CULLMAN, Ala. – Ten school representatives will take the stage Tuesday, Oct. 20, seeking the title of Miss Cullman County Fair 2026 and thousands of dollars in scholarship awards.
The competition will begin at 7 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Theatre at the Cullman County Fairgrounds, located at 1501 Sportsman Lake Road NW.
Unlike the Fair Princess pageants for younger contestants, Miss Cullman County Fair is not open to general registration. The field consists of representatives selected by Cullman County’s eight public high schools, Cullman Christian School and Cullman County homeschool.
Meet the 2026 representatives
The contestants scheduled to represent their respective schools are:
- Lainey Gerstman, Cold Springs High School
- Elizabeth Smith, Cullman High School
- Molly Kilpatrick, Cullman Christian School
- Abby Maples, Cullman County Homeschool
- Cadence Daniel, Fairview High School
- Aby Black, Good Hope High School
- Callie Aker, Hanceville High School
- Samantha Payne, Holly Pond High School
- Jenny Price, Vinemont High School
- Isabella Jones, West Point High School
Maples earned her place in the county competition after winning the inaugural Miss Cullman Homeschool Fair Queen Pageant in May.
During that competition, Maples discussed encouraging athletes to become positive role models on and off the field. She performed “Riptide” while playing the ukulele during the talent portion.
The addition of a homeschool representative brings the 2026 county field to 10 contestants.
More than a crown
Miss Cullman County Fair serves as an ambassador for the fair and the Cullman community. The winner is expected to fulfill appearances and other responsibilities during her reign.
The importance of those duties is reflected in the rules governing the first alternate. If the winner is unable to fulfill her responsibilities, the first alternate will serve in her place.
Jillian Zapka is the reigning Miss Cullman County Fair after winning the 2025 competition.
Previous titleholders have used the position to support causes important to them. After winning the 2024 crown, Cold Springs representative Avery Gerstman promoted teen mental health awareness through her “Shine a Light” initiative.
Gerstman told The Tribune following her victory that the experience was about more than winning.
“I want them to know that it’s not just about the crown. It’s about the experience and the message you portray,” she said.
The Miss Cullman County Fair competition remains one of the signature traditions of the annual fair, which has brought exhibits, agriculture, entertainment and community competition together since 1954.
Competition and judging
The county competition includes a talent portion, with a separate scholarship awarded to the talent winner.
The fair’s published 2026 information does not provide the complete judging categories, scoring percentages or detailed competition requirements.
The 10 representatives will compete on an equal basis for the Miss Cullman County Fair title and its scholarship award.
Miss Cullman County Fair awards
| Placement or award | Prize |
| First place: Miss Cullman County Fair | $3,000 scholarship and diamond pendant from Doug Doggett Jewelers |
| Second place: First alternate | $2,000 scholarship |
| Third place: Second alternate | $1,000 scholarship |
| Talent winner | Wallace State Community College leadership scholarship |
| Miss Congeniality | $200 from the Cullman Lions Branch Club |
The Cullman County Fair Association pays the winner’s $3,000 scholarship directly to the school in which she enrolls. The official information does not state the dollar value or complete terms of the Wallace State leadership scholarship.
Together, the top three placements carry $6,000 in scholarships. The winner will also receive a diamond pendant from Doug Doggett Jewelers of Cullman.
The 2026 Miss Cullman County Fair competition will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the Coca-Cola Theatre. The Cullman County Fair will run Oct. 15-24.
More information about the competition is available at www.cullmanfair.org/fair-queen-pageants.
The fair office can be reached at 256-734-0661 or 256-734-0339 or cullmanfair0@gmail.com.
