2025 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation

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Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation on a warm, steamy evening, but a beautiful evening here at the Iowa State Fair. My name is Travis Graven. I'm with Iowa PBS.

And my name is Hailey Swan. I am with the Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation. We have a lovely treat in store for you all tonight. 102 counties represented by their county fair queens. These ladies - we have 78 members of 4-H, 80 members of FFA with a combined GPA of 3.8.

These young ladies are graced with elegance and poise. They are active in their communities and they are making a positive impact in their counties. Today I've gotten to spend a little bit of time with these county fair queens this past week. And I tell you what, ladies and gentlemen, with these ladies coming the four corners of our state are in good, good hands.

Tonight is the culmination of five days of workshops, interviews and evaluation. A special thanks to Amanda Cook, who is the Iowa State Fair Queen coordinator and the 2016 Iowa State Fair Queen. The assistants and chaperones for this week include Jeanette and Alexa Riniker, Ellen Schlarmann, myself, Hannah Yeager, McKenna Henrich and Kalaynna Durr. I would also like to take this time to acknowledge the state FFA officers who will be escorting the young ladies this evening, Adam McCray, Jaeger Fairy, Cooper Vanderheyden and Colin Bauer. Also, a special thanks to our judges, Shane Swan, Glynis Worthington, Caine Wood, Scott Mortimer and Pat Beck.

[Travis Graven] And before we get into introducing our queens, we have some other important introductions. I want to direct attention over here on the side of the stage and introduce our Iowa State Fair board. Of course, without them, none of this would be possible. Fair Manager and CEO Jeremy Parsons. President Curtis Claeys, representing Southeast Iowa. Vice President Deb Zumbach from Northeast Iowa. Treasurer Jo Reynolds from south central Iowa. Darwin Gaudian from the northwest part of the state. Verdon Schmidt from northwest Iowa. Alan Brown north central. Tennie Carlson also north central district. Jarrod Horning from southeast Iowa. John Harms, northeast Iowa. Randy Brown, south central. C.W. Thomas, southwest. Danny Olson, southwest. And Tonya Cook, director of special events. I also want to recognize governor of the State of Iowa Kim Reynolds, who is represented on the board by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, who is represented by Grant Menke and Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen, who is represented by Andrea Welchans.

[Hailey Swan] Without further ado, it is our honor to introduce to you your 2025 County Fair Queens.

Time is never the exact time. So if you'll give us just a few moments here, you will meet these lovely ladies in just a few moments.

I see the door moving.

From Adair County Chloe Rardin. Chloe is from Greenfield, Iowa. She is the 17 year old daughter of Josh and Lisa Reardon. She is a member of FFA and 4-H. She will be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to attend Iowa State University to major in agricultural business. Adair County. Chloe Reardon.

From Adams County, Reagan Sonntag. Reagan is from Prescott, Iowa. She is the 18 year old daughter of Steve and Michaela Sonntag. She is a member of 4-H and FFA, and will be attending Southwestern Community College in the fall to study ag business. Adams County Reagan Sonntag.

Allamakee County. Breelyn Dahlstrom. Breland is from New Albin, Iowa. She is the 17 year old daughter of Nick and Lana Dahlstrom. She is a part of 4-H. She will be a senior this fall with plans to become a radiology technician from Allamakee County Breelyn Dahlstrom.

Representing Appanoose County, Emery Hawkins. Emery is from Cincinnati, Iowa. She is the 17 year old daughter of Steve and Melanie Hawkins. She is a member of FFA. She will be a senior this fall with future plans to attend Indian Hills for radiology. Technician Appanoose County Emery Hawkins.

From Audubon County Emily Foran. Emily is from Ottoman Iowa. She is the 18 year old daughter of Joseph and Kristin Foran. She is involved in 4-H and FFA and will attend Colorado State University this fall to study business, marketing and Spanish from Audubon County Emily Foran.

From Benton, Alana Fleming. Elena is from Mount Auburn, Iowa. She is the 18 year old daughter of Scott and Louise Fleming. She is involved in FFA and she will attend Kirkwood Community College to study early childhood education from Benton County. Elena Fleming.

Representing Black Hawk County Elsie McIntosh. Elsie is from Dunkerton, Iowa. She is the 17 year old daughter of Lyle and Sarah McIntosh. She is involved in 4-H and FFA. After high school, she will continue her education at the collegiate level to study psychology. Black Hawk County Elsie McIntosh.

From Boone County, Morgan Christensen. Morgan is from Madrid, Iowa. She is the 16 year old daughter of Tim and Crystal Christensen. She is involved in 4-H, and she will be a junior in high school this fall, with plans to study ornithology from Boone County, Morgan Christensen.

Representing Bremer County, Jamie Jones. Jamie is from Sumner, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Nathan and Alicia Jones. She is the president of her FFA chapter. She will be a senior this fall with future plans to study elementary education and continue her softball career. From Bremer County Jamie Jones.

