Who Will Be the Next Clay County Fair Queen?

Spencer, Iowa – The search is underway for the next Clay County Fair Queen, with applications now being accepted for the 2026 Queen Pageant. The winner, who will be crowned on Sunday, May 3, 2026, will serve as an ambassador for the Clay County Fair and compete for the Iowa State Fair Queen title. Throughout her reign, the Queen will represent the fair at various community events throughout the summer, including Flagfest in June, the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest in August, and the Clay County Fair in September. The Fair will accommodate educational commitments, ensuring flexibility in appearance dates.

Eligible candidates are females ages 16 to 21 who reside in Clay County or an adjoining county, provided that the majority of her activities take place in Clay County. Applicants must also be members of at least one service organization, such as 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, or a church group. Additional requirements include being unmarried, having no children, not holding another queen title, and not being a professional model.

The 2026 Clay County Fair Queen will receive numerous prizes from local businesses, including a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Community State Bank. Beyond the title and prizes, the competition provides an opportunity for young women to develop leadership and public-speaking skills while representing her community.

Applications are available online at the Clay County Fair website and must be submitted by April 20, 2026. Completed applications can be mailed to the Clay County Fair Queen Contest, P.O. Box 527, Spencer, IA 51301, or emailed to info@claycountyfair.com. A committee will review all applications and select finalists, who will be notified by April 24. The finalists will compete for the title during the 2026 Clay County Fair Queen Contest on May 3 at the Clay County Regional Events Center.

Contestants will be judged on personality, leadership, community involvement, charm, poise, and public speaking skills. The competition will also include a self-expression segment. All decisions made by the judges will be final.

For more information, contact the Clay County Fair Office at 712-580-3000 or email info@claycountyfair.com.

About The Clay County Fair & Events Center

Rooted in Tradition, the Clay County Fair and Events Center is a year-round facility that annually hosts more than 200 events, including its signature event, the Clay County Fair. Known as “The World’s Greatest County Fair” since 1917, the Clay County Fair attracts more than 300,000 guests each September for nine days of world-class entertainment, competition, food, fun, and the largest farm machinery show at any fair in the United States. Additional information can be found at claycountyfair.com.

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