LEXINGTON – The entire Blueberry Festival was moved out of its comfort zone this year when much of the event was canceled due to flooding.
That theme was echoed on Thursday night during the crowning.
“When you’re out of your comfort zone, just embrace it and take it on with a big smile,” said Lexi Miller, Miss Ohio 2026 and the evening’s master of ceremonies.
Miller shared the advice with contestants during Thursday night’s 2026 Lexington Miss Blueberry crowning, where six girls were named to represent the festival in the coming year.
The pageant, sponsored by the Lexington Kiwanis, brought contestants, families and community members together at Heartland Church. The competition featured 73 girls ranging in age from one to 16.
Elowin McCarty was crowned Baby Miss Blueberry, while Jada Owens received the title of Wee Miss Blueberry. Karina Kirk was named Little Miss Blueberry. Juliet Robles was crowned Junior Miss Blueberry. Claire Davison received the Miss Blueberry title, while Sophia Diehl was named Miss Teen Blueberry.
For the new titleholders, the crowns represented more than just a competition.
“I’m excited to go to events and represent Lexington,” Davison said after being crowned.
The pageant gave contestants an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, meet other contestants and experience what it is like to perform in front of an audience.
For some of the younger contestants, it was also an opportunity to take part in a community tradition alongside their families.
Miller encouraged the girls to enjoy the experience and reminded them that confidence can come from being willing to try something new.
“Just have fun with it,” Miller said.
The pageant continued despite flooding that forced the cancellation of the Lexington Blueberry Festival at Lexington Community Park because of unsafe conditions.
The Miss Berry Sweetheart contest was also held online, with community members able to vote for their favorite contestant through $2 votes. Proceeds benefited the pageants and festival.
