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WACO’s Morgan Meyer named 2025 Henry County Fair Queen
Meyer proves you can juggle rabbits, cattle and a crown with grace
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MT. PLEASANT — When Morgan Meyer heard her name announced as the 2025 Henry County Fair Queen, it wasn’t just the culmination of a dream — it was a full-circle moment for a young woman who has grown up in the barns, arenas, and traditions of the Henry County Fair.
“Honestly it still is so surreal,” Meyer said of taking on the title of fair queen.
This year, though, she traded in her boots — at least for a little while — for interviews, stage lights, and speeches.
“The whole day with interviewing and everything the queen contest was obviously something I’d never done before, so that was just a really cool thing to be a part of,” she said.
Alongside Meyer, Zenlynn Lee earned the honors of 1st runner-up and Miss Personality Plus, an award voted on by contestants, judges, and coordinators for the contestant seen as a positive role model with a memorable personality. Additional royalty at the 2025 Henry County Fair included Quintrie Lee, crowned Jr. Queen, with Courtney Smith as 1st runner-up; and Ezra Lemley, crowned Princess, with Adalyn Anderson as 1st runner-up.
“As fair queen, I’ve gotten to see a lot of things at the county fair that I don’t normally watch or go see because I’m usually just livestock and sitting in the barn,” Meyer shared. “Something I really enjoyed doing — something I’ve never done before — is go to the demolition derby. I don’t normally go watch that. And I got to speak in front of that huge crowd, which was scary, but also really cool.”
Meyer says she was glad to spend the week dressing up a little more than normal and being a part of “something bigger.”
That “something bigger” included not only a crown and sash but a fair schedule packed with livestock shows, appearances, and personal goals.
Meyer is no stranger to the winner’s circle. This year, she earned Best Fancy Rabbit and Reserve Best Fancy Rabbit honors in the rabbit show with her Mini Rex senior buck and junior doe — animals the judges praised for their “strong structure, excellent coat condition, and ideal body shape.”
And she didn’t stop there. Participating in her favorite part of the fair, the cattle show, Meyer nabbed Grand Champion Breeding Heifer with her cow Gloria.
“The cattle show,” Meyer said. “It’s what me and my brother pour our hearts into every summer. I’ve shown at least one calf every year since I was in fourth grade. You can’t beat that feeling when you walk in the ring and the judge is looking at your calf — it’s an unforgettable experience.”
Meyer admitted juggling it all was a challenge.
“I definitely could not have done it without my parents and my brothers,” she said. “I knew it was going to be a lot, but I already have a lot going on, so I knew I would just learn to prioritize. And I did. I was able to put [being queen] first and be able to represent my county and be part of everything and everyone and all of their success going on throughout the week.”
As she supported others at the fair in her new official capacity, Meyer says she was met with an outpouring of support, as well.
“A lot of people congratulated me,” she said. “It was just really humbling because anyone reaches out to you and supports you and wants to talk to you about how your week’s going, or just to wish you good luck up at the State Fair — it makes you really thankful for the people around you.”
The Henry County Fair is deeply woven into Meyer’s identity.
“The fair is where my roots are,” she said. “It’s more than just a week and an event. It’s a tradition that brings families together and celebrates all these kids’ success. I’ve looked up to the county fair royalty in the past, and now to be someone others can look up to — it’s really special.”
Her mother, Michelle Meyer, could not contain the pride she feels for Morgan’s accomplishments.
“She’s very qualified,” she said. “She has a very real passion for the fair and for Henry County. Tim and I are over-the-moon proud of her. She’s pretty special.”
Meyer’s commitment to the fair runs alongside an impressive list of activities. She’ll begin her senior year at WACO High School this fall and is involved in volleyball, golf, dance team, National Honor Society, 4-H, FFA, orchestra, choir, and her church youth group. She hopes to attend the University of Iowa to major in biology and pursue a career in family medicine.
“I’d like to be a family doctor,” she said. “That’s the plan right now. I’ve always liked helping people.”
Despite her packed schedule, she said participating in the queen contest was worth every minute.
“This was totally something new for me — and it turned out great,” she said. “You don’t have to be the loudest or most outgoing person to be that leader or role model for your county. Be true to who you are, work hard, and never be afraid to try something new.”
Looking ahead, Meyer will represent Henry County in the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest on August 9. She’s looking forward to the opportunity — especially because she’ll be sharing it with a familiar face, Washington County’s Fair Queen Morgan Leichty.
Leichty, who is also a WACO senior, received her title only a few days before Meyer one county over.
“I know Morgan very well,” Meyer said. “We grew up together since preschool. It’ll be cool to go out there together and represent southeast Iowa from WACO.”
For Meyer, the crown may shine, but it’s the roots she’s planted — and the people who’ve helped her grow — that made this moment golden.
She hopes her experience encourages others to take the leap next year.
“You’re more capable than you think you are,” she said. “That’s something I’ve really learned this year.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
The New London Journal’s Gina Anderson contributed to this article.
