2025 Miss Clinton County Amanda Brink reflects on an unforgettable year as fair queen

2025 Clinton County Fair Queen Amanda Brink    With the Clinton County Fair Queen Pageant just days away, 2025 Miss Clinton County Fair Queen Amanda Brink is making the most of her final week wearing the crown.
    Brink has spent the past week taking part in many of the fair’s signature events, including Monday night’s Clinton County Fair Parade and the annual “Who’s the Fairest 5K Run/Walk,” while enjoying one last opportunity to represent the fair before crowning her successor.
    “Fair season has always been my favorite time of the year, but celebrating this incredible milestone alongside America’s 250th semiquincentennial birthday makes this summer truly unforgettable,” Brink said.
    Brink said the first time she knew she wanted to run for Clinton County Fair Queen was when she was 11-years-old and her cousin Kaylee Hempen was entering the pageant for the first time. 
    “The following year she won and I remember following her through her year and being so fascinated with everything,” Brink said. “Every year after, I kept up with the Queen, watching all of the posts and seeing her travel to different events and always hoped that I could do it too.”
    Brink’s journey with the pageant began when she first competed in 2023. Now, as she prepares to pass the crown to the next queen, she said the experience has strengthened her connection to both the community and the fair.
    “This past year has fulfilled me in ways I could have never imagined, and it is all thanks to the overwhelming support of Clinton County,” she said, adding that this past year has been a whirlwind, and has been more fulfilling than she ever could have imagined.
    During her reign, Brink attended more than 30 events throughout the county, giving her the opportunity to meet residents and represent the fair across nearly every corner of Clinton County.
    Among her favorite memories were representing Clinton County on County Fair Day at the Illinois State Fair, performing the ceremonial coin toss before the Tomahawk Rivalry football game between Carlyle and Wesclin, visiting with children during “Cookies with the Queen” at the library, earning the Stage Presence Award at the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant in January, and, of course, being in the Clinton County Fair parade one last time.
    Brink expressed appreciation for the volunteers who make the Clinton County Fair possible each year.
    “Our fair simply would not be what it is each year without the incredible people working behind the scenes,” she said. “Our dedicated fair board members and hardworking crew work tirelessly, pouring endless hours of effort and heart into making our county fair one of the absolute best in the state. They deserve so much gratitude from all of us for their constant contributions. I am deeply thankful to the entire ‘Fair Family’ for making this past year so special, and I am so excited to spend my final week celebrating alongside the 2026 contestants.”
    She said the encouragement she received from the community made her year especially meaningful.
    “I am beyond blessed to be the 2025 Miss Clinton County Fair Queen, and there will never be enough words to express my gratitude to this community,” Brink said.
    Although she said the year passed much faster than she expected, Brink said it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
    She said she will always be grateful for the opportunities the program gave her to serve Clinton County.
    “As much as I wish I could keep my crown and do it all over again, I am thrilled to see who our next queen will be and all of the amazing things she will accomplish,” Brink said.
    Brink said after her reign, she hopes to stay on the pageant crew and continue to help with the girls and the program. 
    “I will go back to college in the fall at Lindenwood University,” she said. “I am a junior and I am pursuing a major in marketing, minor in management, and an emphasis in digital marketing.”
    Queen Amanda’s advice to the new queen? 
    “My advice for the new queen is to do it all,” she said. “Take every picture, embrace every opportunity big or small, and just have so much fun. The year truly flies by faster than you could ever imagined.”
    The 2026 Miss Clinton County Fair Queen will be crowned this Saturday, July 18, during the Clinton County Fair Queen Pageant at Kaskaskia College.
    Eleven contestants will compete for the title — Drew Drummond of Keyesport, April Wil-ken of Germantown, Carissa Litteken of Aviston, Daisy Brammeier of Carlyle, Isabelle Gilomen of Damiansville, Makenna Reckling of Carlyle, Jacie Persing of Carlyle, Karleigh Twitchell of Carlyle, Samantha Heinzmann of Carlyle, Makenna Budde of Damiansville and Kylie Detmer of Aviston.
    In addition, 21 Little Miss contestants will take part in the annual Little Miss Pageant.
    The pageant begins at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-11, and free for children under 6.
    By the end of the afternoon, Brink’s memorable reign will come to a close as she places the crown on the next young woman selected to represent the Clinton County Fair and community for the coming year.