Ladies and gentlemen, the 2003 Miss Central Alabama Fair is &045; Christine Nicole Paulk.

The decision came down around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night to the claps and yells of a crowded pavilion. Out of 23 contestants, only one received the crown.

Paulk is a Central Christian Academy student and the daughter of Charlene and Bill Paulk. Her sponsor was Holbrook Ready-Mix, Inc.

Paulk receives $400 and a $100 savings bond as the winner.

Before the master of ceremonies revealed the winner, first and second runners-up, he pronounced a phrase which drew something akin to anger from the crowd.

Edwards is a John T. Morgan Academy student and the daughter of Meg Kelley and Ronnie Edwards. She receives $200 as the first runner-up. Hicks is a student at Dallas County High School and the daughter of Brian and Angie Hicks and the late Rita Thompson.

She receives $100 as the second runner-up. The title of Miss Congeniality was awarded to Megan L. Travis. Miss Congeniality was determined by a vote of the contestants. Travis is a student at Dallas County High School and is the daughter of Debby and Rusty Travis.