From Buchanan County, Kaydence Zeien. Kaydence is from Rowley, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Jason and Megan Orr. Kaydence is a member of Independence FFA and she will attend Kirkwood Community College this fall, studying animal science. From Buchanan County, Kaydence Zeien.

Representing Buena Vista County, Magdalene Dahlhauser. Magdalene is from Newall, Iowa. She is the 16- year-old daughter of Jay and Annie Dahlhauser. She is involved in cross country and she will complete her high school career in the fall, with future plans to study agricultural engineering. From Buena Vista County, Magdalene Dahlhauser.

Representing Butler County, Hannah Wangsness. Hannah is from Allison, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Dave and Sheila Wangsness. She is a part of 4-H, and she will be a senior in high school, with future plans to major in elementary education. From Butler County, Hannah Wangsness.

From Calhoun County Expo, Madison Becker. Madison is from Manson, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Michael and Mandy Becker. She is the current 4-H Dog Project president and she'll be a junior in high school with plans to become an ultrasound technician. Calhoun County Expo, Madison Becker.

From Carroll County, Claire Behrens. Claire is from Manning, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Dan and Jennifer Behrens. She is involved in 4-H and FFA, and she will be attending Iowa State University to study agronomy and horticulture. Carroll County, Claire Behrens.

From Cass County, Lily Johnson. Lily is from Atlantic, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Jim and Melissa Johnson. She is a member of Speak Out for Agriculture Committee and she will be attending high school this fall with future plans to study agronomy and study abroad in Africa. From Cass County, Lily Johnson.

From Cerro Gordo County, representing the North Iowa Fair, Avah Hanig. Ava is from Rockwell, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Nick and Andrea Hanig. She is involved in 4-H and she will be playing softball at NIACC and majoring in biology. From the North Iowa Fair, Cerro Gordo County, Avah Hanig.

From Cedar County, Kennedy Crist. Kennedy is from Tipton, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Josh and Kristi Crist. She is involved in Youth County Council and she will attend Iowa State University this fall to major in ag studies and finance. From Cedar County, Kennedy Crist.

Representing Cherokee County, Lily Schulenberg. Lily is from Aurelia, Iowa. She is the 19-year-old daughter of Justin and Mary Schulenberg. She is involved in 4-H and FFA. She will attend University of Nebraska at Lincoln this fall studying agribusiness and ag policy, along with being a member of the UNL's rodeo team. Cherokee County, Lily Schulenberg.

Representing Chickasaw County, Carrie Schwickerath. Carrie is from New Hampton, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Tony and Janet Schwickerath. She is involved in 4-H and FFA and will attend Iowa State this fall. From Chickasaw County. Carrie Schwickerath.

Representing Clarke County, Addie Eckels. Addie is from Murray, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Andy and Chandra Eckels. She is a member of FFA and this fall she will be a senior with future plans to attend the University of Iowa. From Clarke County, Addie Eckels.

Representing Clay County, Nevaeh Brauhn. Nevaeh is from Sioux Rapids, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Steve and Rish Brauhn. She is involved in 4-H and FFA and she will be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to study medical sales and marketing. From Clay County, Nevaeh Brauhn.

From Clayton County, Mindy Keehner. Mindy is from Monona, Iowa. She is the 19-year-old daughter of Dan and Darla Keehner. She is involved in Iowa State University Ag Business Club, and she will be a sophomore at Iowa State studying agribusiness and economics. From Clayton County, Mindy Keehner.

Representing Clinton County, Natalie Schroeder. Natalie is from Dixon, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Jason and Katie Schroeder. She is involved in 4-H and FFA, and she will be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to study ag communications. From Clinton County, Natalie Schroeder.

Representing Crawford County, Kennedy Eischeid. Kennedy is from Manning, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Andy and Heather Eischeid. She is a member of FFA and 4-H, and she will attend Iowa State in the fall to major in agronomy. From Crawford County, Kennedy Eischeid.

Representing Dallas County, Kelsey Greenslade. Kelsey is from Adel, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Nick and Shelby Greenslade. She is involved in FFA as an Iowa State FFA officer. She will attend Northwest Missouri State in the fall, majoring in agriculture education. From Dallas County, Kelsey Greenslade.

Representing Davis County, Madi Bridgman. Madi is from Bloomfield, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Adam and Allison Bridgman. She is involved in FFA and 4-H, and she will be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to attend cosmetology school. From Davis County, Madi Bridgman.

From Decatur County, Mildred Waugh. Mildred is from Decatur, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Clint and Teela Waugh. She is part of 4-H and FFA, and she will be a senior in high school this fall, earning her CNA. From Decatur County, Mildred Waugh.

Representing Delaware County, Holly Gudenkauf. Holly is from Manchester, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Terry and Lisa Gudenkauf. She is the co-president of West Delaware FFA chapter. After high school, she plans to study pre-vet at Iowa State University to further attend veterinary school. From Delaware County. Holly Gudenkauf.

