This year, four young women have submitted their names to the Hamilton County Fair Queen contest.

Contestants Caroline Ehn, 16, and Emalie Perez, 17, are both from Webster City. Alivia Wahlert, 17, is from Williams. The fourth contestant is Ashley Robb, 18, of Story City.

Judging will be Saturday at Asbury United Methodist in Webster City. It is not open to the public.

The coronation is Thursday, July 25, at the Grandstand on the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. It begins at 6 p.m.

This year’s judges are: Katelynn McCollough, 2010 Hamilton County Fair Queen and third runner up in the Iowa State Fair Queen contest; Jenna Bergman, of Des Moines, who is originally from Stratford; and Jordan Kane Radke, of Aurelia.

On Saturday, the candidates will spend a full morning with the judges.

First, each will conduct an interview with the judging panel, then the mothers of the candidates will join the whole group for the evening gown event. Following that, the mothers will join the candidates and judges for a brunch.

After brunch, there will be a group discussion with the candidates before each individual candidate meets with the judges for a final question.

At the coronation on July 25, the new Hamilton County Fair Queen will be crowned by outgoing Hamilton County Fair Queen Amanda Ostrem.

Here is a little bit more about each of this year’s four candidates:

Caroline Ehn is the daughter of Nikki and Matt Ehn. This fall she will be a senior at Webster City High School.

“Growing up, the fair has been thoroughly entangled with my day-to-day life. I have been to 16 Hamilton County Fairs, my first one being when I was a year old. As a little girl I remember watching the Fair Queen contest and being so amazed by how graceful, beautiful, and bright all the contestants seemed. I remember dreaming of being just like them when I grew up, so it’s totally surreal that I am now running for fair queen. Ever since I’ve known of the Fair Queen contest, I’ve loved it. Part of being the Hamilton County Fair Queen is participating at the Iowa State Fair. I have been to the Iowa State Fair every year of my life so it also holds a special place in my heart. I would be honored to represent Hamilton County at the Iowa State Fair. I would be proud to serve as the Hamilton County Fair Queen in the coming year.”

Her school activities include: Varsity and JV cross country, Student Council, National Honor Society, JV football cheerleader, Rocketry Club, Dance Marathon, Webster City High School Band, WCHS Choir, Varsity Singers, Chordination, WCTV, Large Group Speech, Individual Speech, WCHS drama productions, WCHS musicals, Iowa All-State Chorus sophomore and junior years, Wartburg Meistersinger Honor Choir freshman, sophomore and junior years, and Buena Vista Honor Band.

“I am a 9-year member of the Cass Red Cardinals 4-H Club and have exhibited cattle as well as static exhibits in Visual Art, Food and Nutrition and Home Improvement. I work in our club food stand and volunteer at the 4-H exhibit building. I have participated in the Bill Riley Talent Show twice.

Emalie Perez is the daughter of Natalie and Zac Lucero. She attended Webster City High School and plans to major in zoology in college.

“Why would I like to become the next Hamilton County Fair Queen? Because as a person I can promise to be honest, respectful, and, as well, be kind to others. I have always found new ways to improve myself as well as others around me. I believe that everyone can be true and kind-hearted with a little love. As well as helping each other and other people, I can show leadership and take charge when needed. As well as showing leadership, I can help those people in need that are struggling. I would like to become the next queen because I feel like I could make a difference in people’s lives as well as my own.”

Her school activities include: Webster City FFA, cheerleading, and Spanish Club. She has also helped film for Iowa Central football, volunteered at Junque Fest, and the Farmers Market.

“I have shown great leadership in school as the 2023-2024 reporter for FFA and have been in charge of the chapter book and have been in charge of our activities with the Farmers Market.”

Ashley Robb is the daughter of Bonnie and Bill Robb. She is a student at South Hamilton High School.

“Becoming the Hamilton County Fair Queen would be an incredible honor and unique opportunity to represent our community. As Fair Queen, I would have the chance to promote the fair, engage with local residents, and support agricultural and educational initiatives. This role allows me to develop leadership skills, build lasting relationships, and make a positive impact on the community. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate and showcase the traditions and values of the Hamilton County Fair.”

Her school activities include: FFA, volleyball, and student teaching. She plans to attend Kirkwood in June 2025 and study to become a veterinary technician.

(I am) “one of the leaders for the FFA greenhouse, worked with kids in our rural area with bottle babies, and shift lead at work.”

Alivia Wahlert is the daughter of Carina and Wade Wahlert. Her Webster City High School activities have included FFA and Meals for the Heartland.

“I would like to be Fair Queen because I want to inspire young girls at the fair and be someone they can look up to. I would also like to be Fair Queen to do things for the community and fairgrounds.”

Some of her involvements have included: Hamilton County Saddle Club, Children’s Message for church, placing flags on graves for Veterans Day, Fourth of July snowcones, Northeast Hamilton Carnival, Fourth of July cleanup, and 4-H parade floats. She has been a 4-H club reporter and treasurer and Bucket Bottle leader. At the fair she has been involved in static projects such as photography, communication, baking and horticulture. “I show sheep and horses. … I have been involved with the fair since I joined 4-H.”