“This is actually the first time I've won one of these, and so it was very exciting for me. I don't even know what to feel. Honestly, I was really nervous, but just overall excited. I'm happy to be here. I'm excited to go to state, for sure.” 

Gee also spoke about what it took to get to the point of wearing the tiara at a regional pageant. “It took a lot of rejection. To be honest, I've done this for a really, really long time, and you just have to keep doing it. Never give up. … I kept working on myself.” 

Gee’s determination paid off.  She was one of 12 contestants for the right to represent the district to vie for Arkansas State Fair Queen. She will compete at a pageant October 5th at Little Rock’s Barton Coliseum that will decide that title. 

Joining her in Little Rock to compete in the Junior Arkansas Fair Queen category October 4th will be Shelby Gilbert, a Hempstead County resident.

All the winners in their respective categories are listed below. 

Little Miss Southwest District 

Whitley Thomas (most photogenic, overall winner) 

Kenzley Flowers (best dress) 

Eliza Thompson (second runner-up) 

Dani Plyler (first runner-up) 

Junior Miss Southwest District 

Shelby Gilbert (overall winner, best overall interview) 

Payeton Bagley (best active wear) 

Braylee Janes (best dress) 

Cashlynn Davis (second runner-up) 

Brooklyn Showalter (first runner-up) 

Miss Southwest District 

Reece Gee (active wear, overall winner) 

Adaleigh Thompson (photogenic, second runner-up) 

Jessalynn Hines (best overall interview, first runner-up) 

Carlee Glass (best dress)