Representing Des Moines County, Josie Parrott. Josie is from Danville, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Matt and Deanne Parrott. She is involved in 4-H and FFA. She has just completed an internship with Nutrien Ag, and this fall she plans to attend Iowa State to study ag business. Des Moines County, Josie Parrott.

Representing Dickinson Kendal Niemeier. Kendal is from Lake Park, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Chad and Billi Niemeier. She is a member of 4-H and FFA, and in the fall she will attend Morningside University to play basketball and pursue the pre-dental program. From Dickinson County, Kendal Niemeier.

Representing Dubuque County, Kylie Donovan. Kylie is from Bernard, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Kevin and Melissa Donovan. She is a member of Dubuque County on the Junior Fair Board and FFA. She will attend Central College in the fall to study education in mathematics. Dubuque County, Kylie Donovan.

From Emmet County Hanna Paulson. Hanna is from Graettinger, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Greg and Lisa Paulson. She is a member of 4-H and FFA, and she will be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to study ag education at Iowa State University. Representing Emmet County, Hanna Paulson.

From Fayette County, Alexandria Kent. Alexandria is from West Union, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Jared and Carolyn Kent and the late Sabrina Kent. She is a chamber representative of West Union. She will attend Hawkeye Community College in the fall to study dental hygiene. From Fayette County, Alexandria Kent.

From Floyd County Mayzie Bruening. Mayzie is from Charles City, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Matt Bruening and Vicki Bruening. She is involved in FFA and she will be a junior in high school, with plans to attend NIACC to pursue a degree in farm management. From Floyd County, Mayzie Bruening.

Representing Franklin County, Abby Schoning. Abby is from Sheffield, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Dave Schoning and Dacia Schoning. She is a member of her local FFA chapter, and she will be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to attend Iowa State University. Franklin County, Abby Schoning.

Representing Fremont County, Lana Alley. Lana is from Tabor, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Steve and Angie Alley. She is involved in 4-H, and she will be a senior this fall at Fremont Mills High School, in further pursue a nursing degree. From Fremont County, Lana Alley.

Representing the Great Jones County Fair, Brooke Heying. Brooke is from Anamosa, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of JJ and Amy Heying. She is the executive board member at Student Council and will be a senior in high school, with future plans to attend Iowa State. The Great Jones County Fair, Brooke Heying.

From Greene County, Addison Gannon. Addison is from Grand Junction, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Benjamin and Maleea Gannon. She is a member of National Honor Society, and she will attend the University of Iowa in the fall to pursue a nursing degree. From Greene County, Addison Gannon.

Representing Grundy County, Riah Schrage. Rich is from Grundy Center, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Landon and Cassie Schrage. She is her high school's class president, and she will be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to major in music education and minor in marketing. Grundy County, Riah Schrage.

From Guthrie County, Shyann Young. Shyann is from Adair, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Sara Young and Ray Young. She is involved in 4-H, and this fall she will study family consumer sciences education at Iowa State University. From Guthrie County, Shyann Young.

Representing Hamilton County, McKenna Miller. McKenna is from Stanhope, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Leigh Miller and Ryan Miller. She is the vice president of her FFA chapter. She will attend Simpson College in the fall to study political science, pre-law and sociology. Hamilton County, McKenna Miller.

From Hancock County, Brinley Hiscocks. Brinley is from Britt, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Ryan and Brandi Hiscocks. She is part of 4-H. After high school, she will attend NIACC and Iowa State University to study business and agriculture. Hancock County, Brinley Hiscocks.

Representing Hardin County, Gracie Andrews. Gracie is from Union, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Jeremiah and Mindy Andrews. She is the president of her 4-H club, and she will be a senior in high school this fall, with plans to continue her education, majoring in communications. Hardin County, Gracie Andrews.

From Harrison County, Trinity Konsbruck. She is from Missouri Valley, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Nick and Noelle Konsbruck. She is involved in 4-H, and she will be a senior in high school this fall while studying at Iowa Western and starting her own band. From Harrison County, Trinity Konsbruck.

From Henry County, Morgan Meyer. Morgan is from Wayland, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Tim and Michelle Meyer. She is the secretary of the National Honor Society, and after high school she will attend University of Iowa to major in biology. Representing Henry County, Morgan Meyer.

From the mighty Howard County Fair, Kennedy Linkenmeyer. Kennedy is from Riceville, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Dallas and Rebecca Linkenmeyer. She is part of Saratoga, 4-H and FFA, and she will be a senior in high school this fall while completing her associate's degree through North Iowa Community College, Howard County, Kennedy Linkenmeyer.

From Humboldt County, Jaynee Depue. Jaynee is from Humboldt, Iowa. She is the 19-year-old daughter of Chad and Jenny Lakin. She is involved in P.E.O., and she is a sophomore at Cottey College, where she majored in theater and biology. From Humboldt County. Jaynee Depue.

Representing Ida County, Abigail Bergman. Abigail is from Arthur, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Matt and Tracie Bergman. She is involved in 4-H and FFA. She will be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to attend Iowa State University to major in veterinary science. From Ida County, Abigail Bergman.

