2022 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation

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[ Applause ]

JERRY PARKIN: Welcome to the 2022 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation. My name is Jerry Parkin and I'll be emceeing tonight with Hailey Swan. Hailey?

HAILEY: Hello, everyone, good evening and welcome. We're so excited for you all to be here tonight. We have 98 County Fair Queens back behind us, 98 counties of Iowa state represented. Can we give a round of applause for that, please?

[ Applause ]

Jerry, I don't know about you but I'm feeling so grateful to live in a state where we get to represent such a wonderful -- it's the wonderful state of Iowa and these county fair queens are representing a wonderful state.

We'll go ahead and get right started into it. There are 80 members of 4H behind these doors. 73 members of FFA. And a combined GPA of 3.8.

[ Applause ]

And they all have a strong commitment to their family and community. I can see they're heavily supported tonight. We want to thank you all for coming out to be a part of this.

[ Applause ]

Tonight is the culmination of four days of workshops, interviews, and evaluation. And let me tell you what, these queens have been put to the test this week. They've also made lasting friendships and relationships. I know they've had a ton of fun. So it's been a super exciting week for them.

JERRY: I was told earlier this week that of all the pre-stage entertainments at the Iowa State Fair, this one has the highest attendance.

I think that says a lot for what we think of our young people. The young women we meet today are the future. They're the leaders who will help solve the problems and move our society forward. When they come back home, greet them and get them committed to your community. We want to give special

Thanks to Amanda Cook, the Iowa State Fair Queen coordinator and the 2016 Iowa State Fair Queen, and Amanda probably won't come out but we'll get her out at some point tonight. Also her assistants and chaperones, including Jeanette, Ellen, Hannah, and Izzy. If you recognize a few of those names, because some of them have been Iowa State Fair queens too.
[ Applause ]

HAILEY: We also want to thank the lovely people up front here, our judges for the competition. They've worked hours upon hours and spent a lot of time with these queens tonight. So a special thank you to Brian
Meyer, Paris, cane, Ed, and Stacia. Let's give them a round of applause, please.

[ Applause ]

JERRY: Another group that we couldn't have an event like this without is the Iowa State Fair board of directors. And I served on that board for 20 years. And I can tell me you as a member of that board, you hear all the complaints. And you might not have anything to do with what made those complaints happen, but you as a fair board director hear about them, hear of them, and are expected to take care of them.

They also do a lot of good, though. And I think we need to recognize the impact they have in this Iowa State Fair and the support they give the Iowa State Fair Queen competition.

I would like to introduce them and have them stand up when I give their names and hopefully I won't mispronounce any of your names, that would be embarrassing, wouldn't it?

I'm going to start, I don't think Gary Slater is here yet but our fair manager is a member of the board. He's got a lot of activities going on, so he'll show up at some point I'm sure. Our president is Tennie Carlson, She also serves as a liaison for the queen competition. Vice President is Darwin Gaudian. Our treasurer is Curtis Claeys. The immediate past president is Dave Hoffman. Other board members are Alan Brown, Gary McConnell who also serves as a liaison to the queen competition, and usually brings a cheering section to these events.

So I guess he did again, right? John Harms. Deb Zumbach. Randy Brown. Jo Reynolds. C.W. Thomas. And C.W. is obviously doing some other things right now. Gary Van Aernam. Then we have three board members that are members by their office held. First is Governor Kim Reynolds. She's represented on the board by Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg. Our Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, represented by Julie Kenney, and the president of Iowa state University, Wendy Wintersteen, she's represented by Andrea Nelson. So please give these board members a thank you for all the hard work they put in year-round for this Iowa State Fair.

One last person I want to introduce or at least have you acknowledge before we get to the introduction of the queens is Tonya Cook, director of special events for the Iowa State Fair. Without her, again, this is an event that would not take place. She's responsible for all the strolling entertainment. She's responsible for all the free stages. So she puts a lot of effort into this state fair too. 

With that, what do you think?

HAILEY: I think it's time for the introduction of these lovely county fair queens.

JERRY: Let's do it.

HAILEY: From Adair County, Erin Ford. Erin is from Fontanelle, Iowa, the 18-year-old daughter of Craig and Audra Ford. She is involved in demolition derby, raising cattle, and she is also a wrestler. 

From Adams County, Ally Birt. Ally is from Corning, Iowa, the 17-year-old daughter of Michelle Kennedy and Doug Birt. She enjoys showing pigs, barrel racing, she is also involved in FFA and 4H. 

From Allamakee County, Rhianna Jones. She is from Lansing, Iowa. She the 17-year-old daughter of Eric and Liz Jones. She is involved in speech and drama, VFW Auxiliary and FFA.

