Candice Ward was crowned the 2004 Miss Central Alabama Fair Queen Tuesday night during the fair’s annual beauty pageant at the Lions Fair Park.

Ward, a student at John T. Morgan Academy, is the daughter of Jody and Karen Ward and was sponsored by Sherman Looney.

“I was really surprised,” Candice said after hearing her name announced. “This is so exciting.”

As the new Queen, Candice received $400 in cash and a $100 savings bond.

The first-runner up at the beauty pageant was Rachael Austin, who received $200 in cash.

Rachael is also a student at John T. Morgan Academy and the daughter of Benny and Vickie Austin. She was sponsored by City Tune-up and Brake Service.

The pageant’s second-runner up was Chelsea Johnson, who received $100 in cash.

Johnson is a student at Dallas County High School and the daughter of Ricky and Shanna Johnson. She was sponsored by her family.

Megan Stephens was named Miss Congeniality by her peers during the pageant.

The Master of Ceremonies for the night was retired radio personality Larry Morris, who kept the crowd entertained by his jokes and color commentary.

Before the judges made their final decision, the 16 contestants were narrowed down to eight finalists.

These finalists were Kaysie Caper, Ruth Holbrook, Natalie Hughey, Rachael Austin, and Ashley Faulkenberry.

Each finalist had to answer questions ranging from whether or not John Kerry was a good presidential candidate to naming their favorite athlete.

At the end of the ceremony, ward was crowned by the former Miss Central Alabama Fair Queen and received flowers from Mike Reynolds.