Hadleigh Westover, whose mother describes her as “wild,” might not be tall enough to be a cowgirl, but she’s certainly a trailblazer: Southwest Washington Fair Association officials say she’s likely the first Morton girl to be named Little Miss Friendly, the living logo of the six-day fair that began on Tuesday.
“It felt really exciting and it was shocking,” Hadleigh said moments after donning the blue cape as Little Miss Friendly 2024 on the Saloon Stage Tuesday evening. “It was really fun to hear my name over the microphone in front of a thousand people. It’s going to be a really great experience for me.”
As of the opening of the Southwest Washington Fair on Tuesday morning, five finalists were seeking the title: Justice Barton, 8, of Chehalis; Avery Butler, 8, of Chehalis; Avery Mordick, 9, of Chehalis; Kimber Serl, 9, of Chehalis; and Hadleigh. According to a Facebook post from the fair, there was a “large turnout” of friendly contestants this year.
Hadleigh said she fell in love with the program when former Little Miss Friendly Emma Britton invited her on a fair ride in August 2022. According to her mother, Shaleesha Westover, Hadleigh jumped at the opportunity to participate after turning 8 and becoming eligible earlier this year.
“She has always been extremely outgoing and has always had a bubbly spirit,” her mom said. “Sometimes I’m taken back, but then I remind myself that God gave her that personality for a reason and that she is going to be the girl that he needs her to be.”
Hadleigh’s father, Nick Westover, her two brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and teachers came out to cheer her on during the event.
“We have told her that Little Miss Friendly isn’t just a title, it’s a job,” her mom said. “We’re really excited to see her take on that job and take on that responsibility.”
After six full days at the fairgrounds, Little Miss Friendly spends the year as a staple for festivals, parades and other events, representing the fair. The tradition has been held each year at the fair since 1968.
At the ceremony, there were 11 previous Little Miss Friendlies, ranging from Kathy Morrison, who wore the cape in 1973, to 2023 title holder Clara Hansen.
Clara smiled and hugged each of the finalists after delivering a heartfelt speech and handing over her cape on Tuesday.
“This week has been so much fun but it’s kind of been bittersweet,” Clara said after the event. “I’ve been so happy that one of them will become the new Little Miss Friendly and experience all that I’ve experienced, but then I’m still handing over the cape. I love all the contestants and Hadleigh really did stand out to me.”
Along with the cape, Hadleigh went home with a brand new bike and goodie bags from sponsors. All finalists received gifts and tickets to attend fair events throughout the week.
“They mean so much to me,” Hadleigh said of her fellow contestants. “I feel like they are just going to be my best friends forever.”
The fair will run through Sunday.
Entrance at the gate for adults costs $12 and $6 for children (ages 6-12), senior citizens (ages 60 and over) and anyone with a valid military ID. Children ages 5 and under can visit the fair for free all week long.
Senior Day at the fair will be held Wednesday, Aug. 14, with folks ages 60 and over being welcome for just $3. On Friday, Aug. 16, entrance for people with a military ID will cost $3. On Sunday, “Family Day,” all ages can visit the fair at half price.
For more information, visit https://southwestwashingtonfair.org/. The fairgrounds are located at 1909 S. Gold St., Centralia.
