Henry County Fair Royalty Crowned

Established in 1866, the Henry County Fair is a much anticipated summer event. It is a time to showcase 4-H and FFA. All kinds of projects are exhibited, judged, and recognized as the accomplishments they are. It offers entertainment with tractor pulls and demolition derbies. It provides a talent show for many talented youngsters. It celebrates so many Midwest values. This year is no different. But what would the Fair be without its royalty.

This year’s queen contest featured four lovely ladies. Open to young women age 16 to 21, they were Kali Barnett, Lysha Bunnell, and Julie Campbell, all from Mt. Pleasant, and Lily Syfert from Salem.

On July 17, the queen was crowned. Lily Syfert became the 2024 Henry County Fair Queen. We caught up with Lily and got her perspective on the whole experience. She tells us that it started out with her friends encouraging her to run. Then it seemed almost a challenge to get out of her comfort zone. Finally, she saw it as a way to learn new skills. But she knew it would be tough. The three girls she was competing against were college students, while she had just finished her sophomore year at New London High School. The girls were judged on personality, attitude, overall appearance, poise, community involvement, and leadership.

Besides being crowned queen, Lily was also chosen as Miss Personality Plus. Voted on by all the contestants, it is someone who the girls find to be a positive role model, an outstanding individual, and has a memorable personality. Impressive Lily!

Her duties as fair queen include helping out at fair events, while being a role model for everyone. Lily will be competing at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 6-10 with the crowning on the 10th.

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“I feel that being crowned Henry County Fair Queen is an awesome memorable experience,” Lily said. “And I am just so glad that I get to learn many new things through previous winners like Kalayna (Durr — 2023 HC Fair Queen and Iowa State Fair Queen) and others. I am super excited to be the Henry County Fair Queen representing at the Iowa State Fair.”

Lily is the daughter of Jake and Angie Syfert. She is part of the basketball team, trap team, National Honor Society, Elementary Mentor Program, and book club. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading, spending time with family and friends, and camping. Lily’s favorite fair activities are participating in teen council, completing projects, and camping. Her plans after graduation include attending SCC’s early childhood education program to become a teacher.

The Junior Queen is open to girls 12-15. Libby Myers, daughter of Brandy and Tim Myers of New London, was crowned first runner-up, competing against 11 contestants. She will be a seventh grader at Holy Trinity Catholic, participating in basketball and volleyball. Libby enjoys barrel racing and showing her cow, her favorite fair activity. Libby plans to attend college to become a vet and play college basketball.

The Fair Princess is open to girls 8-11. Ezra Lemley, the daughter of Gabe and Michala Lemley. was crowned first runner-up, competing against seven contestants. She attends New London Clark Elementary. She plays basketball, softball, and volleyball. Ezra keeps busy as she likes to draw, dance, tumble, create art, and take care of her pets. Her favorite fair activity is dancing at the Bill Riley Talent Show. Ezra plans to join 4-H and work on becoming an accomplished dancer.

Congratulations to all these lovely ladies!