Jackson represents Tama Co. at State Fair Queen Contest
Tama County Fair Queen Frances Jackson was among this year’s field of State Fair Queen contestants at the Iowa State Fair Queen Ceremony on Aug. 14.
The ceremony was held at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage in Des Moines and featured several distinctions that were awarded to the county contestants.
McKenna Henrich, 18, of Plymouth County was crowned the 2021 Iowa State Fair Queen by Tennie Carlson, president of the Fair Board.
The daughter of Brad and Michelle Henrich of Akron, Hannah was chosen out of the 101 contestants who participated in this year’s competition.
ShyAnne Brogden, 18, of Boone County, was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Dan and Cyndi Brogden, Lee Brogden and Erin Dobson. Second runner-up was Aubree Driscoll, 20, of Jackson County. She is the daughter of Ron and Stacy Driscoll. Hannah Stoner, 19, of Dubuque County, was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Heather Clasen and Tim Stoner.
Only 35 of Iowa’s 99 counties have had a State Fair Queen contest winner since the event began in 1964. Tama County is counted among those 35 as Rebecca Earles of Traer was crowned the Iowa State Fair Queen in 1997.
Henrich became Plymouth County’s second state contest winner. Cherokee County holds the most state winners with four. Behind them are five counties with three contest winners including Mills, Hardin, Story, Davis, and Calhoun counties.
Ella Hommel, of Grundy County, was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. The 18-year-old is the daughter of Dave and Laura Hommel. Gracie Hoffman, 18, of Appanoose County, was given the Personality Plus Award. She is the daughter of Eric and Tava Hoffman.
Judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise.
Queen McKenna, who will reign for the next year, receives a $5,000 scholarship from the Branstad-Reynolds Trust along with a $3,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also received a floral bouquet, a $600 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall, a pair of diamond earrings, cowboy boots and an Iowa State Fair Brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.
The first runner-up earns a $1,500 scholarship and $300 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall; the second runner-up wins $1,000 in scholarship money and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card; and the third runner-up receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Outstanding Leadership recipient wins an $800 scholarship and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Personality Plus winner receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. All members of the Royal Court receive a plaque from the State Fair and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist. An anonymous donor graciously provided the Jordan Creek gift cards for the Royal Court.