Who will be crowned 2026 H&H queen?

Twenty two local girls enter this year’s queen pageant

The 2026 Hootin an Hollarin queen pageant will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, on the Gainesville square. The pageant is directed by Becki Strong, Jerri Sue Crawford and Tiffany Pleasant, with plenty of help behind the scenes. Kyle and Kelly Pompei teach the girls to square dance; Mary Kyle handles dress alterations and ironing; and April Luna helps keep things running smoothly on pageant night. Organizers also extend a big thank you to Antler Pizza and Miller’s Kountry Store for providing pizza for the girls during rehearsals, and to Gainesville First Christian Church for providing space for meetings and practices. The candidates are (from left): Back row: Annabell Snelson, Whitley Tetrick, Emma Reardon, Lily Wooledge, Cami Strain, Ella Sue Barber, Caylee Watkins. Middle row: Zoie Moody, Brystal Johnson, Nina Sponaugle, Khloe Simmons, Taylor Frazier, Emmy Mitchell, Allison Moseley, Aubri Freas. Front row: Brook McGinnis, Morgan Rogers, Makayla Smith, Rachyl McGinnis, Bella Wilkerson, Adrian Smart and Emma Wahmhoff.