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Washington Evening Journal
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Two women vie for county fair queen
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
GRINNELL — Two young ladies representing Grinnell and Searsboro are seeking the title of the 2025 Poweshiek County Fair Queen.
The new queen will be will be crowned during intermission of the bull ride Saturday, July 12.
The candidates are Dasha LaRue, Searsboro and Gracie Kaufman, Grinnell.
LaRue, 16, the daughter of Nick and Ashley LaRue, will be entering her junior year in the fall at Grinnell High School. She works at the Zip In Mini Mart in Lynnville.
LaRue is involved in the Grinnell Sure Shots, 4-H Shooting Aces, Mighty Golden Clovers 4-H Club and FFA. Her hobbies and special interests include reading and caring for her horse, dog, chickens and rabbits.
LaRue plans to attend Ellsworth Community College and major in equine management or equine animal science.
When asked why she decided to run for queen, Dasha said she believes she would be a good representative of the 2025 Poweshiek County 4-H and FFA Fair.
Kaufman, 16, the daughter of James and Chelse Kaufman, will be entering her junior year in the fall at Grinnell High School.
Kaufman is employed by Valais Blacknose Sheep of Sugar Creek, a Grinnell business that specializes in raising high quality Valais sheep.
Kaufman participates in speech, art, tennis, FFA, Mighty Golden Clovers 4-H Club, 4-H County Council and marching and concert bands. She enjoys reading, drawing, crochet and horseback riding.
Kaufman is considering become an equine veterinarian technician at Iowa State Equine Hospital or a veterinary medical illustrator.
“As an illustrator, I would draw and design pictures and diagrams for veterinary textbooks and posters,” Kaufman said.
When asked why she decided to run for queen, Kaufman said she has been in 4-H (and now FFA) for six or seven years and has always enjoyed showing at the fair.
“I wish to extend myself and grow as leader,” she said. “I believe myself to be a good role model to younger youth and want to dedicate myself to continue to be a positive influence.”
Little Miss crowning
Twelve young girls are vying for Little Miss. The crowning will take place Thursday, July 17 in the show ring following the animal costume contest.
The contestants are Lyla Paulson, 6, daughter of Brian and Jordan Paulson, Grinnell; Lilah Zell, 6, daughter of Todd and Erin Zell, Grinnell; Leighton Zimbelman, 6, daughter of Chris and Morgan Zimbelman, Grinnell; Loghan Stubbs, 6, daughter of Cass and Carissa Stubbs, Grinnell; Phynlee Pinkerton, 6, daughter of Alisyn and TJ Pinkerton, Grinnell; Jovie Erickson, 6, daughter of Brady and Brianna Erickson, Brooklyn; Irelynn Robeson, 7, daughter of Wade and Jess Robeson, Grinnell; Emmarie (Emmie) Roberts, 7, daughter of Trace and Cassie Roberts, Deep River; Blaire Brandt, 7, daughter of Mitch and Taylor Thompson, Grinnell; Taryn McCain, 8, daughter of Lianna Daliel and Jared McCain, Grinnell; Brynslee Fisk, 8, daughter of Jameson and Kayla Fisk, Malcom; and Emma Davidson, 8, daughter of Jason and Kristin Davidson, Brooklyn.
