Ellisyn Kelsey Cripps is the 2021 DeKalb County Fairest of the Fair

July 12, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

18 year old Ellisyn Kelsey Cripps is the 2021 DeKalb County Fairest of the Fair.

Cripps, daughter of Troy and Jamie Cripps of Smithville, won the crown Monday evening during the annual pageant held on opening night of the DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria. She was also named Miss Congeniality and Most Photogenic.

Cripps succeeds the 2019 Fairest of the Fair, Destiny Danielle Franklin, the 22 year old daughter of Jennifer and Charlie Ware of Smithville. There was no Fairest of the Fair pageant last year due to COVID-19.

Cripps will represent the DeKalb County Fair in the state pageant.

First runner-up in the Fairest of the Fair event was Alexis Grace Atnip, the 18 year old daughter of Veronica and Gary Johnson of Smithville.

Second runner-up: Mackenzie Leigh Sprague, 17 year old daughter of Wanda Sprague of Smithville.

Third runner-up: Caitlin Alisabeth Milligan, 19 year old daughter of Josh and Cyndi Milligan of Smithville

July 12, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The 2021 Junior Fair Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is Keara McKinsey Milligan of Smithville.

Milligan , 14 year old daughter of Josh and Cyndi Milligan, was among nine young ladies ages 13-16 who competed for the crown on the opening night of the DeKalb County Fair Monday.

She succeeds the 2019 Junior Fair Princess, Addison Jean Puckett, 17 year old daughter of Jimmy and Anita Puckett of Smithville. There was no Junior Fair Princess Pageant last year due to COVID-19.

The first runner-up was Allyson Roxanne Fuller, 15 year old daughter of Anthony and Amanda Fuller of Smithville.

Second runner-up was Kailey Evangaline Herron, 16 year old daughter of Krista Mullican and Greg Herron of Smithville.

Chloe Faith Lawson was third runner-up. She is the 15 year old daughter of Victoria Poteet and Adam Denny of Smithville. Lawson was also named Miss Congeniality.

The fourth runner-up was Katie Madison Linder, 13 year old daughter of Joshua and Emily Linder of Smithville.

The title of Most Photogenic went to Elizabeth Harlee Rae Stanley, 16 year old daughter of Chris and Dana Stanley of Liberty.

Other contestants were Eden Garner, 14 year old daughter of Debbie Garner of Smithville; Addison Renae Hale, 14 year old daughter of Cayla Mahaney and Chris Hale of Smithville; and Kyleigh Breanne Hill, 16 year old daughter of David and Colleen Clary of Smithville and the late Kyle Hill.

July 12, 2021
By:

The Jimmy Church Band took ALL to “soul church” during their super-tight Saturday night headliner performance at Bert Driver’s Burlap Room.

One of the world’s leading dance and show groups, Jimmy Church is a 10-piece, high energy band consisting of rhythm and horn sections, dazzling choreography, and the titillating voices of Cinnamon and Spice.

“Jumpin’ Jordan Morack and the Mighty Beans”, a group of jazz musicians (some from MTSU), led by Jordan Morack, took the Burlappers to the point of “We want more music”, which was the exact goal of an opening act. Young, vibrant, and funky, it was exciting to see these talented players already getting head starts on honing their live performance skills on our Redbud Stage,” said Bert Driver

Even the seasoned veterans from the Jimmy Church Band were impressed with the “young’uns’” chops and performances.

And now back to Mr. Jimmy Church and his top-notch entourage. “It’s amazing that this world-traveler is still performing (at his age of 82 years young), having been playing professionally now for almost (65) years. He has one of the most professional, high class musical acts I have ever seen…and it’s been that way for over fifty years,” said Driver!

Saturday night was no exception as Jimmy, along with his squeaky-tight horn section, featured singers Cinnamon and Spice, (Their smokin’ rendition of Proud Mary would have made Ms. Tina proud!)

Mr. Jimmy and the band had a wonderfully diverse bunch o’ Burlappers up and dancin like crazy to songs from Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and the complete Motown playbook to Eric Clapton, Journey and Bruno Mars!

“After playing just about every fraternity house at all major colleges, after being invited by the royal family to play a special reception in England, (hobnobbing with Prince Harry, etc.), after being voted the “#1 Wedding Band in America” by Vogue magazine, the Jimmy Church Band “brought it on home” to the Burlappers in Smithville. It was a magical, unforgettable evening for all in attendance and indeed a fitting homage to some of the best music and performers God ever sent us to help us deal with all the crazy stuff. Rock on, Mr. Jimmy Church,” said Driver

“Hey, Burlappers and wannabe Burlappers. Sign up for our email newsletter/calendar on all our social media channels or visit bertdriver.com for more info,” Driver continued.

Jordan Morack and his jazz group, featuring the vocal stylings of Kileah Wooten will be back on Thursday, July 22 for the 6th edition of Burlap Willow Cigar Night- check Bertdriver.com.