Olivia Harrod and Alli Cathey participated in the Arkansas State Fair Pageant October 16-17, 2026. Olivia, the 19-year-old daughter of Brad and Melissa Harrod of Hermitage, Arkansas represented the title of Miss Southeast Arkansas District. Alli, the 18-year-old daughter of Matt and Cristy Cathey of Hermitage, AR, represented the title of Miss Natural State. They competed against 67 contestants from across Arkansas. The pageant featured several areas of competition, including private interview, evening gown, onstage conversation, and onstage question. Contestants were evaluated on their poise, personality, communication skills, and overall presence.
Harrod is a sophomore at the University of AR at Monticello, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. After graduation, she plans to further her education at the University of Centra; AR to become a physical therapist. She advanced to the Top 20, earning recognition among contestants from throughout the state.
Cathey is a senior at Hermitage High School, with plans on continuing her education at the University of AR at Monticello. She advanced to the Top 10 and was also the recipient of the Director’s Spirit of Pageantry Award, which recognizes a contestant who exemplifies a positive attitude, friendliness and great sportsmanship throughout the competition.
For Harrod, the AR State Fair Pageant represented more than competition. Her pageant journey has given her opportunities to grow in confidence, improve her public speaking skills, and encourage other young girls to believe in themselves. As Miss Southeast AR District, she was proud to represent her district and the communities that have helped shape her journey. Growing up as a farmer’s daughter, agriculture has always been an important part of Harrod’s life. Being raised on her family’s tomato and vegetable farm has given her a firsthand appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into producing food for families across AR. Her agricultural background has also strengthened her appreciation for the farming community and the important role agriculture plays in the state’s economy and way of life.
For Cathey, the AR State Fair Pageant represented more than a competition. It was an opportunity to grow personally while being part of an event that brings people together and makes a positive impact throughout the state.
Both Harrod and Cathey used their time leading up to the pageant to give back to their community and support the AR Food Bank. With the help of several schools and local businesses to collect cereal donations to help families across AR. Cathey brought more than 300 boxes to the pageant. The effort became a statewide success, with contestants collectively donating more than 20,000 boxes of cereal, marking the largest total ever recorded for the cereal box drive.
Although Harrod did not take home the AR State Fair crown, her Top 20 finish and the friendships she formed throughout the weekend made the experience a memorable one. She is grateful for the opportunity to represent Southeast AR, share her passion for agriculture, serve her passions for agriculture, serve her community and be part of a program that encourages young women to grow, give back and make a diference.
While Cathey did not take home the AR State Fair crown, her Top 10 finish, Director’s Spirit of Pageantry Award and the friendships she formed throughout the weekend made the experience a memorable one.
Submitted by: Phyllis Stedman
This article was submitted by an SRN reader.
