Young royalty takes the stage at Marshall County Fair
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MOUNDSVILLE -- The 2026 Little Miss and Little Mr. Marshall County Fair were crowned Monday on the festival stage as parents and other fairgoers cheered them on.
Morgan Cumpston, son of Tyler and Lexi Cumpston, was crowned Little Mr.
Sophia Wayt, daughter of Rodney and April Wayt, was crowned Little Miss. Both received new bicycles. All children who participated received gift bags for their efforts.
Other Little Miss contestants included Olivia Isaly, daughter of Elisa Blake and Chad Isaly; Maisyn Smith, daughter of Brook and Chad Smith; Novalee Conroy, daughter of Kirk and Breagh Conroy; Tinslee Jo Yoders, daughter of Maryjo and Donnie Yoders; and Jacey Benson, daughter of Brittany and Chaz Benson.
Other Little Mr. contestants included Caleb Morris, son of Morgan McCort and Zach Morris; Parker Spaine, son of Chuck and Kirsten Spaine; Garrett Gunto, son of Cory and Jennifer Gunto; Tritt Tubaugh, son of Cassidy Richmond; and Jensen Rine, son of Aaron and Kerry Rine.
Claudia Callahan, director of the fair's queens pageant, said the Little Miss and Little Mr. contest was open to children ages 4-6. She said each child is called to the front of the stage and asked several questions by emcee Alyssa Henry Huggins.
"With the little ones you never know what they're going to say," she said.
Callahan said the pageants are an important part of the fair because they get children involved throughout the week while also highlighting local sponsors.
This year's Little Miss and Little Mr. contest sponsors were Our Place For Family Hair Care and Foster's Septic and Utility Services.
The pageant winners serve as positive role models and ambassadors for the fair throughout the week.
There is still plenty of entertainment, exhibits and activities taking place at the fair.
Country music star Deana Carter, known for hit songs including "Strawberry Wine," will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday on the main festival stage at the fairgrounds, 1433 12th St., Moundsville. Opening for Carter will be Left of Read at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Daily admission to the fair is $15 or $75 for the week. Admission includes carnival rides and entertainment, including the Deana Carter concert.
Seniors ages 55 and older and veterans will be honored today with free admission from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children's Day is Wednesday and offers free admission for children ages 12 and younger from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Carnival rides by Gambill Amusements are scheduled from 6:30-10:30 p.m. today; 1-4 and 6:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesday; 6:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday; 6:30-10:30 p.m. Friday; and 1-4 and 6:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Noah Royak Stage Show, of "America's Got Talent" fame, is scheduled for 2 and 7 p.m. today; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; 5 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Friday; and 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday.
The Live Stingray Encounter will be available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
STEM activities will be offered at the 4-H and FFA Building from noon to 6 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; 1-6 p.m. Thursday-Friday; and 2-8 p.m. Saturday.
Wednesday's events include the Dairy Goat Show at 9 a.m., Kids 4-H Fun and Games and Tiny Tot Contest at 10 a.m., Kids Pedal Pull Tractor Contest at 11 a.m., Kids Snacks at 12:30 p.m., Goat Dress-Up Contest at 4:30 p.m. and Dirt Bike Barrel Race at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday's events include Pee Wee Hog Showmanship at 1 p.m., Sheep Dress-Up Contest at 2 p.m. and Truck and Tractor Pulls at 7 p.m.
Friday will feature the Open Halter Show at 9 a.m., Pedal Pull Tractors for ages 13 and older at 11 a.m., Livestock Auction at 6 p.m. and Truck and Tractor Pulls at 7 p.m.
Saturday, the final day of the fair, will feature a Pie Eating Contest at noon and Demolition Derby at 4 p.m., in addition to live music concerts beginning at 7 and 9 p.m.
The 2026 theme for the Marshall County Fair is "Red Barns, White Lights and Blue Ribbons."