Chelsea Reardon was crowned Miss HerrinFesta Italiana Monday night at HerrinFesta Italiana. Reardon, the daughter of Larry and Becky Reardon of Murphysboro was awarded a $3,000 scholarship and a trophy, courtesy of Egypt Trophy.
Seventeen contestants competed for the crown. 1st Runner-Up was Paige Higgerson of Cutler, she will receive an $800 scholarship and a trophy. 2nd Runner-Up was Monet Stunson of Glen Carbon, she will receive a $600 scholarship and a trophy. 3rd Runner-Up was Kayla Breanne Barkau of Okawville, she will receive a $400 scholarship and a trophy. 4th Runner-Up was Brittni Dunning of Carterville, she will receive a $200 scholarship and a trophy.
New for 2009, Chelsea Reardon was also awarded the “most photogenic” award. This category was juged by an 8×10 photograph presented to the judges prior to the competition.
Steve Falat of River Radio returned to serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Judges for 2009 were Eva Brasher, Jim Wright, Chesney Hagel, David Hesterberg, Larry Hunter, and Lisa Lukens.
The Miss HerrinFesta Scholarship Pageant is underwritten by Johnson Huges Funeral Home in partnership with Rubright Spinal Rehabilitation, Family Drugs in Carterville, and Logan Primary Pharmacy in Herrin.
HerrinFesta would like to thank everyone who participated in the pageant and Melissa Drew, pageant director.