Representing Iowa County, Alannah McKibben. Alannah is from Marengo, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Channon and Kristie McKibben. She is the founder of the Foster Kid Care Pack and she will attend Luther College in the fall to major in nursing, while playing soccer. From Iowa County, Alannah McKibben.

Representing Jackson County, Alia Schmidt. Alia is from Miles, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Randy and Patty Schmidt. She is involved in 4-H and FFA, and she will attend Iowa State University in the fall to major in animal science on the pre-vet track. From Jackson County, Alia Schmidt.

[Travis] From Jasper County, Meredith Chipps. Meredith is 18 years old from Monroe, the daughter of Mitchell and Melissa Chipps. She is involved in 4-H and FFA and will attend Iowa State University in the fall to major in agriculture communications. From Jasper County, Meredith Chipps.

From Jefferson County. Nicole Robb. Nicole is 20 years old, from Fairfield, the daughter of Andrew and Sarah Robb. She is a member of the Pharmacy Club, and she'll be attending the University of Iowa in the fall as a pharmacy student. From Jefferson County, Nicole Robb.

From Johnson County, Taylor Vittetoe. Taylor, 17, from North Liberty, the daughter of Darrin and Lisa Vittetoe. She is involved in 4-H and an FFA reporter. She'll be a senior at Liberty High School and then has plans to attend Iowa State University for ag studies. Representing Johnson County, Taylor Vittetoe.

From the Keokuk County Expo, Carley Clarahan. Carly is 16 years old from Martinsburg, the daughter of Casey Clarahan and Jennifer Clarahan. She is a student at Pekin, Pekin Student Interview Committee member and will be a junior in high school. Representing the Keokuk County Expo, Carley Clarahan.

From Kossuth County, Ashton Peters. Ashton is 18 years old from Whittemore, the daughter of Paula Peters. She is involved in 4-H and FFA. She'll be attending the University of South Dakota, majoring in dental hygiene. Representing Kossuth County, Ashton Peters.

From Lee County, Audrey Sturdivant. Audrey is 17 years old from Farmington, the daughter of Darren and Jamie Sturdivant. She is involved in FFA. She'll be a senior in high school and then attending Iowa State University, majoring in elementary education. From Lee County, Audrey Sturdivant.

From Linn County, Emmalee Kratz. Emily is 17, from Center Point, the daughter of Sam and Rachael Kratz. She's a member of FFA and she will be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to attend Iowa State University. Representing Linn County, Emmalee Kratz.

From Louisa County, Kylie Morrison. Kylie is 16 years old from Letts, the daughter of Donald and Robin Morrison. She's involved in FFA. She'll be a junior at Columbus High School and future plans in horse therapy, and to be a member of the rodeo team at Iowa Central. From Louisa County, Kylie Morrison.

From Lyon County, Kiann Blomgren. Kiann, 18 years old, from Lester, the daughter of Jon and Tricia Blomgren. She's a member of 4-H and she will do mission work in the fall and then obtain an air technician job. From Lyon County, Kiann Blomgren.

From Madison County, Lillian Burkett. Lillian, 16 years old, from Winterset, the daughter of Tony and Wendy Burkett. She is involved in 4-H, a member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church, and she'll be a junior in high school with plans to attend Iowa State University, majoring in aerospace engineering and French horn performance. Representing Madison County, Lillian Burkett.

From Mahaska County, Eden VanZante. Eden is 17, from Fremont, the daughter of Seth and Jennifer VanZante. She is involved in the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont archery team. She'll be a senior in high school, with future plans to attend Iowa State and study horticulture. Representing Mahaska County, Eden VanZante.

From Marion County, Abigail VanderLinden. Abigail is 16, from Knoxville, the daughter of Tyler and Nicole VanderLinden. She is involved in 4-H. She'll be a junior in high school, with further plans to continue her education studying childhood health sciences and dancing at the collegiate level. From Marion County, Abigail VanderLinden.

From Marshall County Madelyn Thompson. Madelyn is 18 years old, from Melbourne. The daughter of Zach and Jenny Thompson. She was involved in 4-H and FFA. She attended Iowa State University, majoring in business analytics. Representing Marshall County, Madelyn Thompson.

From Mills County, Joli Johnston. Joli is 18 years old from Glenwood, daughter of J.J. And Shana Johnston. She's involved in 4-H and FFA. In the fall, she'll be attending DMACC and then going on to Iowa State University to become a veterinarian. From Mills County, Joli Johnston.

From Mitchell County, Reagan Hollatz. Reagan is 18 years old, from Osage, the daughter of Mike and Keri Hollatz. She's a member of FFA. She will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall to study early childhood education. From Mitchell County, Reagan Hollatz.

From Monona County, Brooklynn Hupke. Brooklynn is 17, from Onawa, the daughter of Beau and Jessica Hupke. She is involved in 4-H and she will be a senior in high school, with future plans to study accounting. From Monona County, Brooklynn Hupke.

