The Crowning of the 2016 Tama County Fair Queen took place on Thursday evening, July 21, at the Tama County 4-H Fairgrounds in Gladbrook.

Mistresses of Ceremonies for the evening were 2015 Tama County Fair Queen, Aubree Beenken, and 2014 Tama County Fair Queen, Erin Filloon.

Candidates for the 2016 competition were Anna Dvorak, daughter of Kevin and Lori Dvorak of Chelsea and Madeline Mussig, daughter of Chad and Karen Mussig of Gladbrook.

The girls began the process with applications due June 1st. A workshop was held later in June at the State Bank of Toledo Community Room in Toledo to prepare the girls for judging. Convertibles provided by the Shriners carried the girls in the Corn Carnival parade.

Judging took place on July 17 at Lincoln Savings Bank in Tama. Judges were Ally Crutcher of Waterloo, Tayler Veldhuisen of Reynolds and Gena Wolgamott of Melbourne. The girls took part in a group discussion led by 2015 Tama County Fair Queen, Aubree Beenken, daughter of Marc and Angie Beenken of Buckingham. They were also interviewed individually. After a short break, a beautiful luncheon was served by the Toledo Techs 4-H Club.

Following the luncheon, the girls gave a 3-5 minute speech that they prepared from a list of choices provided by the committee. The girls and their guests were excused and the judges retired to make their decision. Their choices for queen and princess were sealed in envelopes that were opened at the crowning ceremony.

2014 queen, Erin Filloon, daughter of Jeff and Piene Filloon of Toledo, welcomed the crowd of spectators and thanked those who made the evening possible. Sponsors included Tama County Fair Board, State Bank of Toledo, Angie Princehouse, Dawn Nekola, Tama Florist, Ultimate Image, Shopko Hometown, Farmers Savings Bank & Trust-Traer, Great Western Bank, Casey’s-Gladbrook, Czech Point Restaurant, Serendipity by Deb, Smith’s-The General Store, Gladbrook Theater, Old Mill Road, Spanky’s Restaurant & Catering, Marcia Plett, Toledo Techs 4-H Club, Lincoln Savings Bank of Tama and Peace Church.

Queen Aubree Beenken, then joined Erin at the podium. Convertibles were provided by Grant Strohbehn, Brett Miller and Darbie Lynch. They introduced the candidates one by one with their escorts. Escorts were Jake Hlas, John Edler and Lane Koch.

A short version of “Who wants to be a Tama County Fair Queen” entertained the crowd after each candidate presented her speech.

Then came the moment the crowd had been awaiting, crowning the 2016 Tama County Fair Queen. The sealed envelopes were then opened revealing the judges results.

Amid cheers from the crowd, the envelope was opened revealing Madeline Mussig had been chosen to serve as the 2016 Tama County Fair Queen. Madeline was presented the crown, sash, gift bag and her bouquet of roses.

Anna Dvorak was crowned Princess and presented a sash, tiara and gift bag.

Watch for Madeline at the State Fair beginning August 10th. The crowning will take place Saturday, August 13th at 7:00 pm on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.