DES MOINES, IA (08/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Kelsey Smith, 17, of Henry County was crowned the 2013 Iowa State Fair Queen by Gary McConnell, president of the Fair Board. The ceremony took place on Saturday evening at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi.
The daughter of Jason and Debbie Smith of Mount Pleasant, Kelsey was chosen out of the 102 contestants who participated in this year's competition. All had been crowned queen of their respective county fairs prior to the State Fair.
Chandler Mores, 18, of Shelby County was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Alan Mores and Donna Christensen-Mores of Harlan. Second runner-up was Megan Pretz, 18, of Louisa County, the daughter of Michael and Dayle Pretz of Columbus Junction. Adelai Swanson, 19, of Wright County was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Stuart and Lori Swanson of Galt.
Natalie Hanson, representing the National Cattle Congress in Benton County, was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. The 18-year-old is the daughter of Robert and Maureen Hanson of La Porte City. Megan Black, 19, of Jefferson County, was given the Personality Plus Award. She is the daughter of Matt and Dawn Black of Batavia.
Queen Kelsey, who will reign for the next year, receives a $2,800 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also receives a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, a $600 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall, a Tiffany Co. necklace and a personalized Iowa State Fair brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation to be placed at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.
The first runner-up earns a $1,300 scholarship and $300 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall; the second runner-up wins $700 in scholarship money and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card; and the third runner-up receives a $500 scholarship and $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Outstanding Leadership recipient wins an $800 Scholarship and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Personality Plus winner receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. All members of the Royal Court receive a plaque from the State Fair and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist. An anonymous donor graciously provided the Jordan Creek gift cards for those who placed and the Tiffany Co. necklace for the queen.
Judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise.
"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.
Note to editors: County Fair queen photos are available. E-mail your request to the Iowa State Fair photographer at steve@stevepope.com or call 515-262-3111 ext. 204.
* * *