From Monroe County, Morgan Hoskins. Morgan is 16, from Albia, the daughter of Otis and Heather Hoskins. She is the vice president of Student Council. She will be attending Albia High School in the fall, playing volleyball with aspirations to be a veterinarian. From Monroe County, Morgan Hoskins.

From Montgomery County, Delaney True. Delaney is 17, from Villisca, the daughter of Chris and Stacey True. She's involved with FCCLA. She will be attending Southwestern Community College to begin her journey to become an x-ray technician. Representing Montgomery County, Delaney True.

From Muscatine County, Kaylynn Huot. Kaylynn is 18, from Muscatine, the daughter of Jeff and Becky Huot. She was her high school student body president. She'll be attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln in the fall, majoring in fisheries and wildlife. From Muscatine County, Kaylynn Huot.

Representing the National Cattle Congress, Keely Recker. Keely is 18 years old, from Hopkinton, the daughter of Bryan and Karli Recker. She was involved in 4-H. She will be a senior this fall with plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa to become a nurse practitioner. Representing the National Cattle Congress, Keely Recker.

From O'Brien County, Ashlynn Gunnerson. Ashlynn is 18, from Paullina, the daughter of Brian Gunnerson and Cristie Tewes. She was involved in 4-H and FFA. She'll be attending Iowa State University in the fall to major in mathematics and secondary education. Representing O'Brien County, Ashlynn Gunnerson.

From Osceola County, Claire Vreeman. Claire is 18 years old from Sibley, the daughter of Jason and Katie Freeman. A member of 4-H and FFA, she will be studying agribusiness and vet tech at Iowa Lakes Community College this fall. From Osceola County, Claire Vreeman.

From Page County Ella Johnson. Ella is 18 years old, from Essex, the daughter of Darin and Alicia Johnson. She is involved in state 4-H Council and this fall will attend Kansas State University for Ag Communications. Representing Page County, Ella Johnson.

From Palo Alto County, Leah Hoffman. Leah is 17, from West Bend, the daughter of Steve and Martha Hoffman. She is involved in 4-H and FFA. She'll be a senior in high school with plans to attend South Dakota State University for animal science and pre-vet. From Palo Alto County, Leah Hoffman.

From Plymouth County, Addison Kovarna. Addison is 18 years old from Hinton, the daughter of Josh and Val Kovarna. She's a member of 4-H and will be attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln in the fall to pursue a pre-dental program and minor in business. Representing Plymouth County, Addison Kovarna.

From Pocahontas County, Kaylee Dirks. Kaylee is 16, from Fonda. She's the daughter of Nick and Nicole Dirks. She's involved in 4-H and FFA. She will be a junior in high school with plans to attend OSU for livestock judging and a degree in animal nutrition. From Pocahontas County, Kaylee Dirks.

From Polk County, Elise Cornelder. Elise is 18 years old from Des Moines, the daughter of David and Kristine Cornelder. She's a member of the executive committee for Polk County 4-H County Council, and she'll be attending the University of Iowa to major in nursing and specialize in midwifery. From Polk County, Elise Cornelder.

From Pottawattamie County, Grace Pauley. Grace is 17 years old, from Shelby, the daughter of Rhonda and Chris Buck. She goes to school at T.W. and this fall will be fulfilling duties as volleyball manager at DT. Representing Pottawattamie County, Grace Pauley.

From Poweshiek County, Gracie Kaufman. Gracie is 16, from Grinnell, daughter of James and Chelse Kaufman. She's involved in 4-H and FFA. She will be a junior in high school this fall. Representing Poweshiek County, Gracie Kaufman.

From Ringgold County, Kaley Murphy. Kaylee is 16, from Mount Ayr, the daughter of Justin and Jessica Murphy. She's been involved in FFA and she will be a senior at Mount Ayr, with future plans to attend DMACC for nursing. From Ringgold County, Kaley Murphy.

From Sac County, Denae Thayer. Denae is 17 years old, from Odebolt, the daughter of Mike and Jennifer Thayer. She's involved in 4-H and FFA. In the fall, she'll be attending Isaac High School with future plans to study veterinary medicine. From Sac County, Denae Thayer.

Representing Scott County and the Mississippi Valley Fair, Delaney Engler. Delaney is 18, from Dixon, the daughter of Curt and Andrea Engler. She's involved in FFA and 4-H. She'll be attending Illinois Central College to compete on the livestock judging team. From Scott County and the Mississippi Valley Fair, Delaney Engler.

From Shelby County, Brooklyn Buck. Brooklyn is 17, from Tennant, the daughter of Erin Buck and Brian Berndt. She's involved in 4-H and FFA. She'll be attending Kansas State University to study athletic training and rehabilitation sciences. Representing Shelby County, Brooklyn Buck.