From Appanoose County, Aubreyonna McGill. She is from Centerville, Iowa, the 20-year-old daughter of Will and Tylee McGill. She enjoys showing sheep, she is a 4H cooking club leader and enjoys playing with her pup, Oakley.

From Audubon County, Jaci Christensen. Jaci is from Exira, Iowa.  She is the 18-year-old daughter of Dan and Jill Christensen. She enjoys playing basketball. She is involved in art and painting. And she also enjoys showing goats.

From Benton County, Annabelle Newton. She is from Vinton, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Kim and Chad Newton.  She is involved in FAA, 4H county council and is pursuing a degree in special education.

From Black Hawk County, Julie Bauler. She is from Hudson, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Rick and Janine Bauler. She is involved in NHS, FFA and cheerleading. 

From Boone County, Abigail Dies. Abigail is from Ames, Iowa. She's the 18-year-old daughter of Darren and Marsha Dies. She enjoys raising and showing lambs. She is involved in FFA and 4H.

From Bremer County Sydney Matthias. Sydney is from Readlyn, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Aaron and Misha Matthias. She enjoys showing livestock and hanging out with her family and is involved in sports. 

From Buchanan County, Lauren Beyer. Lauren is from Independence, Iowa, the 17-year-old daughter of Chris and Jamie Beyer. She is involved in FFA and dance and she also raises goats.

From Buena Vista County, Jenna Merten. Jenna is from Storm Lake, Iowa, the 16-year-old daughter of Deb and Dave Merten. She enjoys reading books. She's involved in FFA and Jenna is pursuing a degree in physical therapy.

From Butler County, Hannah Buttjer. Hannah is from Aplington, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Matt and Angela Buttjer. She is involved in FFA, archery and speech. And she also helps with her family farm. 

From Calhoun County, Macy Macke. Macy is from Lake City, Iowa, the 18-year-old daughter of Andy and Christy Macke. She enjoys showing livestock. She is involved in academics and is also involved in FFA.

From Carroll County, Hannah Mescher. Hannah is from Carroll, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Pat and Wendy Mescher. She is involved in FFA, her church, and she is also involved in a DNR program with firefighting wild land.

From Cass County, Keira Olson. Keira is from Atlantic, Iowa, the 17-year-old daughter of John and Kate Olson. She is involved in athletics. She enjoys English and reading. She is also involved in 4H. 

From Cedar County, Lacey Rouse. Lacey is from Mechanicsville, Iowa, the 17-year-old daughter of Deb and Tyler Rouse. She is involved in showing cattle, photography and volleyball.

From Cerro Gordo County, Lizabeth Richardson. She is from Clear Lake, Iowa, and is the 18-year-old daughter of Roger and Shelley Richardson. She is involved in basketball, showing livestock, and she also helps with sports. 

From Cherokee County, Katie Bryant. Katie is from Aurelia, Iowa, the 17-year-old daughter of Brent and Valerie Bryant. She is involved in 4H, the swim team, and she is also involved in the agriculture industry. 

From Chickasaw County, Trinity Brincks. Trinity is from Fredericksburg, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Matthew and Jeanette Brincks. She is involved in ag, dance, and also is involved in a kids mentoring program in her community.

From Clarke County, Tori White. Tori is from Osceola, Iowa, the 19-year-old daughter of Dina and Mike White. She is involved in basketball. She likes to watch her brothers play sports and she also enjoys attending the Iowa State Fair. 

From Clay County, Autumn Erdman. Autumn is from Spencer, Iowa, the 16-year-old daughter of Jolene and Terry Hanson and Bob Erdman. She is involved in FFA, Clay County Youth Council and National Honor Society.

From Clayton County, Cerria Drips. Cerria is from Garber, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of David and Tonya Drips. She is a mental health influencer, enjoys horseback riding and is involved in 4H youth committee and county council.

From Clinton County, Makayli Sprague. She is from Calamus, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Jim and Kelly Sprague. She is involved in 4H, showing goats, and she is also involved in dance.

From Crawford County, Maci Kaub. Maci is from Denison, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Harold and Melissa Kaub. She is involved in FAA, 4H, and showing livestock.

From Davis County, Megan Swan. Megan is from Bloomfield, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Shane and Kelly Swan. She is involved in 4H. She enjoys reading and working with the youth.

From Decatur County, Kelly Lloyd. Kelly is from Lamoni, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Kevin and Elizabeth Lloyd. She is involved in aviation and her National Honor Society. She also enjoys showing livestock.

From Delaware County, Maddie Hoeger. Maddie is from Manchester, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Jason and Janet Hoeger. She is involved in student council, 4H, and Future Business Leaders of America.

From Des Moines County, Sydney McElhinney. Sydney is from Morning Sun, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Leah and Randy McElhinney. She is involved in theater, trapshooting, and basketball.

