Hannah Koellner, 18, of Mahaska County was crowned the 2019 Iowa State Fair Queen by Dave Hoffman, president of the Fair Board. This year’s ceremony, which crowned the 56th Iowa State Fair queen, took place on Saturday evening at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor CW Iowa 23.

The daughter of Jim and Kim Koellner of Eddyville, Hannah was chosen out of the 102 contestants who participated in this year’s competition. All had been crowned queen of their respective county fairs prior to the State Fair.

Lauren Ries, 19, of Great Jones County, was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Doug and Karla Ries. Second runner-up was Leah Marek, 17, of Washington County. She is the daughter of Tim and Heather Marek. Britney Ford, 18, of Cedar County, was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Nolan and Julie Ford.

Bailey Harward, of Davis County, was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. The 18-year-old is the daughter of Erika Harward and Michael Harward. Jakota Maakestad, 18, of Hardin County, was given the Personality Plus Award. She is the daughter of Jim and Wendy Maakestad.

Queen Hannah, who will reign for the next year, receives a $5,000 scholarship from the State of Iowa Governor’s Office along with a $3,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also receives a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, a $600 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall, a pair of diamond earrings from B. Shannon Designs, cowboy boots from Long Creek Outfitters 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 to Jordan Creek Mall; the second runner-up wins $1,000 in scholarship money and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card; and the third runner-up receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Outstanding Leadership recipient wins an $800 scholarship and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Personality Plus winner receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 Jordan Creek Mall 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 Jordan Creek gift cards for the Royal Court.

Judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise.

# # #

The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country and the single largest event in the state. The Fair began over 160 years ago and is now considered one of the best events in the nation, attracting more than one million Fairgoers every year from all over the world. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University, just off the interstate and minutes from Downtown Des Moines. Nothing Compares to State Fair Favorites: August 8-18, 2019. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

Note to editors: Queen photos are available. Email marketing@iowastatefair.org or call 515-262-3111 ext. 204.