From Sioux County, Kolby Oldenkamp. Kolby is 17 years old, from Sioux Center, the daughter of Jared and Julie Oldenkamp. She's a member of FFA. She will be a senior in high school and will be continuing her educational career studying nutrition and Spanish, while also continuing her cross country and track career. From Sioux County, Kolby Oldenkamp.

From Story County Ella Henningsen. Ella is 18 years old from Gilbert, the daughter of Brent and Beth Henningsen. She's a member of 4-H and FFA. This fall, she'll be attending the University of Iowa to study enterprise leadership and be involved with Special Olympics. Representing Story County, Ella Henningsen.

From Tama County, Rhianna Murty. Rhianna is 18 years old, from Gladbrook, the daughter of Steve and Erin Murty. She's involved in 4-H and FFA, and this fall she will be a senior in high school with future plans to attend Iowa State University to study animal science. From Tama County, Rhianna Murty.

From Taylor County, Danielle Robinson. Danielle is 18 years old, from Lenox, the daughter of Jeremy and Jenny Robinson. She's involved in FFA and in the fall will be attending Iowa State University to major in agricultural business. Representing Taylor County, Danielle Robinson.

From Union County, Annalise Buxton. Annalise is 18 years old, from Creston, the daughter of Levi Buxton and Elizabeth Heinzel. She's involved in 4-H and this fall will attend Iowa State University to major in animal science. Representing Union County, Annalise Buxton.

From Van Buren County, Rylee Caviness. Riley is 17 years old from Mount Sterling, the daughter of Rob and Betsy Caviness. She is involved in 4-H and FFA. She'll be a senior in high school this fall, with future plans to pursue a degree in forensic science. From Van Buren County, Rylee Caviness.

Representing the Wapello County Expo, Autumn Damm. Autumn is 17 from Ottumwa, the daughter of Rich and Tonya Damm. She's involved in 4-H and Youth County Council should be attending Hawkeye Community College to study mass media and graphic design in the fall. Representing the Wapello County Expo, Autumn Damm.

Representing the Wapello County Fair, Mya Sampson. Mya is 17 years old from Bloomfield, the daughter of Joshua Sampson and Tiara Formaro. She's involved as the Cardinal FFA secretary. She will be a senior in high school in the fall, with future plans to major in psychology and minor in children's counseling. Representing the Wapello County Fair, Mya Sampson.

From Warren County, Maci Darr. Maci is 18 years old, from Indianola, the daughter of Chris and Sarah Darr. She's involved in FFA and she'll be attending PCI in Ames for a future in cosmetology. Representing Warren County, Maci Darr.

From Washington County, Morgan Leichty. Morgan is 16, from Wayland, the daughter of Kurt and Beth Leichty. She's involved in 4-H and FFA. She'll be a senior in high school with plans to go to the University of Iowa to study sonography. Representing Washington County, Morgan Leichty.

From Wayne County, Natalia Brown. Natalia is 17 years old, from Seymour, the daughter of Chris and Stacey Brown. She's involved in 4-H and FFA. She'll be a senior in high school with future plans to attend Morningside University to study ag communications and animal science. From Wayne County, Natalia Brown.

From Webster County, Blessing Cunigan. Blessing is 18 years old, from Dayton, daughter of Steve and Angela Turner and Bill Cunigan. She's part of 4-H and FFA. She will be a senior in high school, with future plans to pursue a degree in food and nutrition and hospitality. Representing Webster County, Blessing Cunigan.

Representing West Pottawattamie County, Kendal Jensen. Kendal is 17 years old from Neola, daughter of Kyle and Jill Jensen. She's involved in 4-H will be a senior at Tri-center High School with plans in the future to pursue a degree in psychology and minor in criminal justice. Representing West Pottawattamie, Kendal Jensen.

From Winnebago County, Emma Eichenberger. Emma is 17, from Lakota, the daughter of Lucas and Molly Eichenberger. She's involved in FFA and will be a junior in high school in the fall, playing volleyball. From Winnebago County, Emma Eichenberger.

From Winneshiek County, Rylee Averhoff. Rylee is 17 years old, from Decorah, the daughter of Forry and Amy Averhoff. She's part of Decorah's FFA and 4-H chapters. She will be a senior in high school next fall, and then plans to attend cosmetology school. Representing Winneshiek County, Rylee Averhoff.

From Woodbury County, Grace Flannigan. Grace is 17 years old from Salix, daughter of Becky Flannigan and Nick Novotny, and Matthew and Brittany Flannigan. She's involved in 4-H and FFA. She'll be a senior this fall with plans to further her studies with livestock judging and ultimately wanting to be a large animal veterinarian. From Woodbury County, Grace Flannigan.

From Worth County, Kamryn Backhaus. Kamryn is 18 years old, from Kensett, the daughter of Brett and Jacki Backhaus. She's involved in 4-H and this fall she will attend Iowa State University to major in elementary education. Representing Worth County, Kamryn Backhaus.

From Wright County. Lily Pigman. Lily is 16 years old, from Latimer, the daughter of Michael and Mandie Pigman. She's a member of FFA and will be a senior in high school this fall. Then, continuing her education to become an infertility specialist. Representing Wright County, Lily Pigman.

