The 40th Miss Ok’fest is a Walhalla senior

By winning a pageant last weekend, a senior honor student at Walhalla High became the 40th Miss Oktoberfest.  She’s Tessa Backman, daughter of Connie McClain and Stacy Backman.  Tessa took the interview and casual wear awards and earlier won Miss Golden Corner Teen USA and will be a contestant in March at the Miss South Carolina Teen USA Pageant in N. Charleston.  In her new title, she’ll reign over Oktoberfest activities which begin October 21.  Duties will include attending the Oktoberfest luncheon, cutting the ribbon to open the ceremonies, dancing the first dance, greeting and visiting more than 100 vendors, and spending time with kids who attend the festival.  Miss Oktoberfest’s court will consist of 1st runner-up, Ashlyn Denny; 2nd runner-up, Reagan Keys; 3rd runner-up, Chloe Smith; and 4th runner-up, Grace Evans.  This year’s People’s Choice winner, Ashlyn Denny, receives a cash award of $1,950.  Jaila Chambers was the Photogenic winner.