fair. There are many exhibits on the fairgrounds, hundreds within air conditioned facilities. To plan a day at the fair, visit the fair website www.mostatefair.com or call (800) 422-FAIR (3247).