The Miss Volusia County Fair pageant, the 11-day fair’s traditional opening event, has been canceled this year.

A spokeswoman at the County Fair office said the pageant was canceled when only two contestants registered.

She had no explanation for the dearth of contenders for the title.

With or without a ceremonial “queen” to reign over its events, the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show nevertheless opens at 4 p.m. today at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave. in DeLand.

Opening ceremonies will take place at 7 p.m. on the Center Circle, and the Breeding Swine Show is set for 7 p.m. tonight, also, in the Townsend Livestock Pavilion. The midway will be open, offering carnival rides and scrumptious Fair food, like elephant ears and turkey wings.

The Fair runs through 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14. For a complete listing of each day’s activities, consult The Beacon’s calendar, HERE.