From Dickinson County, Clare Schoelerman. Clare is from Milford, Iowa, the 18-year-old daughter of Jeff and Rachel Schoelerman. She enjoys riding horses. She is involved in 4H and FFA and also enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

From Emmet County, Emily Regalstad. Emily is from Estherville, Iowa, the 17-year-old daughter of Al and Melissa Regalstad. She is involved in 4H, National Honor Society, and also enjoys showing livestock.

From Fayette County, Abigail Patrick. Abigail is from Olwein, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Ben and Amy Weber and Shane Patrick. She is a golf manager and is involved in day-care and special education and also enjoys watching the U.S. women's soccer team.

From Floyd County, Delaney Ruzicka. Delaney is from Marble Rock,Iowa, the 17-year-old daughter of John and Michelle Ruzicka. She is involved in FFA, demolition derby, and also enjoys playing golf.

From Franklin County, Addyson Showalter. Addyson is from Sheffield, Iowa, the 18-year-old daughter of Joe and Kelly Showalter. She is involved in 4H and FFA. She also enjoys showing cattle and she is involved in volleyball.

From Fremont County, Maci Slater. Maci is from Shenandoah, Iowa, the 16-year-old daughter of Cristy and Ryan Slater. She enjoys showing cattle, traveling, and she is also interested in animal science.

From the Jones County Fair, Reagan Schneiter. Reagan is from Monticello, Iowa, the 17-year-old daughter of Ron and Jackie Schneiter. She is involved in FFA and athletics. And she also enjoys boating with her family.

From Greene County, Iowa, Hannah Curtis. Hannah is from Gowrie, Iowa. She is the 19-year-old daughter of Kent and Dannel Curtis. She is on the dance team. She is involved in Greek life and also is involved in music.

From Grundy County, Isabell Rogers. Isabell is from Dike, Iowa, the 18-year-old daughter of Bill and Liz Rogers. She enjoys showing rabbits. She is involved in FFA and also is involved in the fashion industry.

From Guthrie County, Reagan Gibson. She is from Panora, Iowa. She is the 19-year-old daughter of Jim and Carwyn Gibson. She is involved in the Block and Bridle Club at Iowa State and is also involved in the Line Dancing Club and showing livestock.

From Hamilton County, Alley Odland. Alley is from Webster City, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Brent and Gail Odland. She enjoys golf. She also shows pigs and she is involved in 4H.

From Hancock County, Emma Goll. Emma is from Garner, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Dan and Tracy Goll. She enjoys showing swine and goats and also enjoys camping.

From Hardin County, Macy Engelson. Macy is from of Garden City, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Travis and Martia Engelson. She is involved in volleyball, track, and is pursuing a degree in nursing.

From Harrison County, Hannah Thomas. Hannah is from Little Sioux, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Steve and Jennifer Thomas. She is involved in 4H, the fishing team, and is also on the trapshooting team. 

From Henry County, Chevy Mills. Chevy is from New London, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Shelly Beatrick and Mike Mills. She plans to major in nursing. She is also involved in National Honor Society and the New London Holiday Stroll Committee.

From the mighty Howard County Fair, Joey Vobr. Joey is from Cresco, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Melissa and Eric Vobr. She is involved in FFA, speech, and she is also on the swim team.

From Humboldt County, Tricia Kellner. Tricia is from Hardy, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Mark and Lynn Kellner. She is involved in FFA, band, and also helps out on the farm.

From Ida County, Hannah Weeda. Hannah is from Holstein, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Sterling and Julie Weeda. She shows cattle. She is involved in choir and singing and she is also involved in FFA and 4H.

From Iowa County, Abbie Gahring. Abbie is from Homestead, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of John and Lynn Gahring. She is involved in dance and she also shows cattle and pigs.

From Jackson County, Mary Holtz. Mary is from Maquoketa, Iowa. She is the 20-year-old daughter of Jeff and Lisa Holtz. She shows dairy cattle. She is also involved in the Dairy Science Club at Iowa State University and she enjoys gardening.

From Jasper County, Lauren Zaabel. Lauren is from Kellogg, Iowa, the 18-year-old daughter of Roger and Pam Zaabel. She is involved in agriculture business. She enjoys spending time with her cattle and she also enjoys spending time outside.

From Jefferson County, Madeline Black. She is from Batavia, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Matt and Dawn Black. She is a women's wrestler. She is also involved in FFA and has attended the Iowa State Fair for 18 years.

From Johnson County, Sydney Divoky. Sydney is from Solon, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Michelle and Josh Divoky. She shows dairy cattle and goats. She is involved in dance and she is an advocate for children with mental and physical disabilities.

From the Keokuk Expo, Brooklyn Hemsley. She is from Sigourney, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Erica and Randy Hemsley. She is involved in student council, volleyball, and competitive dance.

