Annie Kate White crowned 2026 Miss Neshoba County Fair

PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (WTOK) - Annie Kate White was crowned the 2026 Miss Neshoba County Fair on Monday, June 22, at the Neshoba County Fairgrounds.

White, Contestant No. 5, was crowned under the Grandstand by outgoing Miss Neshoba County Fair Ashton Luke. White will represent Neshoba County throughout the coming year.

Tim Moore served as emcee for the evening, with entertainment provided by Terry Powell. Pages for the pageant were Ivy Kait Copeland, Charlee Darby, Sawyer Sanderfoot, Rorie Thomas and Brantley Winstead.

Nine contestants, ages 16 to 19, competed for the title.

Contestants and awards

The contestants were Laney Griffis, 16; Sadee Sanders, 17; LaCee Bishop, 19; Gracey Dertinger, 19; Annie Kate White, 18; Kyndall Lee, 18; BreeAnna Winstead, 18; Sadie Walley, 18; and Sarah Renee Richardson, 19.

Gracey Dertinger earned Miss Congeniality, which was voted on by the contestants. Laney Griffis earned the Fair Wear Award, Sadie Walley received the Photogenic Award and White earned the Interview Award.

Kyndall Lee was named second alternate, and Laney Griffis was named first alternate.

Winner and outgoing titleholder

Luke said her year as Miss Neshoba County Fair was 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 said White should remember the role is larger than one person.

“My advice for Annie Kate is to remember this opportunity is more than yourself,” Luke 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 said she is eager to represent the community.

“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.”

White will carry the Miss Neshoba County Fair title throughout the coming year, representing the county at events and appearances across the region.

Information and photos courtesy of Queen City Newsfeed

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