This year’s fair theme is “Passport to Adventure.” An earlier version of this article listed the Cass County theme, which was “Fairadise.”

BERRIEN SPRINGS — For the past 15 years Kennedy Melton, 19, of Baroda, has taken part in the Berrien County Youth Fair. She has always dreamed of claiming the crown for the Berrien County Youth Fair Queen.

On Friday night during the Berrien County Youth Fair Royalty Contest, Melton’s longtime dream came true, as she was crowned the 2018 fair queen on the Grandstand stage in front of a crowd of about 50 people.

“[It felt] great,” Melton said. “Ever since I won my first trophy in the poultry barn when I was little, I have always wanted to do this. It’s just a small local thing, but it means so much to everyone. You represent the fair and the fair is wider than just your small town. You get to represent all of Berrien County.”

The Berrien County Youth Fair Royalty Contest helped to kick off the 73rd annual fair, which takes place throughout this week. This year’s theme is “Passport to Adventure.” To match the theme, the stage was decorated with pictures of ships and airplanes. Selected royalty help to represent their county at the fair and  throughout the week they will  award their fellow youth during fair exhibitions and take part in a number of ceremonies and activities.

Melton was one of seven competitors vying for the title that night. There were two competitors for king, six competitors for fair princess and four competitors for prince.

Rounding out the 2018 court are: King, Aruther “A.J.” Jillson, 17, of Berrien Springs; first-runner up for king, Jackson “J.D.” Hall, 16, of Dowagiac; first-runner up for queen, Sarah Jackmeyer, 17, of Buchanan; princess, Taylor Kirk, 11, of Galien and prince Daniel Goss, of St. Joseph.

Melton is the daughter of Phillip and Emily Melton. She is a sophomore at Ferris State University and is studying nursing. In addition to getting a crown and sash, Melton also earned a scholarship with her title.

Taking part in the Berrien County Youth Fair has been a family tradition for generations of Melton’s family. This year, Melton will once again carry on that tradition and show in the llama, rabbit, cat, home economics and crafts departments.

Outside of the fair, Melton takes part in 4-H and the Alumni Gold Club.

As for her fellow competitors in Saturday night’s contest, Melton commended them for their efforts.

“They all did a great job,” Melton said. “I hope we can all continue our friendship. I hope to see them and award them trophies later this week.”

The newest Berrien County Fair King also celebrated his win.

“It felt good,” Jillson said. “I followed in my sister’s footsteps. She won queen last year.”

Jillson is the son of Darrin and Melissa. He is a senior at Berrien Springs  High School.

Jillson also takes part in 4-H and said that it is a tradition of the club to compete in the royalty competition. This week Jillson will show in the dog, rabbit and crafts departments.

At school he takes part in the National Honor Society and FIRST robotics, to name a few.

This year, Jillson said he looks forward to all the Grandstand entertainment, particularly the demolition derby.