From the Keokuk County Fair, Sadie McCain. Sadie is from of What Cheer, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Chad and April McCain. She is involved in athletics, FFA, and she is also involved in National Honor Society.

From Kossuth County, Molly Bormann. Molly is from Algona, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Patrick and Julianna Bormann. She is involved in 4H and FFA. She shows cattle and swine.

From Lee County, Hailey Tweedy. Hailey is from Argyle, Iowa. She is the 19-year-old daughter of Jeremy and Jamie Tweedy. She is involved in competitive horse reining, rodeo queen pageants and enjoys side by side riding.

From Linn County, Zoey Wecker. Zoey is from Marion, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Echo and Joshua Wecker. She enjoys art history, is on the pom team and is a leader in her high school for the anti-suicide program.

From Louisa County, Victoria Howell. Victoria is from Columbus Junction, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Tom and Tara Howell. She is involved in National Honor Society, 4H and FFA and is also involved in her youth group.

From Lucas County, Briley Atwell. Briley is from Russell, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Ryan and Amanda Atwell. She is involved in goat breeding in 4H, FFA and basketball.

From Lyon County, Shelby Kellenberger. Shelby is from Lester, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Nicholas and Amber Kellenberger. She is involved in cheer. She shows swine and is involved in business and marketing.

From Madison County, Addie Burkett. Addie is from Winterset, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Tony and Wendy Burkett. She is involved in 4H, cheer, drama and theater.

From Mahaska County, Lexi Van Utrecht. Lexi is from New Sharon, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Mike and Julie Van Utrecht. She is involved in dance. She shows swine. And Lexi also enjoys singing.

From Marion County, Ashley Kearney. Ashley is from Knoxville, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Deborah and Joe Kearney. She is involved in FFA, showing livestock, and she also plays soccer.

From Mitchell County, Mary Ann Fox. She is from Osage, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Carl Fox and Carrie McClure. She's involved in FFA. She enjoys running and riding horses.

From Monona County, Katie Brenner. Katie is from Mapleton, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Matt and Cory Brenner. She is involved in 4H and FFA and she is also involved in volleyball and golf.

From Monroe County, Shelby Rozenboom. Shelby is from Albia, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Adam Rozenboom and Cressa Peterson. She's involved in tennis. She shows swine. She is also pursuing a degree in kinesiology.

From Montgomery County, Delaina Olson. Delaina is from Red Oak, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Danny and Candy Olson. She is involved in FFA, 4H, and also involved in dance.

From Muscatine County, Morgan Hodge. Morgan is from West Liberty, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Stu and Roberta Hodge. She's involved in FFA, enjoys showing goats and also enjoys baking.

From O'Brien County, Grace Fuhrman. Grace is from Paullina, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Mark and Beth Fuhrman. She is involved in 4H and FFA. She plays softball and Grace also enjoys showing cattle.

From Osceola County, Madison Marco. Madison is from Ocheyedan, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Wendy and Zack Marco. She is involved in FFA, showing horses, and she is also on the cross-country and track team.

From Page County, Chanda Scenderman. She is from College Springs, Iowa. She is the 19-year-old daughter of Rich and Ellia Scenderman. She enjoys playing tennis, she is in basketball and also is involved in agribusiness.

From Palo Alto County, Katie Nelson. Katie is from Emmetsburg, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Jim and Diane Nelson. She enjoys English and reading. She is involved in golf and bowling.

From Plymouth County, Claire Blezek. Claire is from Le Mars, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Doug and Glenda Blezek. She is involved in FFA, 4H, and National Honor Society.

From Pocahontas County, Puritie Smith. Puritie is from Jolley, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Don and Rachel Patterson and Joe Smith. She enjoys cooking, hiking, and she is involved in FFA and 4H.

From Polk County, Bridget Johnson. Bridget is from Bondurant, Iowa. Bridget is the 17-year-old daughter of Craig and Katie Johnson. She is involved in 4H, FFA. She is also involved in track and she enjoys showing pigs.

From Pottawattamie County, Rebecca Cody. Rebecca is from Carson, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Randy and Lynn Cody. She is involved in FFA, dance, and she enjoys running.

From Poweshiek County, Ireland Sebetka. Ireland is from Chelsea, Iowa. She is the17-year-old daughter of Adrienne and Wesley Sebetka. She is involved in 4H, FFA, tractor and auto mechanics and athletics.

From Ringgold County, Mallory Wheeler. Mallory is from Maloy, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Randy and Kim Wheeler. She is involved in National Honor Society, student council and dance.

From Sac County, Carly Fischer. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Angie and Mike Fischer. She is involved in sports, 4H, and she is also involved in her church.

From the Mississippi Valley Fair representing Scott County, Caelan Engelbrecht. Caelan is from Eldridge, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Erin and Cory Engelbrecht. She is involved in 4H, FFA, and she is also involved in National Honor Society.

