CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS The 2026 Tama County Fair Queen candidates pictured from left to right: Kenzie Bartel of rural Marshalltown; Violet Jackson of rural Garwin; and Belle Werner of Toledo.

GLADBROOK – The 2026 Tama County Fair Queen candidates were recently announced and include three outstanding young women: Kenzie Bartel, Violet Jackson, and Belle Werner. Crowning of the 2026 Tama County Fair Queen and Princess is set for Tuesday, July 14, at approximately 8 p.m. in the show ring at the Tama County Fairgrounds in Gladbrook. The 2025 Tama County Fair Queen, Rhianna Murty, will be the hostess for the crowning. The three candidates will be judged at Peace Church in Gladbrook on July 12. The event will be hosted by the Gladbrook Guys and Gals 4-H Club. Contestants will be judged one-third on leadership, citizenship and contributions to the community; one-third on personality and awareness; and one-third on poise and beauty.

Candidate biographies are printed below.

Kenzie Bartel

Kenzie Bartel, 17, is the daughter of Mindy McCubbin and Matt Bartel of rural Marshalltown and will be a senior at GMG High School this fall. During high school, Kenzie has been actively involved in FFA, 4-H, Student Council, National Honor Society, volleyball, cheerleading, dance team, golf, band, choir and school theater productions.

Kenzie has held many leadership roles throughout her high school career. She served as treasurer of her 4-H club for five years, FFA reporter for one year and Student Council treasurer for one year. She will also serve as FFA vice president and Student Council vice president during her senior year. In addition, Kenzie helps co-run her school’s FFA food pantry and was selected as a Girls State delegate.

Community service has always been important to Kenzie. She has volunteered more than 170 hours through babysitting, house cleaning, fire department breakfasts, library work, yard work, Vacation Bible School, AAU volleyball tournaments, concession stands and animal and barn chores. She enjoys staying involved in her community and helping wherever she is needed.

In her free time, Kenzie enjoys spending time with family and friends, participating in school activities and athletics, and volunteering in her community.

After high school, Kenzie plans to attend Hawkeye Community College to study physical therapy assisting. She hopes to build a career helping patients recover, improve mobility and make a positive impact on others’ lives.

Violet Jackson

Violet Jackson, 17, is the daughter of Matt and Ann Jackson of rural Garwin and will be a senior at GMG High School. Violet has been active in high school, participating in volleyball and golf and serving as manager for the boys basketball team. Violet also plays the clarinet in band and pep band. Violet is president of the GMG FFA Chapter and president of the Garwin Roughriders 4-H Club. Outside of school, Violet works at Hometown Family Market in Gladbrook and enjoys volunteering in the concession stand during Garwin Music in the Park.

After high school, Violet plans to pursue a career in nursing, focusing on geriatric care.

Belle Werner

Belle Werner, 18, is the daughter of Eric and Michelle Werner of Toledo and recently graduated from Benton Community High School.

While in high school, Belle’s activities included football cheer, track and field, FFA, 4-H, show choir and concert choir. Belle served as the vice president and is the current president of her FFA chapter, as well as the Southwest Subdistrict vice president. Additionally, Belle is serving as the 2026 Tama County Beef Queen.

In her community, Belle was vice president and president during her seven-year membership in the Toledo Techs 4-H Club. She was also part of the qualifying shuttle hurdle relay team for the Iowa High School State Track and Field meet.

In her spare time, Belle works at the Natural Resources Conservation Service as a summer intern and at Murph’s Creamery and Grill in Toledo, as well as running three seasonal businesses throughout the school year.

Belle’s future plans are to attend Iowa State University, where she plans to major in ag business and finance.