Two area young ladies vying for county fair queen honors

J.O. Parker
 
       Two young ladies representing Montezuma and Deep River are seeking the title of the 2026 Poweshiek County Fair Queen
         The new queen will be will be crowned during the bull ride on Saturday, July 11.
         The candidates are: Lexi Urfer, Montezuma and Lindsey Henry, Deep River.
          Following is a brief overview of each candidate:
       Lindsey Henry – Lindsey, 18, the daughter of Gary and Sarah Henry, is a 2026 graduate of Montezuma High School.
         Her future plans are to attend Indian Hills Community College with a goal to earn a degree as a Business Office Specialist.
         Lindsey currently works at Vivarium Coffee in Montezuma and with her family farm operation, Henry Ag.
Her current school activities are dance studio, dance team, volleyball, basketball, FFA, shooting sports, 4 Bar H Club, National Honor Society and band. In addition, Lindsey shows Holstein dairy cows at the county fair and Holsteins, Guernsey and Ayrshires at the state fair.
        “At the 2025 Iowa State Fair, my Guernsey won grand champion Guernsey female in the open show,” said Lindsey.
       Her hobbies include spending time with friends and family, making pipe cleaner flowers, taking walks and cuddling with her dog. She also enjoys helping out around the farm.
      “I want to grow personally, build confidence and proudly represent Poweshiek County,” said Lindsey if she is named queen. “I enjoy being involved in my community through Montezuma Shooting Sports, meeting new people, and sharing my passion for agriculture. As the county fair queen, I would hope to be a positive role model who encourages younger kids to get involved in the fair and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
      Leah Urfer – Leah, 17, the daughter of Josh and Erica Urfer, will be a senior at Montezuma High School in the fall.
         Her future plans are to attend Iowa State University to major in biochemistry with a minor in business or marketing on a pre-dental track. She wants to be an oral surgeon.
          Leah was most recently employed as a helper teacher at Bear Creek Kids.
        Her current activities are church, community, softball, volleyball, FFA, 4-H, National Honor Society and high school student council.
          Her hobbies including spending time with family and friends as well as spending as much time outdoors with her animals.
           “I want to be the 2026 Poweshiek County Fair Queen because I believe that this fair has shaped me into who I am today,” said Leah. “The fair represents hard work, tradition and Poweshiek County as a whole and I’m am excited to have to chance to continue passing on those values. I can’t wait to get a chance to serve as a role model for young exhibitors just as other queen members have served as examples for me. Being able to promote the fair, help the exhibitors, and advocate for agriculture at the fair is exciting to me, but being challenged would make it even more rewarding.”
Little Miss Crowning
            Eight young girls are vying for the Little Miss Poweshiek County Fair Crowning, which will take place on Thursday, July 16 in the showring following the animal costume contest. Those participating are Brynslee Fisk, 8, daughter of Jameson and Kayla Fisk, Malcom; Jane Erickson, 7, daughter of Brady and Brianna Erickson, Brooklyn; Irelynn Robeson, 8, daughter of Wade and Jessica Robeson, Grinnell; Izabella (Izzy) Sieck,6, daughter of Curtis and Shanna Sieck, Grinnell; McKenzie Reid, 6, daughter of Jared and Megan Reid, Montezuma; Lilah Zell, 7, daughter of Todd and Erin Zell, Grinnell; Lyndee Roberts, 6, daughter of Trace and Cassie Roberts, Deep River; Emmarie Roberts, 8, daughter of Trace and Cassie Roberts, Deep River.