Salton takes third runner-up spot at Iowa State Fair Queen competition

Kelsey Salton, daughter of Russ and Sue Salton of Ayrshire, was named third runner-up for the Iowa State Fair Queen title. Salton will reign over the 2009 Clay County Fair.

Clay County continued its run of top finishes for its representatives for the Iowa State Fair Queen title. This year, it was Kelsey Salton who brought home the third runner-up title.

Caine Westergard, 17, of Plymouth County was crowned the 2009 Iowa State Fair Queen on Saturday, August 15, by Gary VanAernam, president of the Fair Board. The ceremony took place on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi.

The daughter of Carl and Colleen Westergard of Ireton, Caine was chosen out of the 103 contestants who participated in this year's competition. All had been crowned queen of their respective county fairs prior to the State Fair.

Shelby Sieren, 18, of Keota County was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Scott and Renee Sieren of Keota. Second runner-up was Demi Dunn of Cherokee County, the daughter of Deb and Doug Dunn of Cherokee. Kelsey Salton, 17, of Clay County was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Russ and Sue Salton of Ayrshire.

Salton was crowned Clay County Fair Queen in April, and followed in the footsteps of her older sister Abby, who took the Iowa State Fair Queen title in 2007.

Amanda Maurer, daughter of Jeff and Lori Maurer of Royal took third place overall last year in Des Moines.

Queen Caine, who will reign for the next year, receives a $2,500 scholarship and $300 U.S. Savings Bond from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also receives a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist.

The first runner-up earns a $1,000 scholarship and $300 U.S. Savings Bond; the second runner-up wins $500 in scholarship money and a $200 U.S. Savings Bond; and the third runner-up receives a $300 scholarship and $100 U.S. Savings Bond. The Outstanding Leadership recipient wins a $500 Scholarship and a $300 U.S. Savings Bond. The Personality Plus winner receives a $100 U.S. Savings Bond. All members of the Royal Court receive a plaque from the State Fair and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist.

Salton will reign over the 2009 Clay County Fair, which runs from Sept. 12 -20.