Four Young Women to Compete for 2026 Clay County Fair Queen Title
Spencer, Iowa – Four young women will take the stage in pursuit of the 2026 Clay County Fair Queen crown on Sunday, May 3, at the Clay County Regional Events Center.
This year’s contestants include:
- Madelyn Garcia of Linn Grove, daughter of Verity and Emilio Garcia
- Martina Harmon of Everly, daughter of Quinton and Anna Harmon
- Lilly Jepsen of Spencer, daughter of Jacque Jepsen-Bakke and Chris Bakke
- Maggie Moser of Spencer, daughter of Jason and Melissa Moser
The Queen Pageant will begin at 7:00 PM, with doors opening to the public at 6:30 PM. The evening will feature contestant introductions, the self-expression portion, and the crowning of the 2026 Clay County Fair Queen.
During the pageant, contestants will be escorted by Max Wittmaack of Peterson, son of Nathan and Jennifer Wittmaack. His tuxedo is provided by Squire Shoppe.
The young woman crowned as Queen will serve as an ambassador for the Clay County Fair, representing the Fair at area parades and community celebrations throughout the summer. She will also compete in the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest and take part in the 2026 Clay County Fair in September.
Contestants are evaluated in several areas, including personality, attitude and awareness, leadership and citizenship, community involvement, overall appearance, charm, poise, and self-expression.
Each contestant will receive a beauty palette from Avon, a tote bag from Tailored Graphics, a tumbler from Creative Stitches, a movie basket from Southpark Mall, and a single-stem rose from Hy-Vee.
The 2026 Clay County Fair Queen will receive a prize package that includes $1,500 from Community State Bank; $200 from Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative; personal care sessions from Design Masters; a Sterling Silver Crown Jewel Necklace from Avon; an official Fair Queen photo from F8 Creative; a pearl bracelet from Nelson Jewelry; a tanning package from Royal Tan; a $150 certificate to Elegance Bridal & Prom Boutique; $100 for transportation from H & N Chevrolet Buick; a one-year membership to the Spencer Family YMCA; a $50 gift card from Clay County Farm Bureau; a $150 certificate to Grand Bridal; a teeth whitening tray from Van Hofwegen & Munter Family Dentistry; a one-hour session of interview coaching from Treva Graves; and a dozen roses from Hy-Vee.
The First Runner-up will also receive prizes, including $1,000 from Community State Bank, a Sterling Silver Crown Jewel Necklace from Avon, a tanning package from Royal Tan, and a half-dozen roses from Hy-Vee.
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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