Though many events at the 2020 O'Brien County Fair have been canceled, there will still be a king and queen.

Twelve candidates are vying for the crown this year. The king and queen will be named during a coronation ceremony on Sunday, July 19 at the Wayne Maas Memorial Stage in Primghar. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is open to contestants and their family members only.

2019 O'Brien County Fair royalty pose for a photo last July. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's event is open to contestants and their family members only.

Queen candidates this year include: Samantha Noteboom, of Sheldon; Trey Haag, of Primghar; Paige Dagel, of Hartley; Claire Sells, of Granville; Sierra Stamer, of Granville; Arianna Frerk, of Paullina; Olivia Grooters, of Sanborn; Samantha Sauer, of Granville; and Emily Chicoine, of Primghar. King candidates include: Jack Farquhar, of Sutherland; Eric Mars, of Paullina; and Jason Wittrock, of Primghar.

Judging for the 2020 O'Brien County Fair Royalty was held Sunday, May 31 at Grace Lutheran Church in Primghar. The candidates were judged by Dani Rehder and Sterling Meyer during individual and group interviews.

The king and queen contest is the only event at the O'Brien County Fair this year other than livestock shows, educational presentations and other youth exhibit showcases. The fair board agreed earlier this month to move forward with a youth 4-H and FFA fair only and cancel all entertainment acts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Livestock shows will be held in a show-and-go format July 18-23.