PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Rain and mud were no match for tradition Monday night at the Neshoba County Fairgrounds.
Under the bright lights of the Grandstand, Contestant Number 5, Annie Kate White, was crowned the 2026 Miss Neshoba County Fair on June 22.
A crowd of devoted fairgoers gathered to watch nine young women compete for the coveted title. This year’s contestants represented a cross-section of Neshoba County’s young women, ranging in age from 16 to 19:
Contestant #1 — Laney Griffis, 16, is the daughter of Wright and Leslie Griffis. She is a member of Trinity Baptist Church and will be a junior at Neshoba Central High School.
Contestant #2 — Sadee Sanders, 17, is the daughter of Zach and Windee Sanders. She is a member of Trinity Baptist Church and will be a senior at Neshoba Central High School.
Contestant #3 — LaCee Bishop, 19, is the daughter of Shayne and Suzanne Bishop. She is a member of Antioch Baptist Church and will be a sophomore at Mississippi University for Women.
Contestant #4 — Gracey Dertinger, 19, is the daughter of Joe Dertinger, Melanie Dertinger, and Ricky Stevens. She is a member of the Sanctuary of Philadelphia and will be a sophomore at East Mississippi Community College.
Contestant #5 — Annie Kate White, 18, is the daughter of William and Leigh Ann White. She is a member of First Methodist Church and will be a freshman at Mississippi State University.
Contestant #6 — Kyndall Lee, 18, is the daughter of Richard and Robbyn Lee. She is a member of First Baptist Church and will be a freshman at East Central Community College.
Contestant #7 — BreeAnna Winstead, 18, is the daughter of Shan and Rana Winstead. She is a member of Trinity Baptist Church and will be a freshman at Mississippi State University.
Contestant #8 — Sadie Walley, 18, is the daughter of Justin and Laura Walley. She is a member of Sandtown Church and will be a sophomore at East Mississippi Community College.
Contestant #9 — Sarah Renee Richardson, 19, is the daughter of Michelle Richardson and Duane Richardson. She is a member of Crossview Church in Collinsville and will be a junior at the University of Alabama.
Before the new winner was named, awards were presented to recognize the outstanding young women among this year’s field. Gracey Dertinger earned Miss Congeniality, voted on by contestants. Laney Griffis earned the Fair Wear award, and Sadie Walley took home the Photogenic Award. Annie Kate White earned the Interview Award. Kyndall Lee was named Second Alternate and Laney Griffis was named First Alternate.
Then, with the Grandstand crowd watching, outgoing Miss Neshoba County Fair 2025 Ashton Luke stepped forward to place the crown on Annie Kate White, the Miss Neshoba County Fair 2026.
For Luke, the moment was bittersweet after a year she described as deeply meaningful.
“This past year has been such a wonderful, rewarding experience,” Luke said. “There are so many things in Neshoba County that I didn’t even know existed, and just being able to be exposed to all the wonderful things and people that this area has to offer. I am so thankful.”
Luke offered her successor a parting word of wisdom before stepping aside.
“My advice for Annie Kate is to remember this opportunity is more than yourself,” she said. “You are serving a county that is so special. You are representing a place that holds so much heritage and tradition, and just never forget that. Even when you don’t have the crown on, just carry yourself well, with poise. It is your character that will outlast this title.”
White, who also took home the Interview Award earlier in the evening, said she is eager to follow in Luke’s footsteps.
“I am so excited, and I hope that I can represent this community as well as Ashton has over the last year,” White said. “I am the most excited to experience all that Neshoba County and our surrounding area has to offer, be present and a part of this experience.”
Annie Kate White will carry the Miss Neshoba County Fair title throughout the coming year, representing the county at events and appearances across the region.