Clay County Fair Queen search underway

(File photo) Abby Salton, the 2007 Clay County Fair Queen, crowned her successor, Mandy Maurer of Royal, during the 2008 Clay County Fair Queen ceremony. The search for the 2009 fair queen is currently underway.

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

The winner, to be crowned Sunday, April 19, will reign over this year's Clay County Fair Sept. 12-20, and will also compete for the State Fair Queen title.

Females between the ages of 16 and 21 by Aug. 13, the first day of the 2009 Iowa State Fair may apply. Candidates must never have been married, must have no children, cannot be a professional model, cannot represent any other organization, and must 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, selected 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 names, address, e-mail address, recent photo and date of birth. Contestants should also describe themselves, activities in which they have been or will be involved, and their reason for wanting to become the Clay County Fair Queen. This letter must be submitted to the Clay County Fair Queen Contest, P.O. Box 527, Spencer, IA 51301, on or before March 6. A committee will then select 14 finalists who will compete for the title on Sunday, April 19, at the Clay County Regional Events Center.

The winner will receive $1,000 from Community Bank and Insurance of Spencer, personal care sessions throughout her reign from Design Masters of Spencer, a necklace from Nelson Jewelry of Spencer, a sterling silver genuine yellow topaz and diamond cuff bracelet from Avon Corp. of Spencer, a personal photo session at Quattlebaum's of Spencer; two grandstand tickets to the shows of her choice at the 2009 Clay County Fair, transportation money for the State Fair Queen Contest from H&N Chevrolet-Buick of Spencer, complimentary teeth whitening trays from Dr. Bill Phelps of Spencer, a gift certificate from The Hen House of Spencer, a $200 savings bond from Iowa Lakes Electric Coop of Estherville, long stem roses from HyVee of Spencer, plus other prizes.

The first runner-up will receive $500 from Community Bank and Insurance of Spencer, diamond cluster earrings from Avon Corp. of Spencer, plus other prizes.

All contestants will receive a Clay County Fair bag from Weavers of Algona, a Mark gift package from Avon Corp. of Spencer, Fair Queen t-shirt from Relativity Tees of Ruthven, a scented candle from Burning Desire of West Des Moines, a glass nail file from World's Away of Arnolds Park and a $500 scholarship for full-time enrollment or a $250 scholarship for part-time enrollment to Iowa Lakes Community College.

Finalists will be notified by March 13 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 19 is: 2-4:30 p.m. Individual interview; 5-6 p.m. Light dinner with the judges and fair queen committee; and 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 262-4740, ext. 10, with any questions regarding the competition.