Bates County Fair Princess Candidate
Laney Sue Lynn Kohler is a 5th grader from Merwin, Missouri. She is the daughter of Matt and Amber Kohler and attends Adrian Elementary School, where her favorite subject is math. Laney is an active member of the Next Generation 4-H Club and participates in soccer, basketball, and her school's math contest team. She enjoys showing cattle, swimming, reading, and running the grain cart during harvest. She's no stranger to hard work—she often helps her family on the farm, including operating the skid steer.
Laney’s favorite thing about the Bates County Fair is showing her cattle and watching others show their animals. Her favorite fair memory is dancing and staying up late with friends. She admires her parents for all they’ve taught her, especially about farming and raising animals, and looks up to her mom who is a teacher—just like Laney hopes to be one day. Her favorite motto is "The Best Memories are Made on a Farm."
Laney ran for Princess because she loves the Bates County Fair and wants to help it continue for future generations. A fun fact about Laney is that last year she broke her arm but still showed her cattle—one-handed!
Bates County Fair Queen Candidate
Alexis Bridges is 18 years old and the daughter of Jessica Bridges. She will be entering the 12th grade at Adrian High School this fall. Her favorite subject is history, and she is actively involved in FFA, 4-H, and basketball.
In her spare time, Alexis enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family, and caring for her rabbit.
Bates County Fair Queen Candidate
Miranda Jo Foster is 18 years old and proudly calls Butler, Missouri, her hometown. She is the daughter of Dustin and Misty Foster and a 2024 graduate of Butler High School. While in school, Miranda was an active member of the Butler FFA Chapter, Interact Club, and played softball. She is currently working toward her goal of becoming a preschool teacher.
Miranda’s favorite hobbies include showing livestock—especially her goats and sheep—spending time with family, and hanging out with friends. She loves being part of the Bates County Fair, especially seeing the community come together each year to support local youth through shows and events. She also enjoys volunteering with the Fair Board to help with various activities throughout the week.
Her favorite fair memories include being recognized by many people for her hard work with her livestock, attending the fair dance, and participating in the livestock shows. Miranda looks up to her dad, mom and sister, who have taught her to be strong, kind, and resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
Miranda is running for Fair Queen because she wants to inspire others by stepping outside her comfort zone, trying something new, and speaking in public. She hopes to be a positive role model and share her love for the fair with the community, encouraging others to join in and create their own fair memories.