2013 Sullivan County 4-H Fair queen contestestants

Nine contestants of the Sullivan County 4-H Fair Queen Contest are meeting with judges privately this afternoon in Sullivan and will go to the stage tonight beginning at 8 p.m. in front of hundreds of people at the Sullivan County fairgrounds to model professional wear and an evening gown, and answer an impromptu question before the judges choose and the emcee announces the 2013 Sullivan County 4-H Fair queen.

I was honored to photograph these wonderful young women at the beautiful Merom bluff overlooking the Wabash River a couple of weeks ago. Storm clouds hung over us and thunder sounded, but we got the session in. This year might be the first time we've been able to have all the contestants together for a photo; so that was very exciting for me.

Pictured above in the first photo front row from left are Kelsey Badger, 18, Jennifer Eble, 18, Mykalia Meng, 18, Alexis Koerner, 17, and Alexandria Morin, 17; and back row from left are Haley Boyll, 17, Kenadi Ader, 17, Alexus Abrams, 17, and Logan Ellett, 18.

The second photo shows the 2012 Sullivan County 4-H Fair Queen Ashlan Peterson in the center with the contestants. Ashlan will be crowning the 2013 queen tonight after giving her farewell speech.

Now I'm off to pack my camera bag and head out shortly to capture them dining with the judges and participating in what will be a memorable night for all. Good luck, girls!