From Shelby County, Mallory Mulligan. Mallory is from Defiance, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Andy and Tiffany Mulligan. She is involved in 4H, FFA, and she is also majoring in accounting.

From Sioux County, Olivia Fedders. Olivia is from Ireton, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Brad and Pam Fedders. She owns 13 games of Monopoly. She is involved in cheerleading and she is also on her 4H county council.

From Story County, Tyler Pudenz. Tyler is from Story City, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old  daughter of Nick and Jenny Pudenz. She is involved in showing cattle. She is also pursuing a degree in animal science. And she is involved in FFA and 4H.

From Tama County, Kaylynn Murty. Kaylynn is from Tama, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Tim and Ashley Murty. She is involved in the agriculture industry. She enjoys showing cattle and is also involved in FFA and 4H.

From Taylor County, Bridgett Murphy. Bridgett is from Bedford, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Joseph and Bethany Murphy. She is involved in FFA, tractor pull, and she also owns a herd of cattle.

From Union County, Halle Evans. Halle is from Creston, Iowa. Halle is the 18-year-old daughter of Rob and April Evans. Halle enjoys showing cattle and pigs. She also shows horses. And she is involved in athletics.

From Van Buren County, Kaitlyn Scheuermann. Kaitlyn is from Keosququa, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Dr. Troy and Rolinda Scheuermann. She enjoys making pottery and is involved in the construction academy in her high school and community college and she also enjoys being outdoors.

From Wapello County, Victoria Sherwood. Victoria is from Ottumwa, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Sherry and Travis Sherwood. She is involved in volleyball, youth group, and she is also involved in Team Converts which is a recycling program in her community.

From Warren County, Olivia Adams. Olivia is from Norwalk, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of William and Lisa Adams. She is involved in 4H and music, and she also enjoys spending time with her horses.

From Washington County, Katie Leichty. Katie is from Wayland, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Warren and Chris Leichty. She enjoys reading books, she shows dairy cattle, and she is also involved in volleyball.

From Wayne County, Claire Carpenter. Claire is from Millerton, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Dan and Ashley Carpenter. She's involved in FFA, cheer, and is also pursuing a degree in agriculture business.

From Webster County, Jubilee Cunigan. Jubilee is from Dayton, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Angela and Bill Cunigan. She is involved in 4H, speech and she is also pursuing a degree in journalism.

From West Pottawattamie, Olivia Matson. Olivia is from Underwood, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Al and Wendy Matson. She is involved in National Honor Society, cross-country, and Olivia is also involved in 4H.

From Winnebago County, Joslynne Plath. Joslynne is from Forest City, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old of daughter of Sara and Patrick Bailey. She is involved in FFA, volleyball, and she is also pursuing a degree in secondary teaching.

From Winneshiek County, Katrina Hageman. Katrina is from Ossian, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Carl and Mika Hageman. She is involved in showing swine, volleyball, and is also involved in FFA.

From Woodbury County, Camrin Baird. Camrin is from Moville, Iowa. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Doug and Erin Baird. She is involved in 4H, FFA, and she is also involved in basketball.

From Worth County, Teagan Johnson. Teagan is from Northwood, Iowa. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Tim and Alicia Johnson. She is involved in 4H, National Honor Society, and she has also received her CNA license.

From Wright County, Paige German. Paige is from Clarion, Iowa. She is the 19-year-old daughter of Nick and Stacey German. She is involved in FFA and National Honor Society. She is also attending UNI.

From the Wyoming Fair, Gracie Franzen. Gracie is from Monmouth, Iowa. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Scott and Amber Franzen. She is involved in 4H, National Honor Society, and is also pursuing a degree in nursing.

Ladies and gentlemen, your Iowa State Fair County Fair Queens of 2022.

[ Applause ]

JERRY: Please give them a big hand, because this is the future of Iowa, and you're seeing the best of the best out here.

[ Applause ]

While Hailey and I are trying to get our act together here, and I think we just did, as you can tell, she's the pro, she hadt he lion's share of the work tonight. I got to do some of the lighter load stuff. I want to make sure you recognize our escorts tonight. They're not only escorts, but luggage assistants. And I've seen the luggage these girls bring into the hotel. So these guys worked real hard. Sam Martin, Ryan Wolf, George Martin and Sam Phillips.

[ Applause ]

And I asked beforehand, do I need to go over the pronunciations of these names? And it worked out pretty well, they're all pretty easy names. I also wanted -- I know that Amanda Cook is back there and I would like to have her come out and stand up.Amanda. There she is. She's the one that put this together this year. Also, Governor Reynolds, thank you so much for coming tonight. We all appreciate your support of the Iowa State Fair and your support of these young ladies. You're a great example for them. 

