Gasconade County Fair Queen contestants and their sponsors for the 2023 “Star-Spangled Summer” celebration are (seated, from left) Audrey Quilacio (Koehn Realtors), McKenzy Echols (Heidbrink Erectek LLC), retiring 2022 Queen Keira Hendrix, Ahna Rasmussen  (RH Logging LLC), and  Payton Harness  (White Mule Winery); and, in back, Zoe Schafer (Rochelle Maples Photography), Larissa Hoelmer (Sharp Corner Tavern), and Michaela Grannemann (Loutre Market). Rochelle (Belloir) Maples, the fair’s 2009 queen, visits Monday at Gasconade Manor with Michaela Grannemann after contestants presented their talent segments before an audience of residents, staff, and visitors. These seven women will compete tonight (Wednesday) for a share of $800 in scholarship money and the chance to reign over the fair.  The opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m. with the Little Mr. and Miss Gasconade County pageant following.