by Shelley Bennett
Photos by Greg Wallace Photography
and Shalise Robbins Shoestring Productions
Delilah Delgado is the 58th young woman to wear the crown as she was awarded the title of Miss Lassen County at the end of the scholarship competition on July 17th. Delgado was also the recipient of the newly named Jim Wolcott Community Service Award, recognizing her involvement in Lassen County.
Delilah presented a gripping Ted-talk style speech on the importance of finding growth through failure. She dedicated her performance to the late Paul Moore, her softball coach and mentor.
Delgado is joined by Ambassadress of Susanville Kseniya Baesman and Princess Adelin McClure. Baesman danced a powerful lyrical number to “Stole the Show” while McClure sang “Home” by Dirks Bently, accompanied by a photo slideshow of Lassen County scenes.
To round out the awards, Baesman earned the Most Talented Award and McClure was named Most Photogenic. Peyton Cantu was chosen Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Cantu chose to speak on the language of flowers and how they symbolized various qualities she sees in Lassen County. While she spoke, she carefully arranged a beautiful bouquet of blossoms.
Each contestant chose a talent that best showcased their talents and passions. Grace Steward presented an upbeat, sassy ballet dance on pointe and Kenni Howe spoke on the rate of domestic violence in Lassen County while demonstrating some self-defense moves.
Molly Mealey danced to the emotional “My Last Summer” from Mamma Mia and Mia Hansen delivered an entertaining tap dance to Michael Jackson’s classic “Beat It”.
The onstage competition also featured a short introductory speech in the Communication Skills category and an Impromptu Question during the Poise in evening gown portion. Seniors Kai Vinson, Parker Langslet, and Gavin Mueller served as escorts and stagehands throughout the evening.
Prior to that evening’s competition, the contestants got to know the judges during a short interview. Their community service hours and scholastic achievements were also part of the equation.
In between areas of competition, the audience enjoyed performances from J&J Performing Arts, Mt. Lassen Dance Academy, and Studio 718. Each studio demonstrated their own unique style through jazz, lyrical, and hip hop dances.
A bittersweet goodbye was given to Miss Lassen County 2025 Kaylee Micone as she relinquished her title. Kaylee has been a positive force in our community with her kindness and compassion for helping others. She will be missed. Micone plans to attend the University of Nevada to pursue a degree in nursing.
Her court will also continue their education, with Ambassadress Londyn Smith attending BTU-Idaho to study psychology and Princess Dalila Heard at Butte College where she will play volleyball and take classes in Ag Business.
Jeremy Couso emceed the “Broadway Bound” themed evening and began with a tribute remembering former fair manager Jim Wolcott. Wolcott was an ardent supporter of the pageant and its contestants. It is fitting that the Community Service Award was renamed to honor his memory.
The contestants kicked off the show with an energetic routine to “Welcome to the Moulin Rouge” choreographed by former princess Sofia Bennett and current MLC Kaylee Micone. Gloria Escatel-Miller followed by singing the National Anthem.
While the contestants prepared for talent, Kaylee introduced the visiting royalty from the Intermountain Fair and Burney Basin Days, Katelyn Kirack, 2025 National Miss Collegiate Ag America, was also featured. Then she and the 2025 court assisted with the crowning of the new Little Miss and Mr court.
Little Miss 2025 Noelle Blackburn crowned Elsie Music and Little Mr Krew Cottrell handed his title down to Douglas Zavala. 2025 Princess Italia Orozco crowned Ava Hogan and Prince Hunter Keele congratulated new Prince Darrell Sandborg.
Later in the show, the 2022 Court presented a commercial to thank the pageant’s sponsor Lassen County Federal Credit Union, who provided scholarships totaling $1500 to the 2026 court.
A special thank you was given to Little Miss Lassen coordinator Tasia Harrison for her years of impacting children in our community. Former Miss Lassens Chalise Robbins and Julienne Bennett also recognized Miss Lassen County director Shelley Bennett. Beautiful roses were given to the women by their daughters Aubrey Yerington and Sofia Bennett. Thank you to Leyla Bennett for being the mastermind behind this recognition.
Delilah and her court were joined by the 2025 royalty to open the Lassen County Fair at the ribbon cutting on Wednesday July 15th. They also enjoyed helping with Kiddie’s Day activities, serving at the Old Timer’s luncheon, and visiting the animal barns.
They were highlighted in the parade, driven by Ken Templeton in his ‘64 GTO and danced the night away at Saturday’s Music Fest. On Sunday, Delilah’s two dachshunds Tubs and Tilly took part in the annual Wiener Dog races. It’s just the beginning of a very busy year full of community events, service projects, and making memories.
I am very thankful for former Miss Lassen Autry Satica who helped coordinate this year’s pageant with me. I also wouldn’t have been able to do it without my daughter Sofia. They both made sure that our rain-ravaged stage area was complete and presentable before we started on Tuesday night.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
