FORT WAYNE, Ind. -  Just as Indiana was proud to see Katie Stam crowned Miss America, Allen County is eagerly awaiting the coronation of their new Queen. On July, 19, 2009 at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Theater in Fort Wayne, 15 young ladies will be vying for the title of Miss Allen County 2009.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and tickets cost $5 each. The winner will reign over the Allen County Fair, July 21-26 and will go on to represent Allen County at the Miss Indiana State Fair pageant in August.

MC duties at the pageant will be provided by Heather Herron of News Channel 15 and entertainment will be provided by Fort Wayne resident and recording artist, Fatima Washington.

The Miss Allen County pageant operates in conjunction with the Allen County Fair and is open to young women 16-21 who live or go to school in Allen County. They will compete in four categories: interview, professional wear, evening wear, and on-stage question. It’s an opportunity for young girls to grow, learn, and make new friends. Through the pageant, contestants learn interview and public speaking skills, poise, and above all how to have confidence in them self.

The new queen will be awarded a $1000 scholarship and she and her court will win prizes such as: Vera Bradley bags, gold and diamond jewelry, gift certificates to area restaurants, massages, modeling scholarships, and more.

The 15 contestants include: Katie Potter, New Haven; Krista Switzer, Roanoke; Julie Burgener, Fort Wayne; Mackenzie Reed, Fort Wayne; Amethyst Sanders, Fort Wayne; Natalie Hicks, Fort Wayne; Meghan Huelsenbeck, Avilla; Melissa King, Churubusco; Nicole Mudrack, Fort Wayne; Amber Traster, Fort Wayne; Naomi Killham, Fort Wayne; Kirsten Fletter, Fort Wayne; Jill Riley, Monroeville; Bethany Emenhiser, Hoagland; and Kirsten Meadow, Fort Wayne.

About Miss Allen County Queen Scholarship Pageant – Miss Allen County has taken place in conjunction with the Allen County Fair since 1982. There have been four past queens from Allen County that have gone on to become Miss Indiana State Fair. Many others have ranked in the top ten and placed in the top five, most recently Michelle Shiriaev-Love whom placed 3rd runner-up.

About the Allen County Fair – The Allen County Fair will be celebrating its 20th year at the Allen County Fairgrounds on July 21-26. The Allen County Fair is a joint venture of the Allen County Fairgrounds and the Allen County 4-H Clubs.