SAUK VILLAGE | Gospel music lovers came out early in the morning this weekend to hear the village's annual Gospel Fest in which five local churches participated.

Normally held in early August, the Gospel Fest was conducted this year in conjunction with Sauk Village's 50th anniversary festival, which began Thursday and ran through Sunday on the grounds behind St. James Church.

Beth Zupon, a Sauk Village resident since 1999, served as a volunteer for the hot dog and corn roast that followed the gospel music at noon.

"We've got a pretty diverse area, from a population standpoint," she said. "We're fairly spread out, as well, so it gives everybody a chance to come out and meet people."

Village Trustee Derrick Burgess served as emcee for the crowning of a new Miss Sauk Village, Junior Miss Sauk Village and Miss Liberty.

The long-standing village tradition appoints girls in three different age groups to represent the village at events throughout the next year.

Winners are chosen through an audition process that centers mostly on presentation and civic duties the girls have performed.

Autumn Clemens, 13, was crowned the new Miss Sauk Village.

The Rickover Junior High School student said she was surprised to win because she was competing against older girls.

"I think I'm a good representative because I'm involved in many school clubs, a National Junior Honor Society club member, and I'm running for student council president," Clemens said.

Twelve-year-old Tiffany Spears was named Junior Miss Sauk Village, while 9-year-old Tabbitha Anderson was chosen as Miss Liberty.

All contestants rode a float in Sunday's 50th anniversary parade.