Kimberly Graves wanted to enter the Mrs. Western Kentucky State Fair pageant as a way to build her confidence and empower other women. Saturday night, she did that and walked off the convention center stage as the winner.
Graves, a critical care paramedic at Jennie Stuart Health, received her crown from 2022 Mrs. Western Kentucky State Fair Queen Vanessa Lynch.
Graves had previously entered the Miss Fair pageants in the past and knew the Mrs. pageant was something that would suit her once she got married.
click to download audioGraves was a multi-sport athlete at Christian County High School where she played soccer and went on to play collegiately at Brescia University. She was also the first female to score a point and kick a field goal for Christian County’s football team.
She said her background in athletics helped her overcome her pageant nerves.
click to download audioGraves was sponsored by Elite Lawn and Landscaping.
Cara Collins, who is a racing and equine operations manager at Churchill Downs Oak Grove Racing, was the first runner-up.
The second runner-up was Elizabeth Wilson, a chemical warfare officer with the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell.
Mrs. Congeniality, as voted on by the contestants, was Michelle Wilson, the executive director of Challenge House in Hopkinsville.
