Excitement is building in Kewanee as contestants prepare to compete for the titles of Miss Central Illinois, Miss Central Illinois Teen, and the inaugural Miss Lincoln Prairie Miss 2026. The pageant takes place tomorrow evening at the Kewanee National Guard Armory, located at 111 N. East Street. Doors open at 5 PM, with the competition beginning at 6 PM. Admission is $15, but current Queens—wearing sash and crown—enter free of charge. Miss Illinois Teen, Lillie Brown, will also make a special appearance. Organizers are hoping for a full turnout to support the region’s outstanding young women.
Jeanna Moore and Stephanie Smith are Executive Directors of the pageant, with Gary Moore helping bring this pageant to life in Kewanee. Pageant history will be made this weekend in Kewanee by hosting its first-ever Miss Illinois Preliminary pageant that sends the winner directly to the Miss Illinois state competition.
“This is our first local to be held in Kewanee, Illinois, to go to Miss Illinois,” according to a Facebook post. “We are so excited and welcome Miss Illinois Teen Lillie Brown!! We hope to have a full house to cheer on these beautiful and talented young ladies tomorrow night!! See you there!!”