This next one is going to be a little tough. I would like to ask, Judy, if you would come up, please. She's back here already. There she is. If you could go out there with -- yeah, that's fine. Tonight we're going to honor one of our own. Julie Wolterman was the 1993 Iowa State Fair queen and coordinator of this pageant for 19 years. We tragically lost Julie this past spring, much too early. She contributed so much to this queen competition, helping to make it what it is today. She was a daughter, a mother, a spouse, a friend. Julie was special. When she saw a problem that needed fixing, she found a solution. Whether it was developing a better baby food for her young daughters or taking a facility on the lake and making it a special place. A number of former queens created this alumni award scholarship in honor of Julie, to recognize someone in this year's group of queens who is an innovative thinker, who strives to create a solution or meet a need that's not currently being met, has an entrepreneurial spirit, is a trailblazer in the community, and who is a creative thinker who encourages others to identify and make the most of opportunities. The judges went through the resumes of course and met with all the girls and they have chosen an award winner. So I will -- we've got Julie's mother and daughters out here helping to present this award. And I really appreciate their being here. Bridgett Murphy from TaylorCounty, would you please come up and accept the award.

[ Applause ]

And this will be a $500 scholarship. Thank you very much. I'm extremely pleased that I made it through that. Now we've got a couple of people who have promised to make brief comments tonight. So I'm going to introduce them. And that would be our State Fair Board President, Tennie Carlson, and our General Manager Gary Slater. I guess, Tennie, you're going togo first.

TENNIE: Welcome to the 2022 IowaState Fair.

[ Applause ]

Tonight I would like to direc tmy message to all the beautiful queens on the stage. There you are. What a privilege and an honor to be with all of you beautiful, talented, and amazing young women. I'm sure there hasn't been any stress at all since you were crowned at your prospective fairs. I imagine all of you have missed band or ball practices, church events, doing livestock chores, spent time away from friends and family, and many other important events in your lives since your crowning. Please remember to thank those who took on those tasks that allowed you to be completely immersed in the Iowa State Fair queen experience. When we visited you ladies at the hotel Thursday afternoon, I want to reminded you and remind you again that you're already winners. You're here on the stage, and they're right here before you tonight.

[ Applause ]

I can assure you the women on the stage will become leaders in our state across the county and the nation.We are in great hands. As I mentioned last year when I stood before you, as a young 4H-er in the Calhoun County 4H Club some 40 plus years ago, little did I ever imagine that I would stand before you as president of the Iowa State Fair board.

[ Applause ]

So please, chase your dreams,live your passion, and assert yourself. And remember, find your fun.Thank you.

[ Applause ]

JERRY: Mr. Slater .You've got to follow that.

GARY: That's a difficult task. She is so well-spoken, she's been such a great president for us from Hamilton County, Tennie Carlson once again does a great job.

[ Applause ]

I too want to welcome you to the 2022 Iowa State Fair. I don't remember when I've seen this contest, this many people here. Don't get me wrong, it's always full. I think there are more people here tonight than I've seen in along time. And I thank you for coming. Maybe it's this cool air that's coming from somewhere that blew away the heat of the day that's helping a little bit. I also want to thank Jerry Parkin, former board member, who has a passion for this contest. That's what I want to talk about, finding your fun, as Tennie said here. A lot of times, it's passion. The reason people attend the Iowa State Fair, the reason we love coming to the Iowa State Fair, because we're celebrating what we love living in Iowa for. And it's an integral part of every part of the fair. There are so many things to do and say and see at the Iowa State Fair. But in each one of those, there's a niche of people that that is their life. This is it tonight, that's why you all are here, I thank you for coming. But just look around the fairgrounds and see the quality of every exhibit of every contest that we have. It's not so much us. We just organize it. It's you that puts the quality in it. I thank you all for making the Iowa State Fair the best fair in the whole country. Thank you very much. Now, ladies, I'm not going to say very much more because I know that I'm the only one in between that big news. But I do want to say in my book you are all winners. You are all wonderful young ladies. And I am not worried about the future of Iowa, in one shape or form, because I know that you all are going to be leaders in this state and you're going to carry forth your passions. And I hope you include the Iowa State Fair as you do it and mature. So good luck and thank you very much. Thank you.

[ Applause ]

HAILEY: It is now time for me to introduce you to all a very special woman who has been all over the state of Iowa this year. And let me tell you what, she has -- she's just in a bunch. She has visited a lot of county fairs, a total of 61 county fairs. And I've had the pleasure of getting to know her a little bit more. And let me tell what you, she is a treasure of Iowa. So I want to introduce you to the 2021 Iowa State Fair queen, McKenna Henrich. Let's give her applause, ladies and gentlemen.

