Two couples with family ties named Poweshiek County Fair Senior King and Queen

​      Joe and Becky Edelen of Brooklyn were one of two couples to be recognized with 2023 Poweshiek County King and Queen honors in a brief ceremony in the showring on Thursday, July 13. Joining them are grandsons, from left, Brayden Edelen, Kaiden Forsythe and Hunter Edelen.

By J.O. Parker
 
     It is all in the family for the double honorees of the 2023 Poweshiek County Fair Senior King and Queen recognition.
     Joe and Becky Edelen, Brooklyn, and Wayne and Marla Ross, rural Brooklyn, were recognized in a brief ceremony held in the showring on Thursday, July 13. The couples were joined by their grandchildren and a great niece during the ceremony.
     Joe is the brother of last year’s senior king recipient, Donnie Edelen. Wayne is the brother of last year’s senior queen recipient, Susie (Ross) Edelen.
     Joe and Becky and Wayne and Marla work alongside Donnie and Susie in operating Crazy Granny’s Kitchen during the fair. The three couples have been going strong at the fair for five years.
    It was Susie and Marla who came up with the idea for the kitchen. When they presented the idea to their families, Marla said everyone thought “We were crazy.”
    Marla said the idea was to provide family-friendly priced meals and a place for fairgoers to sit, rest and enjoy some refreshments.
     Outside of the daily specials, everything on the menu from cold drinks to cheeseburgers, brats and a slice of pie are under $5, making it affordable for all fairgoers.
     Susie said both couples are the best and the kitchen wouldn’t be possible without them.
    “Marla is my partner in crime in the crazy scene behind the kitchen planning and organization,” noted Susie. “Wayne hauls everything in from their home that we need and he is our visiting liaison outside on the patio. He also helps keep our crazy thoughts in line.”
     “Becky and Joe are priceless with all the hours they spend at the fair,” added Susie. “Becky walks in and knows what to do to get ready for the day and is always willing to help do whatever, and Joe knows what to do at the cashiers table taking money. I appreciate both couples and their generosity of their time helping Donnie and me at the Crazy Granny’s Kitchen.”
     When asked about the king and queen honor, Marla said she and Wayne were very humbled and surprised.
      “We enjoy working in Crazy Granny’s Kitchen where we meet old friends and make new ones,” said Marla.   “We appreciate the honor.”
      “We really appreciate the recognition of the senior king and queen award,” said Becky. “One of our biggest awards is seeing all the 4-H and FFA kids and their families coming in and enjoying the kitchen and the good food.”

​      Wayne and Marla Ross of rural Brooklyn were one of two couples to be recognized with 2023 Poweshiek County King and Queen honors in a brief ceremony in the showring on Thursday, July 13. Joining them are great niece, Aubree Edelen, and grandson, Simon Ostby.