Chairman tells attendees only board can remove leaders
A heated Kendall County Fair Association membership hearing this week included claims of mismanagement involving the Queen’s Court Scholarship Program, challenges to the legality of the meeting and the resignation of First Vice President Kim Flessner.
For nearly three hours Monday, members, former directors, parents and current Queen’s Court families brought up concerns about director stewardship, child safety and the administration of the program.
Not everyone was critical of the current leadership, however.
Maria Teresa Tarrant, mother of the current fair queen, urged members to remember the issues being brought up concern the 2025-26 Queen’s Court, not current fair royalty of 2026-27.
“The current court did not cause prior-year disputes, earlier families’ concerns or the issues surrounding this year’s pageant and coronation,” Tarrant said.
Tarrant said her family had positive experiences with both Flessner and Pageant Director Johanna Olivares. She also urged that any future changes focus on the young women participating in the program.
During the hearing, Kim Flessner submitted a written resignation effective immediately as first vice president and director.
Olivares defended her administration of the Queen’s Court program.
Meanwhile, several directors and former directors argued the meeting was not properly called under KCFA bylaws and Texas law.
Before statements began, William Flessner formally objected to the proceedings.
“I am attending solely to object the transaction of any business on the grounds that this meeting is not lawfully called or noticed,” Flessner said.
He argued required notice was not provided to all members.
Leon Brimhall, a former director and senior director, said he originally agreed to facilitate the meeting but withdrew after reviewing petition documents.
The meeting was called after some members petitioned the association.
“I stepped off as facilitating this meeting because, to me, the way it’s set up is not a legitimate meeting,” Brimhall said. “This is not a good petition.”
Brimhall warned the association could face legal action if the meeting proceeded.
However, petition organizers and supporters disputed that view.
“ There were more than enough signatures,” Cori Gilroy said from the audience.
Chairman Brian Gilroy acknowledged the objections but said the hearing would continue.
“I have been asked to chair the meeting by people that voted to have this meeting. So the meeting will proceed,” Gilroy said.
He noted the hearing was not a board meeting, so directors could not be asked to step down from office.
“The membership can vote to request that the board take action,” he said. “A vote at this meeting does not remove a director.”
He also reminded attendees that concerns raised during the hearing should not be treated as established facts.
“Any allegation stated tonight is not a finding of fact simply because it has been raised,” Gilroy said.
Several speakers urged the association to address issues raised by former Queen’s Court families.
Patti McCreless, who submitted the petition requesting the hearing, said the worries involved the association’s responsibility to supervise minors and maintain public trust.
Tiffany Jureczki, mother of 2025-26 Fair Queen Makenna Jureczki, and other former Queen’s Court parents raised questions about proper pageant management and added their grievances during the year were not adequately addressed.
Former Fair Princess Megan Wilson argued the concerns highlighted by current and previous participants reflected longstanding issues within the organization and with some of its same leaders.
“Someone has to be accountable,” Wilson said.
The controversy picked up speed Sept. 3 after Makenna Jureczki’s mic was turned off during a pageant event where she attempted to highlight some of the critics’ concerns.
Prior to the meeting which he did not attend, Wes Fleming resigned from the board, where he served as the KCFA president.
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