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Jade Sheetz crowned as 30th Washington County Fair Queen
Six young women from Washington County participated in the 2024 fair queen contest Sunday evening at the Washington Community Center to kick off fair week
WASHINGTON — The very first Washington County Fair Queen Julie Frye announced Jade Sheetz as the newest queen in the 30-year history of the contest.
Sheetz could not stop smiling as she greeted crowds after receiving her crown and said the whole experience was amazing.
“I’m really, really proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and being able to represent Washington County,” Sheetz commented.
This queen tradition that is now a staple of the Washington County Fair only started because of one very important woman Shirley Greiner back in 1994. Greiner proceeded to act as the Washington County Fair Queen Coordinator for 15 years. Now, 30 years later, the very first Washington County Fair queen returned as the Master of Ceremonies for the 2024 contest.
“It doesn't seem possible that is been 30 years since I was one of those nervous and excited teenagers backstage just hoping to make my parents proud, or that I'm nearly 50 years old, and I still have those same jitters being on the stage in front of you,” Frye said. “But despite those jitters I am so happy to be here and to be a part of this long-standing tradition.”
The judges including 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen Kalayna Durr, 2024 Miss Metro and 2023 Miss Iowa Volunteer Olivia Keller, and 2022 Miss Rodeo Iowa Bair selected Sheetz as the winner out of six total contestants after individual interviews, group interviews, a meal together, and onstage appearances in casual, Sunday best, and formal wear. According to Frye, this format is the very same that Greiner put together all those years ago.
Carrying on the decades of tradition, Sheetz received her crown and sash from 2023 Washington County Fair Queen Taylor Bartholomew. Alongside Sheetz, Kenzington Miller received the title of Washington County Fair Princess and Maya Murphy earned Miss Congeniality.
Sheetz is the 17-year-old daughter of Brad and Lynne Sheetz of Washington. She will enter senior year at Washington High School this fall where she keeps busy with activities such as 4H, FFA, County Council, National Honor Society and Volleyball.
After high school, Sheetz plans to attend a four-year college and major in an undecided agricultural field.
Her father escorted her through the Sunday best and formal wear portions of the contest, and she spoke highly of his involvement in her 4-H journey.
“Fun fact, he was checking my heifer in about an hour again,” Sheetz told the audience as she introduced her dad for the evening. “He's always there to push me to do my best to help me wherever I need and always be a word of encouragement when I need it.”
Throughout the contest Sheetz shared a little about herself through question-and-answer segments. She shared that the Fourth of July is her favorite holiday because due to the laid-back nature, warm weather, and opportunity to spend time with family and friends.
Additionally, Sheetz explained how creating her own heard of cattle has taught her good work ethic and perseverance.
Sheetz says she can’t wait to get out into the fair and “be a representation of what Washington County Really is,” although, she did admit she is a little nervous about the state fair contest.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
