2025 Tama County Fair Queen Rhianna Murty (left) and 2025 Tama County Fair Princess Belle Werner pictured on Tuesday, July 15, at the fairgrounds in Gladbrook. Murty, who hails from Gladbrook and attends GMG High School, was selected from a pool of four candidates. She was crowned as the grand finale to the fair’s Opening Ceremony which kicked off following the Tama County Fair Dog Show. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

GLADBROOK – Rhianna Murty of Gladbrook was crowned the 2025 Tama County Fair Queen this past Tuesday evening at the fairgrounds in Gladbrook. She was vying for the honor alongside fellow candidates Lauren Keller of Gladbrook, Rylee Ridout of rural Vining, and Belle Werner of Toledo. Moments before Murty was crowned, Werner was announced as the 2025 Tama County Fair Princess.

Murty received her title from 2024 Tama County Fair Queen Amaya Peterson, while Werner received hers from 2024 Tama County Fair Princess Faith Dvorak.

Both Peterson and 2023 Tama County Fair Queen Adelyn Sienknecht tag teamed as Mistress of Ceremonies this year.

Candidate escorts included Jayden Beichley, Jay Bru, Ty Gutherie, Mason Hosek, and Wyatt Silhanek; Brayton Cibula was the doorman.

Next up for Queen Murty is the 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen Pageant held in Des Moines during the Iowa State Fair. The pageant begins on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and lasts through the time of crowning on Saturday, Aug. 9. Judging for the Iowa State Fair Queen is based on personality, attitude, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm, and poise.

The 2025 Tama County Fair Queen escorts pictured moments before the queen crowning ceremony. From left, Brayton Cibula (doorman), Wyatt Silhanek, Jayden Beichley, Ty Gutherie, Jay Bru, and Mason Hosek. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

The first and only time a fair queen from Tama County won the state competition was in 1997 when Rebecca Earles of Traer – Tama County’s very first county fair queen – took home the state crown.

Murty, 18, is the daughter of Steve and Erin Murty and a rising senior at GMG High School in Garwin, while Werner, 17, is the daughter of Eric and Michelle Werner and a rising senior at Benton Community High School.

In addition to competing at the 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen Pageant next month, Murty’s future plans include finishing up high school, after which she is looking forward to attending Iowa State University to possibly major in animal science.

Rhianna Murty, left, the 2025 Tama County Fair Queen, pictured on Tuesday, July 15, at the fairgrounds in Gladbrook alongside 2024 Tama County Fair Queen Amaya Peterson (center) and 2025 Tama County Fair Princess Belle Werner (right). Murty and Werner were selected for their roles earlier in the evening from a pool of four candidates which included Lauren Keller and Rylee Ridout. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER