(l-r): Mrs. Hurricane Independence Day – Michelle Blankenship, Ms. Hurricane Independence Day – Jaime DeRuiter, Miss Hurricane Independence Day – Chloe Armentrout, Hurricane Independence Day Teen – Mattie Vandale, and Hurricane Independence Day Pre-Teen – Olivia Poole
The 2023 Miss Hurricane Independence Day is Chloe Armentrout of Milton. Miss Armentrout, will promote the City of Hurricane during her reign. She will compete in Charleston in January of 2024 with pageant winners from all over the state for the title of WV Association of Fairs and Festivals.
“What an honor it is to be crowned your 2023 Hurricane Independence Day Celebration Queen!” Chloe Armentrout exclaimed upon winning. “This festival has always been held close to my heart, as I have attended it since I was very young. My father, Phillip Armentrout, is a law enforcement officer for the City of Hurricane and has directed traffic and observed for the celebration for many years. I believe tagging along with him during this is where my love for the Hurricane Independence Day Celebration began.”
The 2023 Hurricane Independence Day Pageant took place on Saturday, April 15 at the Pumpkin Park in Milton. The Children’s Pageant began at 10:00 am that morning and concluded around 12:00 pm. The Pre-Teen through Mrs. contestant pageant onstage portion began at 5:00 pm following private interviews earlier in the day conducted by the judges.
The newly crowned royalty will represent the City of Hurricane during the Hurricane Independence Day Celebration and Parade on July 4, 2023 and will also travel the state promoting the city and the event during their reigns.
Pre-Teen – Mrs. Pageant Winners were: Pre-Teen – Olivia Poole of Winfield, Teen – Mattie Vandale of South Charleston, Miss – Chloe Armentrout of Milton, Ms. – Jaime DeRuiter of Red House, Mrs. – Michelle Blankenship of Buffalo.
Mattie Vandale was selected as Miss Congeniality and as Most Photogenic. Best Interview was Michelle Blankenship. The People’s Choice winner was Macey Long of Morgantown.
Children’s Pageant Winners were: 2023 Baby Miss Hurricane Independence Day – Audrey Elkins of Charleston; 2023 Tiny Miss Hurricane Independence Day – Jocelyn Summerbell of St. Albans; 2023 Toddler Miss Hurricane Independence Day – Eliza Hill of Charleston; 2023 Little Mister Hurricane Independence Day – Jarrett Crites of Liberty; 2023 Little Miss Hurricane Independence Day – Karley Newhouse of Elkview; 2023 Mister Hurricane Independence Day – Nolan Wilcoxen of Winfield; 2023 Junior Miss Hurricane Independence Day – Paisley Nance of Hurricane.
People’s Choice Winner was Audrey Elkins. Prettiest Eyes – Naomi Smith; Most Patriotic – Ellie Williams; Most Photogenic – Laken Asbury.
