Washington County Fair queen pageant comes this weekend

The Washington County Fair is quickly approaching, and one of the longest standing traditions is the crowning of the Washington County Fair Queen.

This year, nine high school girls from around the county are competing for the title of 2022 Washington County Fair Queen. The contest starts off fair week on Sunday, July 17, as the contestants experience a day of interviews followed by a pageant that evening.

Joining the contestants on stage this year as Master of Ceremonies is 2022 Miss Iowa Rodeo, Emma Bair, who resides in Keokuk County.

Grace Coble is the daughter of Jay and Carrie Coble of Crawfordsville. She is involved with student council, FFA, National Honor Society, volleyball, basketball, orchestra, choir, and dance. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year college or university to major in agricultural business and play volleyball.

“I have been a resident of Washington County my entire life, and I have been involved with the Washington County Fair since my early elementary days,” Coble said. “I would be honored to represent all of these fabulous people and all of their hard work.”

Zoe Fisher is the daughter of Duane and Vicky Fisher of West Chester. She is involved with concert band, marching band, jazz band, choir, cross-country, track, and archery. After high school, she plans to go to Kirkwood Community College for their Exercise science and Wellness program, then to Iowa State for Human Nutrition.

“I would try my best to be at all activities that I am needed at,” Fisher said. “I would be respectful to all that I interact with. I would try to be the best role model I could be for younger 4-H members and community members that would be looking up to me.”

Taylor Garman is the daughter of Jeff and Carrie Garman of Keota. She is involved with basketball, National Honor Society, EagleRock, show choir, speech, theater, dance, cheerleading, student council and track. After high school she plans to attend a 4-year in-state university to major in a business-related field such as finance or accounting, and possibly pursue a master’s degree after that.

“I would hope that I could be a mentor to others that, if they have a dream, to go after it,” she said. “Even if I don’t win and they don’t win, you tried something new and you went out of your comfort zone to try it. I would show others the importance of being involved and giving back to the community and county through community service activities and community events.”

Halli Hershberger is the daughter of Blake and Jenni Hershberger of Wellman. She is involved with FCCLA, FCA, silver cord, Big Hawk Little Hawk mentoring, basketball, volleyball, track, dance and 4-H. After high school, she plans to study ag business at an undecided school.

“I would represent the Washington County Fair with the four meanings of 4-H; head, hands, heart and health in mind,” Hershberger said. “I would use my head to think of new ideas for fair and find new ways to present 4-H to my community as well as promote agriculture in our community. I would use my heart to care for others in my community by volunteering and meeting others’ needs. I have a heart to teach the youth about 4-H … I would use my hands to serve in my community and at the fair.”

Katie Leichty is the daughter of Loran and Chris Leichty of Wayland. She is involved with volleyball, basketball, track, dance team, choir, band, orchestra, solo/ensemble contest, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Sugar Creek Mennonite Youth Fellowship. After high school, she plans to attend the University of Iowa in a medical field.

“If I was crowned Washington County Fair Queen, I would use that opportunity to represent everyone,” Leichty said. “I want to ensure that Washington County is a place for open and respectful discussion of differences, by finding constructive ways to have your voice heard.”

Alex Murphy is the daughter of Mike and Marcy Murphy of Washington. She is involved with volleyball, basketball, soccer, National Honor Society, FFA, Southeast District Soils CDE Silver Competition Team, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After high school, she plans to attend a state university with a major in agriculture and possible minor in communications, with a goal of obtaining a master’s degree.

“I would best represent Washington County with leadership and kindness,” Murphy said. “Because of my high involvement with all generations and in many areas of the community, I would be able to reach out to a large group of Washington County and surrounding residents. I have an ability to speak comfortably and confidently to people I have never met and … my fun, outgoing, yet polite and well-mannered personality would help me to represent Washington County in a very positive way.”

Maddie Peiffer is the daughter of Jay and Cindy Peiffer of Riverside. She is involved with FFA, student council, volleyball, track, softball, wrestling, dance team and the school musical. After high school, she plans to attend Iowa State, majoring in ag business.

“If crowned I would love to go to the State Fair and represent our amazing little county,” Peiffer said. “I am not your typical ‘farm kid.’ I do not live on a farm, I live in the City of Riverside. My dad runs my grandpa’s farm so I learned farming and grew my love for agriculture during evenings and on weekends. I think our county has a growing number of kids similar to me, kids that have been shown agriculture through a 4-H Club or FFA but don’t quite live on a big farm.”

Ally Rees is the daughter of Tyler and Mindi Rees of Washington. She is involved with large group speech, BPA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, the Peer Helping Association, archery, and cross-country. After high school, she plans to attend Iowa State with an undecided major, though she’s interested in education, business, horticulture and entrepreneurship.

“I would represent Washington County as the Fair Queen by keeping a positive and willing attitude throughout fair week and after fair is over,” Rees said. “I am a very positive person, and would love to bring that energy to others at the fair, from little kids at the pet show to elders who want to stop and talk over a milkshake. I would also enjoy getting to talk with 4-H’ers to motivate and support them before they step into the show ring, talk with a judge, or go on stage.”

Abby Renoux is the daughter of Troy Renoux of Washington. She is involved with FFA, Business Professionals of America and dance. After high school, she plans to attend the University of Alabama to major in political science and business, then attend law school and become a family lawyer.

“From my experience in leadership positions the best way to represent any organization is by showing respect to each and every person you meet and converse with,” Renoux said. “Another quality that I possess that is important is to have good communication skills … being able to have a conversation with anyone.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com