Two area young ladies vying for county fair queen honors

      Poweshiek County Fair Queen contests are Gracie Kaufman, left, and Dasha LaRue, right. The crowning will take place at the intermission of the Extreme Bull Riding event at the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 12.

By J.O. Parker
 
       Two young ladies representing Grinnell and Searsboro are seeking the title of the 2025 Poweshiek County Fair Queen
       The new queen will be will be crowned during the bull ride intermission on Saturday, July 12.
       The candidates are: Dasha LaRue, Searsboro and Gracie Kaufman, Grinnell.
       Following is a brief overview of each candidate:
     Dasha LaRue – Dasha, 16, the daughter of Nick and Ashley LaRue, will be entering her junior year in the fall at Grinnell High School.
      Dasha currently works at the Zip In Mini Mart in Lynnville.
      Her current activities are Grinnell Sure Shots, 4-H Shooting Aces, Mighty Golden Clovers 4-H Club and FFA.
      Her hobbies and special interests include reading and caring for her horse, dog, chickens and rabbits.
     Her future plans are to attend Ellsworth Community College and major in equine management or equine animal science.
    When asked why she decided to run for queen, Dasha said she believes she would be a good representative of the 2025 Poweshiek County 4-H and FFA Fair.
     Gracie Kaufman – Gracie, 16, the daughter of James and Chelse Kaufman, will be entering her junior year in the fall at Grinnell High School.
     Gracie is employed by Valais Blacknose Sheep of Sugar Creek, a Grinnell business that specializes in raising high quality Valais sheep.
      Her current activities include speech, art, tennis, FFA, Mighty Golden Clovers 4-H Club, 4-H County Council and marching and concert bands.
      Her hobbies and special interests include reading, drawing, crochet and horseback riding.
    As for the future, Gracie is considering become an Equine Veterinarian Technician at Iowa State Equine Hospital, or a Veterinary Medical Illustrator.
     “As an illustrator, I would draw and design pictures and diagrams for veterinary textbooks and posters,” she said.
      When asked why she decided to run for queen, Gracie said she has been in 4-H (and now FFA) for six – seven years and has always enjoyed showing at the fair.
     “I wish to extend myself and grow as  leader,” she said. “I believe myself to be a good role model to younger youth and want to dedicate myself to continue to be a positive influence.”
Little Miss Crowning
       Twelve young girls are vying for the Little Miss Crowning, which will take place on Thursday, July 17 in the showring following the animal costume contest. Those participating are Lyla Paulson, 6, daughter of Brian and Jordan Paulson, Grinnell; Lilah Zell, 6, daughter of Todd and Erin Zell, Grinnell; Leighton Zimbelman, 6, daughter of Chris and Morgan Zimbelman, Grinnell; Loghan Stubbs, 6, daughter of Cass and Carissa Stubbs, Grinnell; Phynlee Pinkerton, 6, daughter of Alisyn and TJ Pinkerton, Grinnell; Jovie Erickson, 6, daughter of Brady and Brianna Erickson, Brooklyn; Irelynn Robeson, 7, daughter of Wade and Jess Robeson, Grinnell; Emmarie (Emmie) Roberts, 7, daughter of Trace and Cassie Roberts, Deep River; Blaire Brandt, 7, daughter of Mitch and Taylor Thompson, Grinnell; Taryn McCain, 8, daughter of Lianna Daliel and Jared McCain, Grinnell; Brynslee Fisk, 8, daughter of Jameson and Kayla Fisk, Malcom; Emma Davidson, 8, daughter of Jason and Kristin Davidson, Brooklyn.