Representing the Wyoming Fair, Sophia Hunter. Sophia is 17 years old, from Wyoming, the daughter of Sheldon and Andrea Hunter. She's been involved in FFA and 4-H. She'll be a senior in high school in the fall, with future plans to further her portrait and agricultural photography business. Representing the Wyoming Fair, Sophia Hunter.

[Hailey ] Ladies and gentlemen, your 2025 County Fair Queens.

We would now like to take this time to introduce the Alumni Award in honor of Julie Wolterman. Julie was the 1993 Iowa State Fair Queen, a special thanks to Julie's mom, Judy, here to present the award. Julie was the State Fair Queen and also the coordinator of the contest for 19 years, and we sadly lost her in 2022. She contributed much to the contest to make it all that it is today. We honor her memory through this award where a contestant is chosen based upon being an active and innovative thinker, has pristine problem solving skills, has an entrepreneurial spirit, and is a pioneer and a trailblazer in her community. And finally, who is a creative person that encourages others to make the most of opportunities, she overcomes and learns from setbacks, and she succeeds in a variety of settings. The recipient of the Alumni Award honoring Julie Wolterman will receive a $500 scholarship, a plaque from the Iowa State Fair, and a bouquet from Boesen the Florist, and it is now my honor to introduce to you the award winner of the Alumni Award in honor of Julie Wolterman. And the award goes to Audubon County, Emily Foran.

[Travis] Congratulations, Emily.

At this time, I'd like to invite a couple of our fair administrators up here to share a few words with you. As I mentioned at the beginning, without them, none of this would be possible. They put in a lot of hours, a lot of work all throughout the year to make sure that the Iowa State Fair is the best that it can be, and it just keeps getting better and better every year, doesn't it? Let's invite up here the President of the Iowa State Fair Board, Curtis Claeys and Jeremy Parsons, the fair CEO and manager. And I will turn the microphone over to them to share a few words.

[Curtis Claeys] Thank you very much. Good evening everyone. Now it's quite obvious there's quite a difference in age between these young ladies and myself, but I know we have one thing very much in common, and that's that we love our county fairs. As a young boy growing up, it was a highlight of my summer. The best and the worst days of summer all wrapped up in one week. And at the time, I didn't know what those feelings were. But I come to realize they are passion. Now, I know there are a lot of county fair board members in the crowd tonight, both past and present, and I know you share those feelings. The anxiety of when you're starting your fairs and going to put them on, and the relief when they're over and you've had a successful fair, that's also passion. I can still remember the first time I ever came to the Iowa State Fair. I came with a family of dairy exhibitors from back home, and as I returned with them, year after year after year, I began to realize I had the same feelings for this place that I did for my county fair and that family that brought me here the first time. So many years ago. Still showing today, 61 years later, never missing a fair. Now that's passion too. Now, ladies, I know you're going to do a lot of great things in your lives. And when you figure out what those are, I just ask that you do them with passion. If you do, that feeling you get right here, will last a lifetime. Thank you and good luck to each and every one of you.

[Travis] Thank you Curtis. And now Jeremy Parsons, the fair CEO and manager.

[Jeremy] Well, thank you for being here tonight. 60 years of competition here. And it's bigger and better than ever. And we know that because for the first time ever, we ran out of programs tonight. So thank you all for being here and enjoying a day at the Iowa State Fair. You know, I started at the Iowa State Fair as a high schooler and as a 17-year-old boy, I had the best job in the world. I had to schedule the Iowa State Fair Queen and her appearances and the first queen I got to do that for was Julie. Queen Julie. And so now I think about Julie, and I think about Elli, and one of you is going to have a life changing experience tonight. But even if you are not crowned the queen, here's something you have to remember. Earlier I was sitting there, and there were three little girls, and they were from, I think it's Monroe County back there, right? Is that you back there? Marion? Back there? And they went up to her. They were standing here on the edge and they were waving at her. And I said, "Is that your sister?" And she and they said, "No, it's our babysitter." Of course, they probably wouldn't like their sister that much, but I say that to all of you for this, you are examples. Never, ever, ever forget that you are examples. Good luck tonight.

[Hailey] It is now time to hear a few words from a lovely lady who has traveled hundreds and hundreds of hundreds of miles across the state of Iowa. She has made memories and lots of friendships throughout all the different counties that she has attended. Let's welcome her home. Your Iowa State Fair Queen, Miss Elli Blackford.

[Elli] I can't explain how sweet it is to be home sweet home at our fair, sweet fair. After a busy summer of traveling, I've made my way across 77 county fairs, traveling over 13,000 miles across our great state of Iowa. Through many early mornings, long nights, and long drives in between, I began to realize one very important thing - the purest of joys. Don't always take place in the shining spotlight or the big milestones, but in the quiet moments, the little everyday actions that we do with one another. I've learned to rejoice in all things and be thankful for even the smallest of blessings. Because this year has been full of big crowds, big smiles, and big buckets of cookies. But it's the little moments, the sprinkles of joy, that have made it so unforgettable. These sprinkles came in all different shapes and sizes, like sharing a cookie in the Winneshiek County Fair office while talking all about cows, genomics and repro. Right back to my roots.

