Local girls will strive to be named the Des Moines County Fair Queen, and the winner will be crowned by 2023 queen Caroline Nealy at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, in the SCC Agri Sports Arena.
Nealy is the 18-year-old daughter pf Pat Nealy and Jill Mutchler, and a 2024 graduate of Danville High School. This year, there are five candidates, and the choice will be very difficult. The first DMC fair queen was crowned in 1972, and the pageant since has become one of the most well-attended events during fair week.
The contestants begin their work far in advance, with fundraising. The contestant who raises the most gets the hostess award. While the fair queen is the most coveted title of the pageant, other trophies will be awarded.
The Fair Princess award will be given to the runner-up candidate. The third-place winner will receive Fair Spirit. The pageant also includes an academic award.
First, candidates will meet the judges for an in-depth, individual interview. At the pageant, each candidate will give a speech about themselves and answer questions on stage. The judges then compile the scores to determine the winner.
The new queen will then be present at events and hand out awards during the fair. She also will represent Des Moines County at the Iowa State Fair in August and participate at area events throughout the year. QUEEN CONTESTANTS Allison Nalley, 18, is the daughter of Eric and Jill Nalley, and a Mediapolis High School graduate.
She is a young adult advisory delegate for the.
