BELVIDERE — A Rockford University freshman who said she wanted to show the littlest pageant contestants that role models can come in all sizes has been named the 2026 Boone County Fair queen.
Isabelle Rose Bahena, an 18-year-old graduate of North Boone High School, earned the crown Tuesday night at the kickoff to the Boone County Fair’s six-day run. She also was voted by her five peers in the pageant as Miss Congeniality, a title for the friendliest and most helpful contestant. This year’s Little Miss is Raelynn Ortgiesen.
Bahena said she was left in disbelief when announced as the winner, and it took her a few moments to process that her name was called…