Lots of fun for a Monday night...

Little Miss and Mr. Bates County
Emily Roberts and Jayden Chandler

Despite a heat index over 100, folks were determined not to miss the talent show and coronation this evening at the Bates County Fairgrounds.

The title of Little Miss Bates County went to Emily Roberts, daughter of Pamela Roberts of Butler. Little Mr. Bates County honors went to Jayden Chandler, son of Tiffany Chandler and James Coy of Butler.

Directly after the crowning, the talent show, sponsored by Bates County Farm Bureau kicked off with a wide mix of contemporary, gospel and country music. Judges Amanda Norman, Mike Norman, Phil Stump and Mary Coffman had their work cut out for them as they named the winners in each category:

Age 12 and under:
1st - Hannah Arnold
2nd - Christiann Sapp
3rd - Riley Mareth and Taria Schrock

Katie Campell puts forth her best

Age 13 and over:
1st - Erica Diehl
2nd - Tarissa Keating
3rd - Sara Jacobs

Gospel:
1st - Mandy Dunlap
2nd - Zach Craft and Dalton Fischer

First, second and third prizes in each category were $75, $50 and $25 respectively.

Thanks goes to Fred Hunt, Kathy Wood, Gwaine Arney and Larry Burch of the Bates County Farm Bureau office for sponsoring the talent show. Also thanks to emcee Alan Mundey and Mitch Rugg who provided the sound system.

Shade and cool drinks for those determined not to
miss any of the action

Erica Diehl wows the crowd

Hannah Arnold and her rendition of 'If
you've got the money'

Despite the heat, he never lost his sense of humor..
emcee Alan Mundey

Dalton Fischer and Zach Craft round out the Gospel portion of the show

Gathering eggs in search of the hard boiled one at the Bash. Contestants 'tested' for the hard boiled egg
by cracking them on another contestant's head