There’s a new spark of royalty at the Rock Island County Fair—Bayly Bohnsack of Taylor Ridge has been crowned Junior Miss 2025, and she’s embracing the role with confidence and kindness.
Bayly, part of a well-known fair family, said taking part in the pageant was both exciting and meaningful. “It was fun to do the pageant, and I’m really happy to have won with these girls,” she said. “I’m happy to spend the year with them.”
She admitted that the competition brought some nerves, especially with so many friends also participating. “It was also kind of exciting…to see who was going to win,” she said. “But my friends were definitely happy for me—and they can definitely win in the future, too.”
Preparing for the pageant took plenty of dedication. Bayly spent time rehearsing her speech, practicing on-stage questions, and attending group pageant practices. When asked about the toughest question she faced, she smiled. “They asked me why I chose my dress,” she said with a laugh. “It was kind of hard to answer—but I liked it!”
Now wearing the Junior Miss crown, Bayly Bohnsack will spend the next year representing the Rock Island County Fair with the same grace and heart that earned her the title.