Hello and welcome to the 65th annual National Sweetcorn Festival and National Sweetheart Pageant.  As Miss Hoopeston, I am honored to have represented Hoopeston by appearing in parades, attending many country fair queen pageants, and getting involved in community activities this year.  I invite you to join me in "Celebrating 65 Corn-Tastic years!" brought to you by this year's Festival Chairman, Karen Porth.

Every year the Hoopeston Jaycees, Pageant Director, Chaperones, Housing Families, and many other dedicated volunteers in the community, work very hard to organize a most memorable event.  It's not until you become involved, that you realize how difficult it is to create activities for such a diverse range of people, but the Jaycees and those involved in the pageant, have truly done a tremendous job.

One of the most unique events the festival has to offer is the National Sweetheart Pageant, bringing the first runners-up from each state's Miss America pageant to compete for the title of Miss National Sweetheart.  Throughout the week of the festival, the contestants visit many area businesses and schools, getting to know the people of Hoopeston, and work very hard to provide Hoopeston with exciting entertainment Friday, Saturday, and Sunday while competing in the pageant.

The National Sweetcorn Festival has always been an event I looked forward to.  I have attended the National Sweetheart Pageant since I can remember.  This year has been such a blessing to me.  Being Miss Hoopeston has not only given me the opportunity to become involved in my community and the chance to compete for Miss Illinios in June of 2009 which has always been a dream of mine, but it also have enabled me to share this year's experiences with my mom, a past Miss Hoopeston.

I am so very excited to host this week's events, it is going to such and unforgettable experience.  I would like to thank the Hoopeston Jaycees for giving me this opportunity and including me in so many activities, and also the people of Hoopeston for embracing me and getting me involved!  I would also like to thank my coordinator Lori for getting me everywhere I needed to be!  I am so thankful to be part of this celebration, and to be your Miss Hoopeston 2008!

Hope to see you there!

Brooke Judy

Miss Hoopeston 2008