In Sangamon County, Illinois, an Effingham County native has taken the crown as the 68th Miss Illinois County Fair Queen.

Krista Phillips, aged 21, emerged victorious among 75 competitors and will serve as the ambassador for the 2026 Illinois State Fair and the DuQuoin State Fair. Phillips is on track to graduate in May from the University of Illinois-Champaign with a degree in business management and marketing. After completing her studies, she intends to return to the Effingham area and start her own business.