Elli Blackford of Clarke County was crowned the 2024 Iowa State Fair Queen Saturday evening on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor iHeart Radio. The 2024 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation is presented by Nature Hill with Spirulux.
The daughter of Ty and De Blackford, Elli was chosen out of the 103 contestants who advanced from local county competitions.
Lauren Long of Appanoose County was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Jeremy and Jennifer Long. Second runner-up was Nora Pickhinke of Sac County. She is the daughter of Brian and Kari Pickhinke and Ellen and Dave Recker. Jada Litterer of Floyd County was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Steve and Lori Litterer.
Olivia Hanson of Benton County was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. Libby Trewin of Franklin County was given the Personality Plus Award. Marley Larson of Marion County received the Queen Alumni Award in honor of Julie Wolterman.
Queen Elli, who will reign for the next year, receives a $5,000 scholarship from the Branstad-Reynolds Trust along with a $3,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also receives a $1,000 scholarship from Dawghouse Concessions, a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, a $600 gift card, a crown necklace from Tiffany Jewelers and the Iowa State Fair and an Iowa State Fair Brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.
The first runner-up earns a $1,500 scholarship and $300 gift card; the second runner-up wins $1,000 in scholarship money and a $250 gift card; and the third runner-up receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 gift card. The Outstanding Leadership recipient wins an $800 scholarship and a $250 gift card. The Personality Plus winner receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 gift card. All members of the Royal Court receive a plaque from the State Fair and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist. An anonymous donor graciously provided the gift cards for the Royal Court. The Queen Alumni recipient wins a $500 scholarship provided by the Iowa State Fair Queen Alumni and a plaque from the Iowa State Fair.
Judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contributions to the community, overall appearance, charm and poise.
Note to editors: Queen photos are available. Visit iowastatefair.org or call 515-262-3111 ext. 204.