Fischer crowned 2023 Central Iowa Fair Queen
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With dozens of Central Iowa Fair attendees looking on, Lily Fischer of Melbourne was named the 2023 Central Iowa Fair Queen and Ella Wertz runner-up Wednesday.
Abigail Jo Hoyt was named the fair's Little Miss Princess via a random drawing.
She was among 15 candidates for that honor.
Fischer and Wertz are students at West Marshall High School in State Center.
The two are veteran 4-H presenters, said CIF Board president Jodi Breniman of Marshalltown.
Breniman said the competition between the five queen candidates was especially keen and the selection committee said the task was challenging.
Other candidates were Lainey Harre, Maeve Janssen and Maddy Thompson.
Queen candidates were interviewed about one week ago, and then underwent a two-minute "quick-fire" round," followed by modeling evening gowns and more questions.
Fischer said she was excited to hear her name announced as winner.
"It is definitely an experience, she said. "I was not expecting it at all, but I am definitely grateful … I am excited about this year's fair."
Fischer will represent Marshall County at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.
She said competing to win in that competition against 98 other candidates will be fulfilling.
"It (the Iowa State Fair) will be an amazing experience, with a lot of planning and hard work," she said.
Queen candidates can be anyone from the Marshall County area, ages 16 to 21.
Breniman said candidates must be participants in a community group, not necessarily 4-H.
This year's fair's theme is "Fairadise" and offers returning favorites, new events, food, rodeo and livestock.
Dozens of 4-H projects will be on display too, with winners moving on to have their projects exhibited at the Iowa State Fair.
The fair continues Thursday through Saturday at the fairgrounds, 1308 E. Olive St.
For more information, contact 641-753-3671 or cifa@heartofiowa.net.