Allen reflects on state pageant

Gracyn Allen has been the Champaign County Fair Queen for almost eight months.

Her 2019 has included everything from competing in the state pageant as well as reading to St. Joseph Grade School students.

The state pageant was held in January in Springfield.

Even though Allen was not named the 2019 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen, she said she enjoyed the experience. The best part for Allen was meeting all of the other contestants.

“All 71 of us were together all day for four days straight,” Allen said. “So it was easy to make great friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Allen, who has attended many parades, festivals and other community events since being crowned in July, said competing in pageants has helped her overcome her fear of public speaking.

“I was so nervous to get in front of so many people and give my speech,” she said. “So that was really challenging at first.”

Allen said once she recited her speech she was more comfortable with speaking in front of the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen crowd.

“I never could have pictured myself on the state pageant stage a year ago, but now with this experience, I feel so much more confident with myself,” she said.

Allen said the most challenging part of the pageant, besides the public speaking, was waking up at 5 a.m. to get her hair and makeup done and not returning to the hotel until 11 p.m. that night after walking in heels all day.

“It was the most tiring four days of my life,” Allen said. “But it was such a great and fun experience.”

Gracyn’s mother, Tami, agreed that the weekend was a whirlwind.

The pageant lasted four days. Every day started with a 5 a.m. wake up, 5:30 a.m. hair appointment then make up. This was followed by pageant practice, which lasted until 11 p.m.

“Gracyn is not your typical pageant girl so she had to step way out of her comfort zone to compete in the County Pageant,” Tami said.

Tami said seeing her daughter compete at the state level was an incredible experience.

“It was amazing to see her shine on stage, and to hold up under the pressure of two nights on stage in a swimsuit, evening gown, business suit, giving a speech and to dance in a production number,” Tami said. “She did amazing. I think she exceeded her expectations.”