Corynn Barton was named the 2021 Queen of Lakes at the Mermaid Festival June 26. Barton is pictured with her court: first runner up, Seaquinn Bright, Miss Little Tippy Lake; Kai Jamora, Miss Banning Lake; and third runner up, Chloe Bollinger, Miss Kuhn Lake. InkFreeNews photos by Phoebe Muthart

By Phoebe Muthart

Staff Writer

NORTH WEBSTER —  Corynn Barton was crowned Queen of Lakes at the 75th Queen of Lakes Pageant held Saturday, June 26, at North Webster Community Center. The pageant followed a busy day of Mermaid Festival activities, including the parade, in which the 15 pageant contestants took part.

Barton is the daughter of Derek and Amanda Barton of Huntington.

Barton, who is Miss Tippecanoe Lake, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship, provided by The Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation, Inc.. Also winning scholarships were the finalists in Barton’s court: First runner up, Seaquinn Bright, Miss Little Tippy Lake, $1,500; second runner up, Kai Jamora, Miss Banning Lake, $1,000; and, third runner up, Chloe Bollinger, Miss Kuhn Lake, $500.

In addition to the queen and her court, other contestants also received awards from pageant sponsors. Madelyn Zimerman, Miss Waubee Lake, received the Lady Lions Community Service Award.

In addition to her title, Barton also received the Lady Lions Miss Congeniality Award. The theme wear award was decided by popular vote, with attendees donating money along with their vote. Half of the total goes to the winner and half goes to the Lady Lions’ in support of their many community service projects and activities.

Also winning awards for their floats in the Mermaid Festival Parade were the following: Zimmerman, first place, $750; second place, Barton, $500; and third place, Kirstin Knox $250.

The emcee for the night was Phil Metcalf.

Hayden Neer, in front, shows off her dress during the evening gown portion of the Queen of Lakes pageant.

Mikilah Wiggs showed off her evening gown at the Queen of Lakes pageant.

Hayden Neer modeled her theme wear outfit for the judges.

Windsor Bonner, Miss Loon Lake, showed off her outfit for the theme wear segment of the pageant.

Pictured is Kirstin Knox, Miss Papakeechie Lake.

Pictured is Kai Jamora, Miss Banning Lake, with the other contestants during the theme wear portion.

Meghan Beer, 2019 Queen of Lakes, crowns Corynn Barton, the 2021 Queen of Lakes winner.