Bill Riley introduces us to the 2022 Iowa State Fair Queen.
Bill Riley introduces us to the 2022 Iowa State Fair Queen.
Transcript
BILL RILEY: Hey folks what a thrill for me to introduce to you the 2022 Iowa State Fair Queen. I'm standing here with her. Mary Ann Fox from Mitchell County. Let's get to know her a little bit. Congratulations. So much fun last Saturday night when you were crowned. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
MARY ANN FOX: I hail from Mitchell County, Osage to be more exact and New Haven to be even more exact. I have family out there that like to get that represented. I graduated from Osage High School this past spring and I'll attend Iowa State University. I grew up on a farm around Black Angus Beef and a variety of other farm animals. So a farm girl through and through.
BILL: Wonderful. Now, Saturday night. 98 county queens on that wonderful stage, beautiful night. Probably 4,000 or 5,000 people in the crowd. Tell us what it felt like when your name was selected.
QUEEN CONTEST ANNOUNCER: "From Mitchell County, Mary Ann Fox."
BILL: What it's like at the county level to encourage young ladies from around the state to consider becoming a county queen candidate?
MARY ANN FOX: Well, to be honest I wasn't breathing for the first 30 seconds. I held my breath until my name was called and even then I don't think I was breathing. But it was an unforgettable experience. Happiness and a sigh of relief knowing my hard work paid off. When it comes to the county level that's where it starts and getting out there. It's a great opportunity. Being involved in your county and your community is what's important. And just being an ambassador for your county. Great opportunity for any girl that wants to do it.
BILL: Now before we let you go, I have to find out what it's like to be the queen of the fair and strolling the grounds. Before we started the interview a beautiful young girl came up and had her photo taken with you. It has to be a magical feeling. Give us an idea what it is like to be queen.
MARY ANN: It is definitely, especially when the little kids come up wanting a hug, a photo, even a fist bump. It makes me feel special because they look up to me in more ways than one.
BILL: Well said.
MARY ANN: It's great. I love it. It can get a little tiring but it is rewarding. I love the fair. I've always been here every single year. Walking through the grounds seeing it through a different set of eyes just makes it that much better.
BILL: Wonderful. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2022 Iowa State Fair Queen from Mitchell County, Mary Ann Fox.
Watch More
Experience the Iowa State Fair through the eyes of four individuals maintaining its traditions.
The story of the Iowa State Fair — Iowa's annual showcase and its biggest celebration.
On Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m., Iowa PBS will offer a live broadcast of the 2026 Iowa State Fair Queen Contest. The event will also be livestreamed on iowapbs.org and YouTube.
The Iowa State Fair parade, featuring high school marching bands, floats, cool cars, special causes and more.
The Bill Riley Talent Search showcases young Iowans' talents and an Iowa State Fair tradition.
Knock-knock! Who’s there? Some of the funniest kids in Iowa. The State Fair’s Joke Telling Contest is full of charm, chuckles, and pint-sized punchlines.
Bags fly and rivalries ignite at the Iowa State Fair Cornhole Tournament. Watch fierce teams compete for bragging rights in this fun, fast-paced showdown.
Get a whiff of tradition! The Cow Chip Throwing Contest at the Iowa State Fair is messy, hilarious, and surprisingly competitive. Watch the chips fly!
Think you know your plants? At the Iowa State Fair, contestants race to identify dozens of weeds in a unique contest that’s part quiz, part nature walk.
Watch skilled utility workers climb, race, and compete at the Iowa State Fair’s Lineman’s Rodeo—a thrilling display of strength, speed, and precision.