BY MILES LAYTON
EDENTON — Adyson Marie Wagner was crowned as Miss Chowan County Regional Fair Queen 2025 on Saturday in front of a big crowd at the fairgrounds.
“I was just surprised that I got picked. I’m just so happy. I’m just so grateful,” said Wagner to the Albemarle Observer moments after being crowned as queen. “I’m just so grateful. That’s all I felt. Just grateful.”
The annual pageant blended tradition, talent, and community spirit, showcasing some of the region’s most poised and promising high school students. To see a video interview with Wagner, see our Facebook page, maybe leave a comment too.
An Aces’ Honor Roll student, Wagner, 17, attends John A. Holmes High School.
“I’m so glad that I got to do this today. I’m glad that I got to experience this,” she said. “Before today, I would never have done this. So I just say to everybody, step out of the box and be you, because this was just so much fun.
When Wagner was asked what she wanted to say to Chowan County, she answered, “Thank you so much for picking me as your queen — Miss Chowan County Regional Fair Queen — I hope to see y’all in the future on the parade and all over the town.”
This year’s event drew a spirited group of contestants, each vying for scholarship prizes and the honor of representing the fair over the next year.
The program, led by Mistress of Ceremonies Kristie Mize, guided the audience through introductions, talent showcases, and the highly anticipated evening gown segment. Contestants were judged on poise, talent, communication, and personality, with scores tallied on a 10-point scale.
Meet the Contestants
This is not Wagner’s first pageant title. A former Little Miss Pageant participant and longtime dancer with Edenton Dance Stars. She attends Access Point Church and helps with their children’s programs, as well as volunteering her time at different community events. With aspirations of studying forensic psychology at Appalachian State or West Carolina, she was sponsored by Winslow Auctions. A familiar face, you may have seen Ady before working at Taylor Theater.
Daniela Gomez-Garcia, 16, is homeschooled and known for her creativity and independence. A self-taught artist and nail technician, she spends her free time painting, baking, sewing, and caring for her flock of chickens and ducks. Gomez-Garcia plans to pursue higher education in cosmetology or at East Carolina University.
Juliana Nicole Slades, 15, also of John A. Holmes High School, highlighted her leadership through 4-H, FCCLA, and her church youth group at Macedonia Baptist. Active in babysitting, cheerleading, and volunteering, Slades aspires to become a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse through studies at UNC Chapel Hill. She was sponsored by Sykes & Company and Corner Baking Company.
Last year’s queen, Layla Webster of Edenton, took her final walk across the stage, thanking the community for its support during her reign. Webster, now pursuing her associate’s degree at the College of the Albemarle, served as a reminder of how the crown represents more than beauty—it symbolizes growth, service, and opportunity.
Little Miss
Elyza Bishop, daughter of Caleb Bishop and Bri Tatem, was crowned as Little Miss 2025 Chowan County Regional Fair with First Runner-up being Ivana Magadalene-Jean Griffin, daughter of Jeremiah Griffin and Christina Turner, and Second Runner-up being Anna Lauren, daughter of Amanda Kennedy.