4 vying for Clay County Fair Queen crown

Four young ladies will compete for the title of Clay County Fair Queen on Sunday, April 28, at the Clay County Regional Events Center. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the contest.

Contestants include Linnea Bloom, of Marathon, the daughter of Stephen and Melanie Bloom; Aubrie Stell, of Spencer, the daughter of Jason and Melissa Stell; Hannah Tessum, of Everly, the daughter of Tyler and Ashley Tessum; and Addison Wyman of Spencer, daughter of Leah Wyman.

Tessum is a student at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School, where she is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. She previously attended Clay Central/Everly.

The candidates will participate in individual interviews, workshops and the queen pageant, which starts at 7 p.m. It will include introductions, the self-expression portion and the crowning of the 2024 Clay County Fair Queen. Doors open to the public at 6:30 p.m.

The queen will represent the fair at area parades and selected celebrations during the summer, represent Clay County during the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest, and participate in the Clay County Fair in September.

Candidates will be judged on personality, attitude and awareness, leadership and citizenship, contribution to the community, overall appearance, charm, poise, and self-expression.

In 2004, a revitalized Clay County Fair Queen Competition was held. Among eleven contestants, Nicole Mehls was crowned queen. Her subsequent achievement as third runner-up at the Iowa State Fair in August 2004 solidified the competition's revival as a resounding success.

Since then, the contest and its candidates have continued to excel at the Iowa State Fair. Multiple participants have secured noteworthy placements as first and third place runner-up. Notably, two exceptional candidates have claimed the prestigious title of Iowa State Fair Queen. Abby Salton was the first recipient of this honor in 2007, followed by Elizabeth Glover's achievement in 2014.