VEEDERSBURG — A field of five contestants is seeking the title of Miss Fountain County 2026. The competition will take place at 7:30 p.m. July 11 in the Paris Livestock Arena at the Fountain County 4-H Fairgrounds, 476 W. U.S. 136, Veedersburg. Reigning queen Josephine Harshbarger will crown her successor.
There is no admission fee. However, those wanting to vote for the People’s Choice award are encouraged to bring cash. Contestant containers will be placed near the stage.
The county fair will take place July 10-16.
This year’s contestants are:
• Jalyn Allen, 18, of Covington. She is the daughter of Nikki Allen. She is a recent graduate of Covington High School and will attend Purdue University this fall where she intends to study genetics and livestock in her pursuit to become a livestock embryologist.
While in high school, she participated in student council, National Honor Society, student government, FFA, volleyball, swim, tennis and Letterman’s Club. She is a 10-year 4-H member. Her projects have included vet science, goats, photography, foods and various others.
• Katelyn Callahan, 20, of Covington. She is the daughter of Scott and Sharilynn Callahan. She graduated from Westville (Illinois) High School in 2024 and will be a junior at Purdue University this fall where she is studying animal sciences with a concentration in production and industry and a minor in forensic science. After earning her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school for animal sciences or meat science. She currently works at Prime Cut 41 in Veedersburg and at the Boilermaker Butcher Block in West Lafayette.
At Purdue she is involved in the Purdue University Dance Marathon Productions team; is a mentor for first generation students in the college of agriculture; is a member of the Purdue Collegiate Catttlemen’s Association and the Indiana Cattlemen’s Beef Association; and is a member of Phi Mu sorority.
While in high school she participated in varsity golf, basketball, volleyball, concert, jazz and pep bands, color guard, student council, National Honor Society and Spanish Club.
• Allison Dotson, 18, of Attica. She is the daughter of Dave and Kim Dotson. She is a recent graduate of Fountain Central High School and will attend Purdue University this fall to study agribusiness.
While in high school she participated in varsity swimming, tennis, track and FFA.
• Kendall Shumaker, 18, of Covington. She is the daughter of Ken and Valli Shumaker. She graduated from Covington High School and will attend South Dakota State University this fall to study wildlife and fisheries sciences and minoring in agribusiness marketing. After graduating she is hoping to pursue a career in private land and water management.
While in high school she participated in varsity tennis and golf, FFA, Art Club, French Club and National Honor Society. She also is a 10-year 4-H member. Her projects have included goats, pigs, rabbits and Junior Leaders.
• Claire Smith, 19, of Attica. She is the daughter of Amanda Eberly and Matthew Smith. She graduated from Fountain Central High School in 2025 and will be a sophomore at Ivy Tech Community College pursuing an entrepreneurial degree. Her career goal is to open a bakery for pets and people. She currently works at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville as an activities associate and a CNA.
While in high school she participated in varsity softball; was a football team manager; and competed in archery. She was a 10-year 4-H member. Her projects included showing beef cattle and Junior Leaders.
