CULLMAN, Ala. – The midway lights were glowing, the smell of funnel cakes drifted through the fairgrounds and inside the Coca-Cola Theater, every seat seemed to hold someone cheering for a daughter, a sister, a classmate or a friend.
Then came the moment the crowd had been waiting for.
Isabella Jones of West Point High School was crowned the crowned 2026 Miss Cullman County Fair’s Teen Tuesday night, earning the crown, the title and a $3,000 scholarship in front of a packed house.
For one night, the fair’s brightest lights weren’t on the Ferris wheel. They were on the stage.
The best of Cullman County
The pageant, traditional known as the Cullman County Fair Queen Pageant, brings together representatives from each of the eight public high schools in Cullman County, along with Cullman Christian School and Cullman County Home School, all competing on an equal footing for the crown and its scholarship. It is a preliminary for the Miss Alabama’s Teen Pageant.
This year’s representatives were:
- Lainey Gerstman, Cold Springs
- Elizabeth Smith, Cullman
- Molly Kilpatrick, Cullman Christian
- Abby Maples, Cullman County Home School
- Cadence Daniel, Fairview
- Aby Black, Good Hope
- Callie Aker, Hanceville
- Samantha Payne, Holly Pond
- Jenny Price, Vinemont
- Isabella Jones, West Point
Each young woman took the stage carrying the pride of her school and her community, and the crowd made sure every one of them felt it.
Honors of the night
Aby Black of Good Hope High School was named first runner-up and received a $2,000 scholarship. Lainey Gerstman of Cold Springs High School was named second runner-up and received a $1,000 scholarship.
Jenny Price of Vinemont High School was named Miss Congeniality, which includes a $200 award from the Cullman Lions Branch Club. Samantha Payne of Holly Pond High School won the talent competition, which comes with a leadership scholarship from Wallace State Community College.
Jones’ scholarship, presented by the Cullman County Fair Association, will be paid to the school she chooses to attend. She also received a diamond pendant from Doug Doggett Jewelers of Cullman.
A West Point tradition
Jones’ win adds another sparkle to West Point’s recent history at the pageant. Fellow Warriors Ashley Mann and Heidi Armstrong were crowned in 2020 and 2022.
Now, it’s Jones’ turn to wear the crown and represent not just West Point, but all of Cullman County, throughout the coming year.
More than a crown
The pageant has long been one of the most anticipated nights of the Cullman County Fair, a celebration of scholarship, talent, poise and the kind of young leaders who make the county proud. For the families in the seats, it’s a night to cheer. For the young women on stage, it’s a night they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
Congratulations to Isabella Jones and to every contestant who took the stage. Cullman County is proud of you.
Learn more
For Cullman County Fair schedules, pageant information and more, visit www.cullmanfair.org or call the Cullman County Fair Association at 256-734-0661.
