Haggard crowned Young Miss Peach

Queen and her court: Haggard’s court included Karlee Cummings, fourth alternate; Alli Kate Calhoun, third alternate; Sophia Porter, second alternate; and Kalyn Smith, first alternate. (Photos by Brandon Sumrall)

Queen and her court: Haggard’s court included Karlee Cummings, fourth alternate; Alli Kate Calhoun, third alternate; Sophia Porter, second alternate; and Kalyn Smith, first alternate. (Photos by Brandon Sumrall)

It is difficult to describe the emotions that come with being named a Peach Queen.

Newly-crowned Young Miss Peach Cresley Claire Haggard could only compare it to another experience: “I felt like it was Christmas last night,” she said.

Haggard, 8, was named Young Miss Peach at the conclusion of Monday’s pageant at the Chilton County High School auditorium.

Young Miss Peach: Cresley Claire Haggard was crowned Young Miss Peach on Monday by 2015 queen Halle Sullivan.

Young Miss Peach: Cresley Claire Haggard was crowned Young Miss Peach on Monday by 2015 queen Halle Sullivan.

She joins Mary-Henning Dale as 2016 Peach Queens.

Junior Miss Peach was to be crowned Tuesday night, while the Miss Peach pageant will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Admission will be $6.

Haggard’s mother, Misty Haggard, said her daughter was the youngest of the contestants on Monday.

The interview portion of the pageant was the most concerning, Misty Haggard said, because Cresley had not interviewed for a pageant since she was 5.

“She was nervous about the interview,” Misty Haggard said. “Being on stage is her thing, but having to be in the room answering questions from three strangers was a little nerve-wracking for her.”

But Cresley Claire Haggard must have impressed the judges.

“When they called her for Casual Wear, I got really excited, but then they started calling the older ones,” Misty Haggard said. “I felt like she had a chance to place maybe, but being the youngest one, I did not think she would win.

“When they called out her number for Peach Queen, I was extremely shocked.”

The Haggards used Cresley’s age to her advantage.

“We had no stress going into this this year because I really just played on her being little,” Misty Haggard said. “I just thought this would be a good experience for next year.

“It is a feeling you can’t explain. I was really excited for her.”

Cresley Claire Haggard will add Young Miss Peach to her growing list of pageant accomplishments, which includes Tiny Swedish Queen, Little Swedish Queen, Miss YMCA Queen, Heart of Dixie and Christmas Carol Queen.

Haggard knew exactly how she wanted to begin her reign, as she visited Peach Park on Tuesday for free ice cream that is one of the perks of being a Peach Queen.

Another perk will be having her picture placed permanently at Peach Park along with the other queens.

“I can’t wait to see my picture on the wall,” Haggard said.

Misty Haggard said her daughter is looking forward to a year of fun and growth as a Peach Queen, and thankful for the outpouring of support shown on Monday.

“The gifts, photos, the Lions Club…everything was wonderful,” Haggard said. “They made her feel like a princess. They made sure she was happy.”

SportsPlus

Maplesville

Watson makes Browns’ 53-man roster, poised for NFL debut against Cowboys

Clanton

Former CCHS, Adair property gets facelift from community members

Maplesville

AOTW: Yeargan adds new element to Maplesville offense

News

Thorsby High School announces 2024 homecoming representatives

News

Verbena’s class of 1959 reunite at reunion

Maplesville

Isabella FFA receives donation from Chilton Chamber, Central Access

Clanton

Birmingham resident passes in I-65 crash in Chilton County

Isabella

Maplesville flexes muscle in road win over Isabella to start season

Clanton

Chilton unemployment rate creeps towards 3% in July

Clanton

Haggard crowned as new Miss Chilton County queen

Business

Chamber, Central Access begins FFA donations across Chilton at Thorsby

Clanton

Jacobs’ spirit wins prestigious APS award from Alabama DHR

Clanton

Clanton seeking public’s opinion on potential dog park

Clanton

ALDOT announces no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates during Labor Day weekend

Chilton County High School

Tigers late comeback bid falls short at Bibb County

Jemison

Panthers tamed on the road at St. Clair County

Chilton Christian Academy

Patriots make return to gridiron, upended by First Assembly  

News

Verbena gets five takeaways in road win over Holy Spirit to start season

Business

Habitat for Humanity taking applications for homes in Clanton

Business

CAEC, Central Access moves to new office in Clanton

Isabella

Isabella defense, running game shines in second half in win over Thorsby

Business

Martina’s Grill bringing back old school Maplesville cooking

Clanton

CBA hosting support groups for local residents

Clanton

County emergency personnel unveil new incident response trailer