<p>Photos by Vicki Blakley</p> <p>The first annual Miss Harlan County/Miss Poke Sallet Pageant went off with elegance, poise and glamour as nine lovely girls competed for both titles this year. The pageant was sponsored by the Poke Sallet Festival Steering Committee. The event coordinator was Tera Day, who was assisted by Lisa Layne and dance choreographer Sydney Layne. Winners were: Best Escort, Nick Brown (voted for by the contestants), first runner-up, Emersyn Noah; 2019 Miss Harlan County/Miss Poke Sallet Festival Queen and Miss Congeniality, Lucy Bryson; second runner-up and Miss Photogenic, Elaina McKnight; and the 2018 Miss Harlan County Emily Eldridge.</p>

<p>Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley presented a $1,500 scholarship check to the winner, Lucy Bryson.</p>

<p>The Best Escort voted on by the judges was Colby Cochran.</p>

<p>Contestant Madison Blanton answered her question in front of emcee Mark Lawson and 2018 winner Emily Eldridge.</p>

<p>Studio 606 owned and operated by Bethany Cox performed several dances to entertain the audience.</p>