Howard County Fair Queen, Princess Coronation

CRESCO - One of the most anticipated highlights of the Mighty Howard County Fair is, perhaps, who will be crowned fair queen. This year has brought a significant change, a welcome change, that being the crowning of fair princess. Moving forward, all those little girls and young ladies who dream of someday being county fair queen may want to add fair princess to that list.

This year marks the 29th year the Howard County Fair has crowned some lucky young woman as fair queen, and instead of the mainstay “runner-up,” things have changed to call the position “fair princess.” This was one of the goals of 2016 Queen Kandise Hauber.

Fair Board Executive Secretary Tom Barnes, stood before a large crowd on Wednesday, June 21 and introduced the ladies who make it happen . . . the Farm Bureau ladies, including Anna Myers, Carol Burnikel and “herd master,” Maria Larson. 

“I would like to introduce a very special guest tonight,” Barnes continued. “Iowa State Fair Queen, Amanda Riniker, from Buchanan County, is with us tonight. Miss Riniker will be attending 40-plus county fairs this summer, and that includes being gone every day in July to make that happen. I would also like to introduce Kandise Hauber, our reigning fair queen from the great big city of Ridgeway. She has done a yeoman’s job of representing Howard County.”

 

Candidate introductions,  fair favorites

Barnes moved on to present all queen candidates and asked each of them the magical question of the evening, “What is your favorite part of the Mighty Howard County Fair.”

Samantha (Sami) Bigalk started off with saying, “My favorite part of the fair is seeing the community coming together as one. It’s about all of us just being together.”

Kelly Dietzenbach shared her tradition. “For me coming back every year to the fair is amazing. It’s so wonderful to see everyone smiling and happy . . . and the fair does that.”

Cassie Hosek had something to say about the wonderful offerings of fair food as her favorite thing about the fair. “I love my gyros and, well, I also love showing my animals.”

Amanda Johnson said, “I love being able to go somewhere and see people you normally don’t see. The fair does that.”

For cowgirl Emma Mannery, it’s about the horses and those cowboys.

“I love showing my horses,” said Mannery. “I love the rodeo, that will be Sunday night, and who doesn’t like cute cowboys.”

Abigail Ott said, “I like seeing everyone come out for the fair. And I also like my chicken noodle soup from the Notre Dame food stand.”

Karissa Stika rounded out the group by sharing what she enjoys most about the fair.

“I like seeing everyone come out,” said Stika. “The fair does that. You see little kids to people our ages.”

 

The queens speak

Barnes moved on and introduced the three judges for this year. Iowa State Fair Queen and Winthrop native, Amanda Riniker, then took the stage and shared a few words.

“Being Iowa State Fair Queen has been life-changing and a humbling experience,” said Riniker. “I also just completed my second year at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where I am a neuroscience major. I grew up in Buchanan County doing 4-H projects, just like the girls here. As Iowa State Fair Queen, I worked on leadership and communication and made relationships that will last a lifetime. I personally invite all of you to the Iowa State Fair, because nothing compares.”

Following a round of applause, reigning Howard County Fair Queen, Kandise Hauber, shared her experiences as fair queen.

“I had the chance to represent this amazing fair and it has been inspiring and the best year of my life,” she said. “I am sad to give my crown away tonight but I am so excited for you girls. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this journey. 

“One of my goals is ‘Walkways for Wheels.’ I would like to see the fairgrounds cover gravel with cement or another hard surface so everyone can be part of the fair. I would like to see sidewalks throughout the grounds so people who have trouble navigating on gravel can take part. Donations are being accepted and you can see either Tom Barnes or myself to give. 

“No matter what happens tonight, girls I want you to know that we are all queens and princesses.”

 

The crowning

Miss Congeniality, an honor and recognition given to one candidate, voted on by the girls themselves, was presented to Samantha Bigalk. Barnes then went on to introduce the recent change with the fair queen and runner-up.

“We have a little change this year,” said Barnes. “Instead of a queen and runner-up for the Mighty Howard County Fair, we will have a queen and a princess.”

The Howard County Fair Princess title and sash was awarded to Emma Mannery, and after a gentle buildup, Samantha Bigalk was announced as the Mighty Howard County Fair Queen.

Photo ops ensued and excited girls went on to spend time with their families and friends who were in attendance.