DECATUR - 'Aloha' was a fitting theme for this year's Decatur-Macon County Fair Queen pageant as the crowd said goodbye to one queen and hello to a new queen.

Mackenzie Knop, the 2008 queen, received her crown from Emily Beck, the 2007 queen. First runner-up was Bailey Campbell, 17, of Argenta, and second runner-up was Jennifer Garrett, 19, of Mount Zion.

The pageant began with the contestants introducing themselves to the crowd wearing the identical lime green T-shirts and their own jean shorts and flip flops.

The first competition for the contestants was the speech contest, in which the contestants wore business suits. Communication award winner Ashley Elvers, 20, of Pana, wore a black suit while telling why she chose to go into the medical field.

"When my grandpa had a heart attack, I played a very big role in getting him the help he needed," Elvers said.

The contests changed their outfits for the physical fitness competition, which was showcased by wearing swimsuits. Fitness physique winner Melissa Rodgers, 18, of Mount Zion, chose a white halter-neck suit to wear on stage.

The last wardrobe change, into evening gowns, was made right before the new queen was announced.

New queen Knop, 18, of Forsyth, walked across the stage in a glittery blue, strapless gown. This was her first year competing in the pageant. Besides the title, Knop also won best interview and most photogenic.

"I've enjoyed meeting all the girls and getting to know them," Knop said.

Knop's first duty as a queen will be to hand out prizes during events at the Decatur-Macon County Fair.

The fair continues today with the carnival and several wildlife shows. The carnival opens at 4:40 p.m., running until the fair closes. The African elephant show begins at 5 p.m., Bwana Jim's Wildlife Show begins at 5:45 p.m. and the tiger encounter starts at 6:30 p.m.

Kristy Mellendorf can be reached at 421-6977 or kmellendorf@herald-review.com.