Salton crowned 2009 Clay County Fair Queen

Hannah Brockshus, left, was named the 2009 Clay County Fair Queen runner-up and Kelsey Salton, right, was named the 2009 Clay County Fair Queen Sunday night at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer. (Photos by Kris Todd) [Order this photo]

Kelsey Salton finally had the icing placed atop her Clay County Fair cake filled with positive experiences and memories as she was named the 2009 Clay County Fair Queen Sunday night. The 16-year-old daughter of Russ and Sue Salton of rural Ayrshire, a Spencer High School junior, was named among the 19 contestants vying for the coveted role.

"The reason I want to be the 2009 Clay County Fair Queen is because the fair has been a great part of my life since I can recall. Staying at the fair day and night and never wanting to leave is something I will forever treasure. Having the World's Greatest County Fair in my own backyard is a reward in itself," Salton wrote in her application, "but representing our fair would be the icing on the cake. If I am selected queen, I will do my best to symbolize one of the finest events in Clay County."

Hannah Brockshus, the 17-year-old daughter of Todd and Barb Brockshus of rural Spencer, a fellow SHS junior, was named first runner-up.

The young women were judged on personality, attitude and awareness, leadership and citizenship, contribution to the community, overall appearance, charm, poise and self-expression.

For being named this year's Clay County Fair Queen, Salton received $1,000 from Community Bank and Insurance; a $200 savings bond from Iowa Lakes Electric Coop; a sterling silver yellow topaz and diamond cuff bracelet from Avon; personal care sessions throughout her reign from Design Masters; a personal photo session from Quattlebaum Photography; a pearl necklace from Nelson Jewelry; two grandstand tickets to the shows of her choice at the 2009 Clay County Fair; transportation money for the Iowa State Fair Queen contest from H&N Chevrolet-Buick Co.; complimentary teeth whitening trays from Dr. Bill Phelps; a gift certificate to The Hen House; a three-month membership to the Athletic Enhancement and Adult Wellness center at Spencer Municipal Hospital; and a dozen long-stem roses from Hy-Vee. She will represent Clay County at this summer's Iowa State Fair Queen contest.

As the first runner-up, Brockshus received $500 cash from Community Bank and Insurance and diamond earrings from Avon.

2008 Clay County Fair Queen Mandy Maurer, left, positioned the crown and sash she placed on 2009 Clay County Fair Queen Kelsey Salton. [Order this photo]

Fellow contestants Brooke Baschke, Erin Dvorak, Rebecca Florke, Victoria Foerster, Grace Gould, Kodi Hansen, Callie Hoffman, Haili Iles, Taylor Jepsen, Emily Jones, Kassandra Kroger, Erin McDermott, Julia Olson, Marybeth Quattlebaum, Megan Rustad, Kelsey Stoever and Grace Toale each received a Mark gift package from Avon; a fair queen T-shirt from Relativity Tees; a Clay County Fair bag from Weaver's; a glass nail file from World's Away; a scented candle from Burning Desire; a jewelry box from the Spencer Chamber of Commerce; along with a $500 scholarship for full-time students and a $250 scholarship for part-time students to Iowa Lakes Community College.

Before crowning Salton this year's queen, 2008 Clay County Fair Queen Mandy Maurer recapped the past year.

"What an amazing year it has been for me. I can remember just one year ago sitting over there and being as nervous as can be as Abby (Salton, the 2007 Clay County Fair Queen and 2007 Iowa State Fair Queen) gave her speech. When the girls and I were told to come to the stage my heart beat like crazy," she recalled. "When Kevin (Tlam) announced my name as the 2008 Clay County Fair Queen, my jaw dropped and heart almost stopped beating. Little did I know my world was about to change in just one short year."

Maurer, who placed third overall at the 2008 Iowa State Fair Queen contest, proudly reflected on the skills she developed over the past year, as well as her role in helping to build the largest movable stage in the world, which is hosted at the Clay County Fair. The Clay Central-Everly senior was overcome with emotion as she also expressed her appreciation for those who helped support her over the last year.

"I know a simple thank you is hardly enough," Maurer said. " ... It's been a wonderful ride and now it's come to the point where it needs to be done. ... For tonight's queen, cherish every moment and make as many memories as you can because before you know it you'll be up here trying your hardest not to cry as you give this speech and hand the crown to the next Clay County Fair Queen. It's been a privilege and an honor to have been your 2008 Clay County Fair Queen. Thank you for everything. It's been a year I will never forget."

Clay County Fair Secretary/Manager Phil Hurst also offered those attending this weekend's ceremony a preview into a few of the new attractions scheduled during the 92nd edition of the Clay County Fair, which will run Sept. 12 - 20. Besides the Crazy Mouse ride on the midway, fairgoers will be offered a special taste of the Clay County Fair as well as the opportunity to view entertainers such as comedian Bill Engvall, the Gaither Vocal Band, classic rock group Heart, Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Association artists and country performers Heidi Newfield and Trace Adkins.

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