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However, her name kept on being called as she outlasted 19 other contestants during the coronation. Meine received a $1,000 college scholarship and $100 cash prize.
"I was thinking about wearing flip-flops because I didn't think I would even make it into the Top 10," she quipped.
Meine takes over for 2008 Fair Queen Anna Gladden. She also was recognized and received a plaque for top evening gown and top interview.
Meine, the daughter of Brian and Pamela Meine, was sponsored by Specialty Auto Body.
"I am absolutely honored," she said. "I am amazed. It's a huge honor to represent this community. I have grown up here all my life. It's a great family town."
A 2009 Warrenton High School graduate, Meine will major in political science at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg this fall. The new queen said she is prepared for the whirlwind week of Fair events and numerous photos she will be in.
"I am honored to feel like Barbie and smile even more," she said.
Natashia Neuhaus, sponsored by Radio Shack, was named first runner-up.
She received a $500 college scholarship. She also was named Miss Congeniality, an award voted on by the queen contestants. Neuhaus received a gift basket with a value up to $1,000.
A 2009 Warrenton High School graduate, Neuhaus will major in advertising journalism at the University of Missouri.
"I love them all," she said about the other contestants. "I don't know why they voted for me. I am kind of the shy, quiet one in the background. I try to make them all feel good about themselves. I supported them all."
Kristen Schneider, also a recent Warrenton High School grad, was chosen second runner-up and received a $400 cash scholarship. She will major in physical therapy at Maryville University starting this fall.
"I really never went into this expecting to make it this far," said Schneider, who was sponsored by Warrenton Tire.
"It was pretty exciting to be up here," she added. "The whole experience was great. Being able to be with all the girls one last time this summer, we had so much fun together."
The queen's court includes third runner-up Erica LaMontagne, sponsored by Poly-Tek, fourth runner-up Nicole Arnold, sponsored by Lowell Photography, and fifth runner-up Samantha Walch, sponsored by 3C Construction, LLC.
Along with a cash scholarship, each finalist received a spa treatment from Sharper Image Design Studio and a Mary Kay Cosmetics gift certificate.
Others who made the final cut into the Top 10 were Samantha Walch (3C Construction, LLC), Kelsey Cary (Subway), Kelsey Luecke (Warrenton Golf Course), Kirsten Baker (Sport and Spine Chiropractic) and Malory Toebben (Randy Griesenauer Lawn Care).
Lynda Chandler, organizer of the queen coronation, said this year's group stood out compared to past years.
"They were achievers and a confident group," she said. "I wouldn't want to be a judge. They did an awesome job. They were fun and bright. It was a great year."
Plaques also were awarded to LaMontagne for top speech and Neuhaus for top talent.
This year's queen participants sold nearly $12,000 in season passes, led by Beth Ebbesmeyer who sold 58 passes. Rounding out the top five in ticket sales were LaMontagne, 35; Casey Smith, 31; Cary, 30; and Beth Nordwald, 28.
Each of the top five received 14K diamond and gemstone rings.
Chandler thanked this year's many sponsors. She said every queen contestant received a gift valued around $100.
"It was amazing with the support this year," she said. "With some of the struggles the businesses had, you didn't know."
Gladden, the 2008 queen, will compete in the Missouri State Fair pageant Aug. 13-14 in Sedalia.
