Taylor Simpson has spent a considerable portion of her young life around the Brown County Fairgrounds, competing at the Brown County Youth Fair from an early age, which made Saturday’s coronation as 2024 Queen all the more special for the Early High School junior.
“It’s an honor to me to have this opportunity,” said Simpson, who was participating in the 72nd Annual Brown County Youth Fair for the ninth time. “I did not see this coming. I’m very overwhelmed and joyful for having this opportunity. I’ve always wanted to run, I’ve always wanted to give back to the community. This has been where I’ve grown up since I was itty bitty. They’ve always had back and now I get to represent them.”
Simpson, the daughter of Brad and Lisa Simpson, plays to eventually attend Texas A&M University, but may first stop at Blinn College after graduating from Early.
“I would like to go judge at Blinn, but A&M is my destination,” Simpson said.
Simpson exhibits cattle, swine, and goats at the local, state and national levels; she is the current Vice Chair, beginning her fifth year representing the Brown County 4-H County Council; she is also Vice Chair of Cen-Tex 4-H Club; a member of both the 4-H Livestock and Meats Judging teams; and she is also a varsity cheerleader at Early and has been all three years of high school.
As for what advice she would give younger girls who would like to follow in her footsteps and one day compete for the title of Brown County Youth Fair Queen, Simpson said, “It’s a lot of hard work but don’t get discouraged about it. Work as hard as you can, give it all you’ve got and you’ll be shocked what the outcome is.”
First runner-up was Tynlea Wilson, daughter of Cade and Chelsea Wilson, a junior at Brownwood High School. She serves as the Brownwood FFA president and holds the office of 1st Vice President of the Cross Timbers District. She also actively competes in LDEs and CDEs in Ag Issues, Radio, and Livestock Judging. She has been involved in the Brown County Youth Fair since the 3rd grade showing sheep, goats, pigs and cattle.
Brownwood High School junior Ella Locker, the daughter of Chad and Meredith Locker, received a $1,500 scholarship as top membership seller, part of the requirements in the Queen contest. She also has been participating at the Brown County Youth Fair since she was 9 years old in the 4-H program, has been an active FFA member for four years, and is currently serving as the 2023-2024 FFA Reporter.
Bangs sophomore Kylee Byler, the daughter of John and Kristine Byler, was the fourth Queen candidate this year. She is currently an officer for Bangs FFA, as well as Bangs 4H. She is involved in livestock judging is also an active member of the National Junior Angus Association and the Texas Junior Angus Association.