Meridith Allen was crowned queen of the 70th annual Lions Club Beauty Pageant Friday night at the Lincoln Civic Center.

     Allen, the daughter of Ricky and Kelly Allen, was named most beautiful in the 17- to 20-year-old age group. First alternate was Chynna Louise Coghlan and second alternate was Danielle Brown.

     Lions club members said 105 contestants in nine age groups this year. The club pageant began in 1942.

     Other age group winners this year included:

     • 1 Year – Most Beautiful: Polly Waterloo. Beauties were Rainee Klaire Martin and Ryleigh Williams.

     • 2 Years – Most Beautiful: Piper Reese Martin and Linley Georgene Reid tied. Beauties were “Lily Kate” Gibson and Kiley Claire James.

     • 3 Years – Most Beautiful: Layla Kate Burt. Beauties were Joy Nicole Leggett and Lela Beth Waterloo.

     • 4 Years – Most Beautiful:  Natalie Evelyn Freeny. Beauties were Laurin Isabella Reed and Railey Grace Thompson.

     • 5-6 Years – Most Beautiful: Taylor Addison Douglas. Beauties were Savanna Rose Burns and Lia Grace Price.

     • 7-8 Years – Most Beautiful: Ashlyn Marie Bland. Beauties were Ella Catherine Brown and Jacie Ashlyn Douglas.

     • 9-12 Years – Most Beautiful: Mary Rhea Waterloo. Beauties were Maley Marie Moak and Mallory Claire Leggett.

     • 13-16 Years – Most Beautiful: Holli White. Beauties were Caley Elizabeth Acy and Alexis Nicole Nettles.