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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Lydia Payton of Clanton was surprised when her name was called on June 20 as the next Young Miss Peach.

“I was like, ‘No way, did they get the words wrong? Am I actually Young Miss?’” Lydia said.

The 2021 Peach Queens crowning and congratulating her made the win real.

Lydia was also the casual wear winner.

She said she is looking forward to “meeting new people and having fun with my queen sisters” this year during her reign.

This was her second year competing. Last year, Lydia was the second alternate after being “a little nervous in her interview.”

Going into the interview this year, Lydia said she was “so excited.” The interview gave her the opportunity for her to tell the judges a little about herself. They also asked questions about her experiences with her horses.

“It was fun,” Lydia said. “I was just so excited that I was in the Peach Pageant.”

As the winner, she received $500 and various prizes from Peach Pageant sponsors.

Jaylee Smith was first alternate. Ryleigh Green was second alternate. Third alternate was Emery Blackmon. Fourth alternate was Ellie Harrison.