[ Applause ]

BILL RILEY: Hello, Iowa.How we doin'? I'm honored to escort McKenna to the stage. I'm briefly going to tell what you went down last year. The queens gave me the most wonderful coffee table book and a picture of 24 queens that I had the honor to introduce through my career with the pageant here at the Iowa State Fair. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 25th queen. I don't have a picture. And I'm hoping I'll get a nice little card from her. But I'll tell you what, I asked her, mid-summer, we crossed paths at a county fair, I asked McKenna if she would give me the honor to bring her out for her final farewell. Iowa, again, give her a round of applause with her final farewell. McKenna Henrich, Akron, Iowa, Plymouth County.

MCKENNA: Hello, Iowa, how are we doin'? I am the 2021 Iowa State Fair queen. By that I mean I've been having a day. Has anybody here ever been part of an experience that ever changed their life? That has been my journey this last year. I remember sitting in these girls' chairs and I was like, huh, I wonder if I'm going to know who the queen is. I wonder what she's like, like I wonder what she's doing after this. And here I am, planning to go get barbecue ribs after this. It worked out. 15 minutes later I was crowned. I would say it worked out in my favor, wouldn't you? When I think of all the memories this year, I think about everything I've been gifted and for those of you that know, you know that my role as the Iowa State Fair queen is pretty big. And out of all of the memories I've made, I can think of one that sticks out the most to me. It was here at the Iowa State Fairgrounds that I was judging the fancy hat contest and let me tell you, I love this contest. There is a young little girl named Mallory and she was in the fancy hat contest so the opportunity, when she comes to the front, she showcases her hat and they talk about their hat. This little young lady was very, very special. She was nervous. So she came up, she it a great job, she showed me her hat. For those of you that know me, you know that growing up, my nickname was literally chatty Kathy. She got an earful from me, as you can imagine. We were talking about her hat and then started talking a little bit more. That night I talked to her grandma and she says it's been so wonderful getting to meet you. I go back to the admin building, I'm not thinking about anything. The next day, who do you think I saw? Mallory. The only difference was this time she had this book in her hand. And she came over to me ands aid, hey, I got you a book, can we read it together? So of course I'm like, yeah, let's do it. We read this book and Mallory is sitting on my lap and we're flipping through the pages and she has the biggest smile on her face. We keep reading this book a little bit more and as we’re finishing her grandma comes over to me with tears in her eyes ands he says, want you to know that Mallory has selective mutism, meaning she does not feel comfortable talking to people. And she talked to me for five minutes.

[ Applause ]

When I first became State Fair queen, I had three goals. Number one, I wanted to be welcoming to every single person. I wanted to make them feel heard. I wanted to make them feel seen. I wanted to let them know when you see me and I see you, all I care about is you. Number two, I wanted to eat as much State Fair food as I possibly can. I mastered that skill, I think every vendor around the state fair has had their fair share of McKenna. Number three, I wanted to meet everyone from different walks of life. I wanted to know their story. I wanted to know why they love at the Iowa State Fair. And let me tell, those eight days at the Iowa State Fair, I definitely did. When I think of Iowa, I'm grateful to be from a state that's so agriculture-based. I had the opportunity to go to 61 county fairs and travel over 10,000 miles this summer.

[ Applause ]

Something that I loved about each and every county fair was there was always something unique about each and every one. I was never like, gosh, that fair sucked. I was always like, that fair was amazing. We are very, very community-orientated and that's something I learned traveling across the state of Iowa because let me tell you, Iowa, we are proud to be from this state. We are proud to have 99 county fairs. We are proud that all these beautiful young women up here are representing the state. Let's give them a hand.

[ Applause ]

And maybe some of you don't know this, but those weird looking people around here in those gray shirts, they're really weird, and those people that work at your county fairs that wear all those same color coordinated shirts like a bunch of weirdos, they all volunteer their time at the county fair and the state fair. All of this going on here would be possible without them. If you're thinking they're getting paid to do their job, you are wrong. They work all year round to make the county fairs as well as they can and the state fairs and that's something that should not ever go unnoticed because we would not have the successful fair we do right now if it wasn't for them and their love for agriculture, their love for the fair, their love for the county queens. That deserves a round of applause.

[ Applause ]

I would like to finish up by saying a few thank yous. I would like to thank Plymouth County. If I have to be from any county, I'm going to be from Plymouth County. Not only is it because it's a great county, but also because we have Well's Blue Bunny. Who doesn't like ice cream? There has to be those people in your life who support you before you have someone in your corner. That was Plymouth County. For me, it was my State Fair board and my county fair board that believed in me. So thank you, Plymouth County, I love you very much. Not only that but I would like to thank Tonya Cook, my state fair coordinator. What's going on up here, light's on, nobody's home. Tonya keeps me in check. She works so hard behind the fair. If you think this wasn't put on without her, you are very wrong. Tonya does an amazing job. I would like to thank my county coordinator Alice, I wouldn't be up here today if she hadn't encouraged me to run for my county fair. Let's give them a round of applause, please.

