MITCHELL — Royalty and tradition took center stage Monday night as the community gathered for the annual Persimmon Festival, highlighted by the announcement of this year’s festival court following weekend judging on the Main Street Stage.
Marissa Blais, a 17-year-old senior at Mitchell High School, was crowned the 2026 Persimmon Festival Queen, leading a distinguished court chosen from this year’s field of local contestants.
Abigail Fountain, a 16-year-old junior, was honored by her peers and judges with the title of Miss Congeniality.
Joining Blais as princesses are:
- Maci Nissley, a 15-year-old MHS sophomore
- Rhilyn Slaughter, a 16-year-old MHS junior
- Hannah Elliott, a 16-year-old MHS sophomore
- Avah Cooper, an 18-year-old MHS senior
The newly crowned court will preside over the remaining festival events and represent Mitchell throughout the coming year.
