Seven young women want to be the next Hamilton County Fair Queen.

They are Kate Feltz, Daytona Ferrie, Marissa Rae Miller, McKenna Miller, Abby Peterson, Abby Richardson and Avery Teague.

Judging to select the next Hamilton County Fair Queen will be on Saturday, July 19.

The contestants will ride in the Hamilton County Fair Parade, which winds through downtown Webster City on Tuesday, July 22, as it makes its way to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 1200 Bluff Street.

The parade begins at 6 p.m.

The Hamilton County Fair Queen Coronation is Wednesday, July 23, beginning at 6 p.m. at the grandstand.

Here’s a little bit about each candidate.

Kate Feltz, 17, is the daughter of Leah Mason and Jeremiah Feltz, and lives in Webster City.

She has been involved in soccer, wrestling, FFA, and helps at Market Nights in addition to a variety of other activities. She also enjoys painting, drawing, reading and gardening.

Her future plans are to attend the Cosmetology program at the PCI Academy in Ames.

She is the current vice president for the Webster City FFA Chapter, and Head of Meals from the Heartland.

“I would like to be the next Hamilton County Fair Queen because it’s an opportunity to give back to the community that gave to me,” she wrote in her application. “I’ve grown up attending the fair with my family and have seen first hand how it changes peoples’ lives. I want to be the next queen so I can change lives too. I believe that if given the title of Hamilton County Fair Queen, I will be able to show up for my community, which in the end will help me become a better person for the future.

Daytona Ferrie, 16, is the daughter of Nathan and Lindsey Ferrie, of Story City. She will be a senior at South Hamilton High School.

She has been active in FFA, volleyball, basketball, track, student council and junior leadership. She volunteers at her church in the nursery and for children’s church. She has worked on pedal pulls, blood drives, the harvest meals, and makes tie blankets through the FFA. She has served in several FFA offices, including FFA President, and was captain of both the volleyball and basketball teams. She also serves on the student council all four years.

Her future plans include finishing high school, and to major in nursing in college.

“I want to be the Hamilton County Fair Queen to inspire younger women to be confident and the best version of themselves,” she wrote in her application. “I have learned that you should always step out of your comfort zone and experience everything you can. By running for Fair Queen, I strive to continue building friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

“I also believe that I have strong leadership skills that will help me work well with others. Whether it be leading the FFA and setting up meetings with 70 people or working with small groups to discuss a small project, I have the skills to help everyone feel comfortable and welcome. My humorous and loving personality fits well with many people and creates room to have lots of fun!”

Marissa Rae Miller, 17, lives in Blairsburg. Her parents are Sarah Holt and Danny Miller. She attends Webster City High School where she has been on the high school volleyball team.

She is also a member of FFA, is active in the Cass Red Cardinal 4-H Club, and serves as a leader for Vacation Bible School and assists with the middle school youth group at her church. She also is a leader for the Bucket Bottle Animal Program, and works at Riverview Daycare Center.

She is exploring options for social work or investigative fields for her career path.

“I would be honored to serve as the Hamilton County Fair Queen because I want to proudly represent our community and continue the rich tradition of the fair,” she wrote in her application. “As a child, I looked up to the Queen contestants and admired their presence and involvement. I also loved walking through the old horse barn and seeing the photos of past queens. Being Fair Queen would give me the opportunity to share the values of hard work, community spirit and agricultural heritage that the fair celebrates. I am committed to representing the fair with pride, integrity and enthusiasm.”

McKenna Miller, 18, lives in Stanhope and attended South Hamilton High School. Her parents are Leigh Miller and Ryan Miller.

She has been active in FFA, band, cross country, track, basketball cheer, iJAG, and dance competition. She assists with the FFA sponsored games at Jewell Jubilee Days, and volunteers at Stanhope Watermelon Day. She plans to attend Simpson College , majoring in political science with minors in pre-law and sociology, with a law school at Drake later.

“I have attended the Hamilton County Fair and Iowa State Fair every year. I would be proud to represent my community and my county,” she wrote in her application.

“While I don’t live on a farm, I have enjoyed participating in ag classes and events and being a part of FFA. It has taught me a lot of things I wouldn’t have learned otherwise, and I would like to share the impact these have had on my life, both in high school and in this next phase of life. To me, the fair shows the good things that are happening in our county, and I would be proud to represent Hamilton county and the fair.”

Abby Peterson, 17, lives in Webster City and attends Webster City High School. Her mother is Mary Peterson.

She has been active with FFA and cross country in addition to the dance marathon at the school this past year. She is a member of 4-H and helps with Meals from the Heartland and the holiday meal. She has been the chapter treasurer for the Webster City FFA for 4 years, and works as a teacher assistant at a day care.

After high school, she plans to attend Iowa State University to study agricultural education.

“I want to be fair queen because I want to be more involved in the fair and meet new people. I also want to be a role model for the kids I work with and kids of the community.

Abby Richardson, 17, lives in rural Webster City and attends South Hamilton High School. Her parents are Adam and Angie Richardson.

She is in FFA, iJag, FBLA, varsity basketball manager, stage manager, track, softball and varsity golf. She is also involved with Bacon Bits, Bucket Bottle program and helping the fair board set up for different activities, the harvest meal, tie blankets and community pedal pulls.

“I would like to be fair queen, not only for the experience, but being able to give back to the community that has given me so much,” she wrote in her application. “Growing up in Hamilton County, I have always looked up to the queens. I am wanting to be that person for all of the younger kids to look up to. I will take advantage of every opportunity to be involved in library readings, town celebrations and parades, activities with 4-H and FFA chapters and much more.

“I have been a great leader in every activity I have been involved with throughout the years. From FFA events to being on the court, I have always done everything I can to make sure everyone is included and heard. I would use those skills to help the kids become more involved in agriculture and their community. If I am selected for Fair Queen, I feel I can represent Hamilton County in great ways.”

Avery Teague, 17, lives in rural Webster City, and is home-schooled. She is the daughter of Joe and Kristy Teague.

She is active with Trinity Lutheran Church, and her hobbies include rodeo, working horses, roping, traveling and taking my dogs for rides. She has shown horses for eight years at the Hamilton County Fair, and has helped at her church during vacation bible school and also at a hippotherapy facility for children involving horses in Arizona.

She plans to attend Iowa Central in Fort Dodge and hopes to compete on the rodeo team while studying business.

“I would like to be the Hamilton County Fair Queen to represent my county and be more involved in my community.”