ONEIDA | Ava Claire Byrd was crowned Miss Scott County Fairest of the Fair at the 100th Scott County Fair Saturday evening.
Ava Claire, a senior at Oneida High School, is the daughter of Amanda and Daniel West, and Casey Byrd. She was crowned from a field of 14 contestants that the judges first trimmed to nine finalists before making their final decision.
First runner-up was Lauren Taylor Reynolds, daughter of Brandon and Jennifer Reynolds and a senior at Scott High School. Second runner-up was Briley Duncan, daughter of Darren and Kristin Duncan and a 2026 graduate of Oneida High School.
Prior to making their winning selections, the judges announced a top eight — which wound up being a top nine after it was realized that Lauren Reynolds had been accidentally omitted from the group. Among the finalists were Raelynne Blevins, Shayleigh Gray, Sierra Johnson, Jaeda Newport, Miracle Silcox, and Emmerson Swenson.
In addition to being named the pageant’s winner, Ava Claire Byrd was also named the photogenic winner, chosen by the judges before the start of the pageant based on photos submitted by each contestant, and Miss Congeniality, an award chosen by her peers in the pageant.
Sierra Johnson, daughter of Daniel and Kenya Lorang and the late Phillip Johnson, was named the fan favorite, based on the audience’s monetary donations.
Emmerson Swenson was named by the judges as the best interview winner. She is the daughter of Stephanie Swenson.
The complete list of 2026 Scott County Fairest of the Fair winners:
Miss Scott County: Ava Claire Byrd
Miss Teen: Seleia Anderson
Miss Pre-Teen: Karsyn Billingsley
Little Miss: Blakelynn Stephens
Little Miss Jr.: Chandler Lambert
Little Miss Tiny Tot: Laeleigh Spradlin
Little Miss Tiny Tot Jr.: Graylee Marlow
Little Miss Petite: Laynie Terry
Miss Sunshine: Rebekah West
Little Miss Sunshine: Amiri Harmon
