Fair Royalty

Linn County Fair Association Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Linn County Fair Queen Contest

Central City, IA – The Linn County Fair Association is excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Linn County Fair Queen Contest. This contest has been a longstanding tradition at the fair and provides an incredible experience for young women to grow and connect with other talented role models from their communities.

The Linn County Fair Queen Contest is open to ladies 16 to 21 years old who reside in Linn County and are active members of at least one service organization in their community, such as 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, or church youth groups. For a complete list of contestant qualifications, visit https://www.thelinncountyfair.com/p/the-fair/fair-royalty. Contestants must also have at least two years of involvement with The Linn County Fair prior to running.

The responsibilities of the Linn County Fair Queen include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as a spokesperson for the fair, helping promote it through parades, banquets, and other public events.
• Attending various fair events, from grandstand performances to livestock competitions.
• Representing The Linn County Fair at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines in August.
• Promoting and representing The Linn County Fair through various activities throughout the year.

The contest aims to help contestants develop skills necessary for success in today’s world. Past Linn County Fair Queens and contestants have gone on to become excellent role models and leaders in their communities.

Applications for the contest are due by May 15, 2025.

Please note that no applications will be accepted by committee members.

Jennifer Dunn, Linn County Fair Queen Committee Co-Chair, encourages young women to get involved: “This is a wonderful opportunity to represent one of the fastest-growing county fairs in the nation. People from all over are looking to our county for inspiration, and this contest offers an amazing opportunity to help showcase our fair’s great accomplishments.”

For more details on the contest, including forms and rules, visit www.thelinncountyfair.com.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Dunn at jenn@thelinncountyfair.com or Kathy Clemens at kathy@thelinncountyfair.com or by calling 319-929-FAIR (3247).

The 2024 Linn County Fair Queen is Jayda Bowman she is from Marion and just graduated from Linn-Mar High School. She is the daughter of Jarod and Leann Bowman. Jayda was actively involved in her school and outside organizations. Jayda is involved with 4-H Lion Leaders, CTE Committee, SODA and participates in Track and Field to name a few. Jayda is a proud member of the Indian Creek 4-H Club where she served in many leadership roles during her time. While at the fair she enjoys showing her pigs, specifically with the Bacon Buddies show and helping out in the council booth. Jayda will continue her passion and love for welding at Kirkwood Community College.

The 2024 Linn County Fair Princess is Katie (Katelynn) Sterling is from Swisher and has just graduated from Prairie High School. She is the daughter of Eric and Julie Sterling. Katie is busy with many activities including, Student Council, FFA, cheerleading, National Honor Society & Science National Honors Society, track, wrestling and Key Club. Even though being involved with the Linn County Fair only recently she has enjoyed her experiences showing dairy cattle, bucket bottle and spreading the word about Prairie FFA. Katie’s plan is to attend Iowa State University with plans to be an agriculture education teacher.

The Little Mr. and Miss Linn County Fair Competition had a total of 8 candidates this year. The 2024 candidates were asked three questions in their application process including: what is their favorite thing about The Linn County Fair and why, what they want to be when they grow up, and what makes them a good friend. In addition, they were asked to color a coloring sheet that is viewable at Citizens State Bank, our sponsor, in Springville.

The 2024 Little Miss Linn County Fair is Alivia Hoover. Alivia is the daughter of Emily and Matt Hoover of Coggon. Alivia loves the fair because she loves to show her calf, sheep, and goats. She is a great friend because she is trusting and nice. When Alivia grows up, she wants to be a teacher. Alivia can’t wait to make candles and bring them to the fair when she is in 4-H or FFA.

The 2024 Little Mr. Linn County Fair is Lincoln Zumbach. Lincoln is the son of Jared and Ashley Zumbach of Coggon. Lincoln enjoys the tough truck event because it’s fun to watch. Lincoln is a great listener, and helps others which makes him a great friend. He would like to be a dad when he grows up. When Lincoln is old enough he can’t wait to show his calf at the fair!