Thursday kicked off the DeGraff Country Fair.
The Grand Marshal for this year's fair is Dr. Rick Niece. Dr. Niece is a former resident of DeGraff and has written two books about growing up in the village; The Side-Yard Superhero and The Band Plays On. He is currently the University of the Ozarks president in Clarksville, Arkansas.
(Pictured: Dr. Rick Niece signing a book)
Dr. Niece discusses the honor and his inspiration behind the books.
The town has been decorated to remind residents of DeGraff during the time of Dr. Niece's books. Several doors have been decorated and placed around town at the locations of businesses that were thriving during the 50's and 60's. A Hall of History is located in the municipal building. The hall allows residents to look at photos, reflect on the past, and talk with Dr. Niece.
Sue Walls talks about the theme and decorations.
The DeGraff Country Fair royalty was crowned in the Jr. Prince, Princess, and Queen Pageant.
Pageant master of ceremonies Kelly Kauffman speaks about the competition.
The Jr. Prince is Evan Strayer, 5, of DeGraff. Evan is the son of Josh and Ashley Strayer.
The Jr. Princess is Emma Cantrell, 5, of Quincy. Emma is the daughter of Travis and Jennifer Robinson.
The 2012 Jr. Queen is Malaina Jenkins, 9, of Quincy. Malaina is the daughter of Brad and Darcie Jenkins.
(Pictured from left to right: Emma Cantrell, Malaina Jenkins, and Evan Strayer)
Malaina comments on the honor.
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Watch the Jr. Prince and Jr. Princess be named.
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Watch Jenkins be named the 2012 DeGraff Country Fair Jr. Queen.
