Contestant Brings Grayson County To Life With Her Stunning Pageant Dress

It's not a stretch to say that Kara Grey Anderson recently said "Yes" to a dress. But, not in the traditional way you're likely thinking. No, she did that back in 2016 when she said "I do" to her husband Eddie. No, the latest 'yes-to-the-dress' scenario was entirely different. By "different", I mean inspired and wholly unique.

Earlier this month, Kara represented Grayson County in the Mrs. Kentucky State Fair Pageant. One of the categories in that particular competition was Cocktail Attire and Kara had a really cool idea of what she wanted to wear to compete. She imagined a dress that paid tribute to her beloved Grayson County. So, she reached out to Clay Mata (@playwithclay) and shared her vision. Clay then went to work and brought the idea to vibrant life.

This is the breathtaking, runway-ready result that pays painted homage to Kara's home county.

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Here's a look at the back of the dress.

As you can see, there are intricately designed tributes to various Grayson County calling cards. For instance, the bees and honeycomb honor Clarkson, which is known for the Honeyfest and for the Kelly Bee Factory.

Notice the fiddle on the front. Grayson County is also home to the National Fiddlin' Fest. The dress also features a lake to honor Twin Lakes. The back of the dress features a stunning rendering of the courthouse. 

Kara's absolute favorite part of the dress is even more personal. It's "Mr. Spirit McGhee." She says, "If you have attended a sporting event at Grayson County, you have witnessed the legend that is Mr. Spirit adorned in orange, including a huge orange hat." Mr. McGhee is a Grayson County super fan and supports and encourages all the teams. Kara adds, "Everyone in Grayson County has a core memory involving Mr. Spirit. I was honored to celebrate him in such a unique way."

Of course, there's a self-referential element as well. Kara and Eddie own and operate a business called Junk Lovers. Look closely and you'll see the business logo.

When Kara shared a full recap of her Mrs. Kentucky State Fair Pageant journey on social media, she specifically mentioned this "fabulous GRAYSON COUNTY DRESS." She said, "It deserves a post of its own." Oh, and she credits her mom, "who worked her hands to the bone to flawlessly bling the dress." Kara says it took her hours, but the added glitz made the dress even more 'next level.'

It certainly caught my attention when I saw it on social media and here we are. Look at it! It really is fantastic and pays tribute to the various things that have really put Grayson County on the proverbial Kentucky map.

As for Kara's state pageant experience, she loved it. She says, "It was a pleasure to meet so many amazing ladies and make new friends."

Among the highlights: being asked to lead a prayer before the pageant, and her husband looking at Kara in the "same dreamy way without all the glam."

And, of course, we can't forget that dress. That marvelous Grayson County dress.