Clay County Fair Queen Applications Open Through April 20

Spencer, Iowa – The Clay County Fair is reminding eligible young women that applications for the 2026 Clay County Fair Queen Pageant are open, with a deadline of April 20, 2026.

The Clay County Fair Queen serves as an ambassador for “The World’s Greatest County Fair,” representing the Fair at events throughout the summer, including Flagfest in June, the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest in August, and the Clay County Fair in September.

The 2026 Queen will be crowned on Sunday, May 3, at the Clay County Regional Events Center and will go on to compete for the Iowa State Fair Queen title. The Fair will accommodate educational commitments, ensuring flexibility in appearance dates.

Eligible candidates are females ages 16 to 21 who live in Clay County or a neighboring county, with the majority of their activities taking place in Clay County. Applicants must be involved in 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 selected Queen will receive a variety of prizes from local businesses, including a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Community State Bank. In addition to prizes, the program provides valuable experience in leadership, public speaking, and community involvement.

Applications are available at claycountyfair.com and must be submitted by April 20. Finalists will be notified by April 24.

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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