Candidates sought for Clay County Fair Queen

Abby Salton (left) of Ayrshire, IA, is crowned 2007 Iowa State Fair Queen by 2006 Fair Queen Lydia Beck (right), 20, of Black Hawk County in the 2007 Iowa State Fair Queen Competition on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at the 2007 Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 11, in Des Moines, IA. Salton was also named Ms. Personality in the contest. (Iowa State Fair Photo)

The search is underway for candidates to compete for the title of Clay County Fair Queen.

The winner, to be crowned Sunday, April 13, will reign over this year's Clay County Fair Sept. 8-16 and will also compete for the State Fair Queen title.

Females between the ages of 16 and 21 by Aug. 7, the first day of the 2008 Iowa State Fair, may apply. Additional qualifications include: never been married, have no children, can not be a professional model, can not represent any other organization, reside in Clay County or an adjoining county if the majority of her activities are in Clay County. Applicants must be a member of at least one service organization such as 4-H, Girl Scouts or a church group. (Eligibility is not limited to 4-H membership).

The Clay County Fair Queen will represent the Clay county Fair in the Flagfest Parade in June, the Iowa State Fair during the queen contest August 5-9, various celebrations during the summer and the Clay County Fair in September. We will be flexible with appearance dates if the queen has post-secondary education conflicts during her reign. In addition to her reign, the Queen also receives many valuable prizes and awards.

Contestants may pick up an application from their school counselor or at the fair office or they can submit a one page typed letter with name, parent's name, address, email address, recent photo and date of birth. She should also describe herself, activities in which she has been or is involved in, and her reason for wanting to become the Clay County Fair Queen. This letter must be submitted to the Clay County Fair Queen Contest, Box 527, Spencer, Iowa 51301 on or before March 3. A committee will then select 14 finalists who will compete for the title on Sunday, April 13 at the Clay County Regional Events Center, with the winner receiving $1,000 from Community Bank and Insurance, personal care sessions throughout her reign from Design Masters, photo session from Quattlebaum Photography, a pearl necklace and bracelet from Nelson Jewelry, a sterling silver round link personalized bracelet from Steven's Jewelry and a ¼ carat diamond necklace from Avon Corp., two grandstand tickets to the shows of her choice at the 2008 Clay County Fair, transportation money for the State Fair Queen Contest from H&N Chevrolet-Buick, complimentary teeth whitening trays from Dr. Bill Phelps, six month membership to the Spencer Family YMCA, a $200 savings bond from Iowa Lakes Electric Coop, long stem roses from Hy-Vee, plus other prizes. The First Runner-up will receive $500 from Community Bank and Insurance, ¼ carat diamond necklace from Avon Corp., plus other prizes. All contestants will receive a Mark gift package, Fair Queen t-shirt from Relativity Tees, and a $500 scholarship to Iowa Lakes Community College.

Finalists will be notified by March 17 and will receive more information regarding the next phase of the competition. Candidates will be judged on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership and citizenship, contribution to the community, overall appearance, charm, poise, and her five-minute or less self-expression portion. All judges' decisions will be final.

Tentative schedule

for Sunday, April 13:

2:30-4:30 p.m. Individual Interviews, 5-6 p.m. Light dinner with the judges and Fair queen committee, 7 p.m. Self-expression competition followed by the selection of the Clay County Fair Queen.

* Please contact Kris at the Clay County fair at 712-262-4740, ext. 10 with any questions regarding the competition.