If you know me, or watching good friends hand off their crowns and Mills, Cedar and Washington realizing just how fast our year has flown by, they looked like walking through barns, talking with 4-H and FFA members and handing out ribbons to hard working exhibitors. They looked like fireworks lighting up the Hardin County sky. Sunset tours from community members who wanted me to see their hometowns through their eyes and wandering new parts of the state with my best of friends in the places they call home. They sounded like kids in Clarke County screaming "Queen Elli" from across the fairgrounds. Kids in Marion County as we laughed and raced golf carts across the Knoxville Raceway. And they sounded like chatter as I reconnected with old friends and very supportive family at the Wayne County Fair. They tasted like pork chops in a glove in Plymouth. Way too many tubes of dairy producer ice cream and a seafood boil in the Union campgrounds.

When I look back on this year, it won't be the many county fairs or the number of miles traveled that stand out. It'll be these little sprinkles. The conversations, the laughter, the shared cookies and ice cream that made it all so unforgettable. I'll carry these little moments and memories with me. Just like you carry the special moments of your county fairs with you. Because these are the things that make our county fairs so special. They show our community spirit, hard work and the love for making the best, better. And there's nobody else to better represent that than the 102 amazing young women sitting behind me. They are the next generation of leaders, achievers and dreamers in our community and our state and our world. They give with full confidence and show that our community spirit is driven by our love for our county fairs. Our backbone of our country is agriculture and Iowa agriculture continues to be the pride of this state.

Before I end today, I would be doing a disgrace without getting a little choked up and saying thank you to my biggest supporters along the way. So to the people sitting in my very, very far left, thank you for not only being my fair board, but my family. To the spouses for giving me a smile while complimenting my outfits or a joke to crack a smile in the early mornings. To my family, thank you for the many, many hours of support. The long phone calls, and the many drives in between. To Roger and Debbie for embracing me as one of their own. No matter what hour of the night I show up, or how many miles we drive the next day. To my friends for many late night phone calls, lots of rants, and for making me feel right at home in the show barn whenever you're doing your chores. And to Iowa, thank you for embracing me with open arms, big smiles, and showing me the love of your county fairs. It's you that has made this year so incredible as your 2024 Iowa State Fair Queen.

[Travis] All right. Tough to follow that up, folks. Before we get to the awards, we want to acknowledge a couple of folks that you may see in your program. We want to recognize Skeffington's Formal Wear for their donation of the tuxedos for our dapper looking escorts this evening and recognize Boesen the Florist for donating all of the beautiful bouquets for our queens as well. So thank you to those sponsors.

And without further ado, it's time now that we hand out some prizes. What you've all been waiting for, we're going to begin with Personality Plus. This young woman will receive a $500 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, a plaque from the fair, a $200 Visa gift card from an anonymous donor, and a flower bouquet from Boesen the Florist. Personality Plus goes to Fayette County, Alexandria Kent.

[Hailey] We will now award your 2025 Outstanding Leadership. This young lady will receive an $800 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, a plaque from the Iowa State Fair, a $250 Visa gift card from an anonymous donor, and a flower bouquet from Boesen the Florist. And your Outstanding Leadership goes to Dallas County, Kelsey Greenslade.

[Travis] All right. Our third runner up will receive a $500 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, a plaque from the fair, a $200 Visa gift card from an anonymous donor, and a flower bouquet from Boesen the Florist. The third runner up is Appanoose County, Emery Hawkins.

[Hailey] Your second runner up will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, a plaque from the Iowa State Fair, a $250 Visa gift card from an anonymous donor, and a flower bouquet from Boesen the Florist. Your second runner up goes to Union County, Annalise Buxton.

[Travis] All right. Your first runner up will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a plaque from the Iowa State Fair, a $300 Visa gift card from an anonymous donor, and a flower bouquet from Boesen the Florist. And your first runner up from O'Brien County, Ashlynn Gunnerson.

[Hailey] And now for the grand finale. Your 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen. She will receive a $3,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, a $1,000 scholarship from Doghouse Concessions, a trophy from the Iowa State Fair, crown and sash from the Iowa State Fair, a crown necklace from Tiffany Jewelers, a $600 Visa gift card from an anonymous donor, and a flower bouquet from Boesen the Florist. And an Iowa State Fair brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. And your 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen hails from Grundy County, Riah Schrage.

Miss Riah Schrage, ladies and gentlemen, your 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen.

[Travis] Congratulations to Riah Schrage from Grundy County. Your 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen. Thank you to everyone for being here at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage tonight. Thank you to everyone watching at home on Iowa PBS. Be safe, have fun at the Iowa State Fair and good night.

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