The 78th North Carolina Rhododendron pageant was held this past weekend in Bakersville with the culmination Saturday evening with the crowning of a new Queen and Jr Queen. Congratulations to the 2026 NC Rhododendron Queen, Kaylyn Fairchild and Junior Queen, Kimber Ostrander!
L to R: Scout Stevenson, Congeniality; GraceLynn Lovick, 2nd runner up; Eliza Bray, 1st runner up/evening gown/talent; Junior Queen, Kimber Ostrander also winning interview.
Queen Kaylyn Fairchild, also winning interview and swimsuit; Gracyn Strickland, 1st runner up, talent and congenitally winner.
For more photos and video from all the Rhododendron Festival.