[ Applause ]

And for those of that you don't know this, so when I was crowned last year, I had one very special person chaperone me. And let me tell you, the bond that I created with this young lady has been amazing. She's standing over here to my right and that is Hailey Swan, an amazing person. Let's give her a round of applause. Talk about an amazing young woman who has a passion for agriculture and a passion for the Iowa state queen contest because I've never met anybody else who loves the state fair more than that girl. When we were driving around she was like, oh, gosh, I love that booth. What is that booth? She knows everything, she does a great job. I would also like to finish up by saying thank you to my parents, Brad and Michelle Henrich. They say you don't get to choose your own parents but I feel likeI got to choose mine. They've never once told me, no, McKenna, you can't do that. They said, you probably won't be good at it but you can try it anyways. When they see you, you're loved. They're always in my corner, always supporting me. Honestly they are the reason I am who I am today. And they're a big part of why I love this process because they've always been in my corner. Let's give them a round of applause, please.

[ Applause ]

My final thank you is to the Iowa State Fair board. They are the best looking group of old men and young women that I've ever seen, right?Those girls, they really kick it up a notch. The guys, they don't got nothing. You know, when I think about coming here last year, I remember just thinking about, gosh, all the past State Fair queens love them. And getting to be around their families, I know why they're so loved. I can't pick out one thing thatI don't love about each of them. And I'm standing back here and I'm like, gosh, which one's my favorite? I'm like, oh, my goodness, I can't even pick a one. I started thinking about one person and the next thing, I start thinking about another person and here I am bawling back there. They care about agriculture as much as all these young ladies. I wish they could be noticed for everything they do because I just feel like this past year, my heart has been pulled in 12 different counties for each of them. They give. I'm so glad I got to be a part of their lives even if it was just for a short while. I want to say thank you to you guys.

[ Applause ]

So at my county, we say that the Plymouth County Fair is the best five days of summer. I think here at the Iowa State Fair it's the best 11 days of the year and I know that each and every one of you can find your fun this year at the 2022 Iowa State Fair. Thank you.

[ Applause ]

HAILEY: McKenna Henrich, everyone, let's give her another round of applause.

[ Applause ]

We would also like to thank our sponsors, they're in the programs tonight. Please take a look at that list because this would not be possible without them either. Well, Jerry?

JERRY: Let's do this. This is what everybody's waiting for, not to hear us talk. Gary Slater and Tennie Carlson, if you would come out here, please. We're going to start out with personality plus. And this is voted on by the judges, the chaperones, the other queens, and it's the person who they just enjoyed being around. She'll receive a $500 scholarship, a plaque, a $200 gift card, and a flower bouquet.  And personality plus this year, from Madison County, AddieBurkett.

[ Applause ]

Next we're going to recognize, for outstanding leadership, and she will receive an $800 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, a plaque, a 250 gift card from an anonymous donor and a flower bouquet. Your leadership award winner is Halle Evans from Union County. 

Now we're moving into the runners-up. Our third runner-up will receive a $500 scholarship and a plaque from the Iowa State Fair, a $200 gift card from an anonymous donor and a flower bouquet. And our third runner-up is Megan Swan from Davis County.

Second runner-up, this winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a plaque from the Iowa State Fair, $250 gift card, and a flower bouquet. And our second runner-up is Reagan Schneider from the great Jones County Fair.

Now, these are all important people that are getting these awards right now. The next one is the first runner-up. And maybe a little bit of extra importance here because if something should happen, if the queen for some reason is no table to fulfill her reign, the first runner-up would take her place. So it's a key one. And this person will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a plaque from the Iowa State Fair, a $300 gift card from an anonymous donor and a flower bouquet. Annabelle Newton from BentonCounty.

Are we ready for this, girls? I know the crowd is ready for this. And we've been waiting since 7:00 when this all started, to read this final name. The 2022 Iowa State Fair queen will receive a $5,000 scholarship from the Branstad Reynolds Trust, $3,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, trophy and crown and sash from the Iowa State Fair, diamond earrings from B Shannon Designs in Winterset, a $600 gift card from an anonymous donor, a flower bouquet, cowboy boots from Long Creek Outfitters and you'll need to get Randy Brown to take you over to get those.Finally, an Iowa State Fair brick from the Blue RibbonFoundation. 

Your 2022 Iowa State Fair queen is from Mitchell County, Mary Ann Fox.

[ Applause ]

♪♪♪♪

Congratulations.

[ Applause ]

♪♪

That wraps it up for tonight. Thank you all very much. And friends and family, you're welcome to come on the stage at your convenience. Thank you.

Announcer: Funding for Fair 2022 is brought to you by Friends, the Iowa PBSFoundation, and by EMC Insurance.