A festive Friday in Scott City

Organizers estimated more than 400 people turned out for the first night of rides, games and food at the Scott City Mid-Summer Festival.

An afternoon of beauty pageants concluded with the Miss Summer Teen contest. Lindsey Ressel, 16, was crowned the 2008 queen, beating out five other contestants. Myriah Miller, 15, was first runner-up and Tori Hosey, 15, was second runner-up.

Contestants were judged on qualities including personality, appearance and the answer to a randomly selected question. Most answers were short and to the point.

"My favorite movie star is Matthew McConaughey because he's hot. Thank you," said contestant Jordan McFall to laughs and applause.

The festival, in its 32nd year, is put on by Scott City Parks and Recreation. The park board has spent a year planning the event, board president Ron Pratt said. The board will begin planning for the 2009 festival next month. Pratt said the carnival rides have to be reserved well in advance.

Visitors can pay for tickets to about five carnival rides and an inflatable castle. Ring toss and dart games are available, and the Scott City Women's Club is sponsoring a tent for children.

A number of food vendors are also set up in the park, serving everything from funnel cake to kettle corn to hamburgers.

In the night's other pageants, Myriah Bernard, 13, was crowned Junior Miss Summer Teen, the contest for girls ages 12 to 14. Lindsey Hosey was first runner-up, and Emily Arnold was second runner-up. Bernard attends Scott City Middle School and wants to eventually enroll in Harvard Medical School.

Taylor Strange won the Little Junior Miss pageant for girls 8 to 11. Abby Holder was the first runner-up, and Alexis Jenkins was the second runner-up.

In the baby contest, nine parents brought their daughters on stage in front of the judges. Some danced, some smiled. One fell asleep before the judges finished tallying their scores. Evelyn "Evey" Smith won first place. Parents Holly Lynn and Jesse Smith described their daughter as a "very happy child."

"I didn't necessarily put her in it to win," Holly said.

Competitors were judged by Saundra Blankenship, Julie Hendershott, Dawn Williams and Danae Davis.

The festival continues today with a parade from Bob's Foodliner to the park. Lineup is at 2:30 p.m., with the parade beginning at 3:30 p.m. Junior and senior talent contests will follow, beginning at 5 p.m. A washer contest will also be held, and the band Manitou will perform at 8 p.m. A fireworks show caps off the evening events at 10 p.m.

bschraum@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 210

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Scott City baby contest

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