Ella Barber was crowned 2026 H&H queen

This year’s Hootin an Hollarin queen pageant was held last Thursday night, Sept. 17, 2026, on the Gainesville square with 22 Ozark County contestants ages 14 to 18 entering the competition. 

The girls entertain the crowd with a square dance and then take to the stage one by one where they answer one pre-selected question that they are aware of and have had time to prepare for. They are also asked about a hobby.

A panel of judges, who are not from the area and are unfamiliar with any of the girls, collectively choose the queen and her court. 

This year’s crown was awarded to 17-year-old Ella Sue Barber, daughter of Dr. Amy Parmenter-Barber and J.C. Barber. Ella’s pre-selected question was: What do you treasure most about life here in Ozark County? She answered: “The thing I treasure most about life here is the people. Without the people here I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I truly believe that we have something very special here, and I believe that’s something we should never take for granted. I hope that one day when I go out on my own that I will be someone who my friends and family are proud of.” 

Ella was also asked about her hobbies by emcee Becki Strong and she talked about paddleboarding on area lakes.

Khloe Simmons was named this year’s deputy queen and will step into the queen’s role if Ella is not able to continue the role for some reason. Three princesses were also honored: Cami Strain, Rachyl McGinnis and Zoie Moody. Simmons was also named Miss Sweetie Pie, a title that is voted on in secret by the contestants for the girl who has been the most uplifting and encouraging of the group. 

To qualify as a contestant, girls must be unmarried, between 14 and 18 years old, attend an Ozark County high school or a state approved homeschool program. The judges base their decision on poise, personality and appearance, particularly how their dress depicts the pioneer era that Hootin an Hollarin represents. 

This year’s judges were KY3 News Chief Meteorologist Brandon Beck of Springfield; Ava resident Melissa McGill, who has held the previous title of Miss Rodeo Oregon and has served on the board of Miss Rodeo Missouri Inc.; Rod Hamby, of West Plains, who began the Overland Group real estate group before retiring; Gainesville native Mike Breeding, who owns Mike Breeding State Farm Insurance Agency; and Kristen Speer, General Manager Twin Lakes Radio. 

The 2026 Hootin an Hollarin queen contestants were:

Emma Reardon, 16, daughter of Shawn and Melissa Reardon, sponsored by Molly’s Salon; 

Morgan Rogers, 15, daughter of Robert and Melissa Roger, sponsored by 44 Electric, LLC;

Brookland McGinnis, 15, daughter of Ryan McGinnis and Katelyn Irwin, sponsored by Ozark County Times;

Khloe Simmons, 17, daughter or Richard Simmons and the late Debbie Simmons, sponsored by  Century Bank of the Ozarks;

Aubri Freas, 14, daughter of Dan and Ashley Freas, sponsored by Bakersfield Tire;

Ella Sue Barber, 17, daughter of Dr. Amy Parmenter-Barber and J.C Barber, sponsored by Pontiac Cove Marina; 

Caylee Watkins,  17,  daughter of Brandon and Samantha Watkins, sponsored by Guffey Cafe in Bakersfield;

Nina Sponaugle, 15, daughter of Micheal and Jessie Sponaugle, sponsored by On-Scene Upfitters; 

Cami Strain, 16 daughter of Michael and Holly Strain, sponsored by Michael Strain Custom Concrete; 

Makayla Smith, 17, granddaughter of Huey Smith and the late Arlene Smith; sponsored by Hogan’s Farm; 

Brystal Johnson, 15, daughter of Kristie Ashmead, sponsored by 160 Pit Stop;

Annabell Ruth Snelson, 15, daughter of Dustin and Shanna Snelson, sponsored by Ozark County Times; 

Whitley Tetrick, 16 daughter of Brandon and Wendy Tetrick, sponsored by Adams & Sons Plumbing and Electric; 

Emma Rose Wahmhoff, 17, daughter of Mindy Wahmhoff, sponsored by Brad Foster; 

Bella Wilkerson, 17, daughter of Shari Seehusen, sponsored by Crossroads Dips and Drips.

Zoie Moody, 14, daughter of Matthew and Michelle Moody, sponsored by Karen’s Nails at Molly’s Salon. 

Adrian Smart, 16, daughter of Terry and Leela Smart, sponsored by Pettit Canoe Rental. 

Allison Moseley, 15, daughter of Avery and Julie Moseley, sponsored by Century Bank of the Ozarks; 

Lilly Wolledge, 18, daughter of Cedric and Cindy Wooledge, sponsored by Rocky Top Campground.

Rachyl McGinnis, 17, daughter of Ryan McGinnis and Katelyn Irwin, sponsored by Ozark County Times;

Emmy Mitchell, 16, daughter of David and Denise Stubbs, sponsored by Snake Doctor Farms;

Taylor Frazier, 15, daughter of Dustin Frazier and Samantha Miller, sponsored by MLH & Sons.

See Ozark County Times Facebpook page for an album of photos of all the contestants.