The 2025 Cedar County Fair

Royalty Contest

Royalty Contests open Saturday, March 15 at 9:00 am.

Royalty Crowning is Wednesday, July 9 at 5 pm in the Custom Builder’s Pavilion. 

Meet the 2025 Queen Contestants

Click on each contestant to learn more! Come cheer on all of our Queen, Princess, and Little Miss Contestants on Wednesday, July 9 at 5pm on the Family Foods Stage in the Custom Builders Pavilion.

Kennedy Crist

Click on Kennedy's Picture to Read Her Bio

Shelby Hennings

Click on Shelby's Picture to Read Her Bio

Maddie Neuberger

Click on Maddie's Picture to Read Her Bio

Tatum Nebergall

Click on Tatum's Picture to Read Her Bio

2025 Little Miss Contestants

2025 Princess Contestants

Aubrie-Pruess-Queen-scaled

Graduate

Aubrie Pruess

Aubrie Pruess is the daughter of Jeff and Carrie Pruess of Clarence and is sponsored by Pruess Farm Repair. Aubrie is going to be a freshman at Warburg College this coming fall. Aubrie has been involved in volleyball, basketball, track and field. She also has participated in many fine arts including, band, jazz band, choir, chamber choir, and even played in the musical pit for the spring musical at North Cedar High School. She has also been a member of National Honor Society since her sophomore year of high school and served on her student council. Outside of school Abrie has been involved in the Harmony Hustlers 4-H Club, holding many offices, and competing in different project classes here at the Cedar County Fair. Aubrie also spends a lot of her time volunteering at various events including Vacation Bible School at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowden, Clarence Fireman’s Breakfast, Clarence Soup Supper, raking leaves with her Lutheran Youth Fellowship Group, and even Christmas caroling. Aubrie has taken on leadership roles with a lot of her activities and has even planned and taught her own vacation bible school lessons to younger kids. Aubrie admits that outside of all these activities, she doesn’t have a lot of free time but what free time she can find is usually spent helping her dad on the farm bailing, bedding cattle, processing calves, weed eating, covering the bunker, and whatever else needs done. When all her farm work is done though, she does enjoy reading and playing with her two dogs, a Rat Terrier named Pancho and a Great Pyrenees Anatolian Shepherd mix named Bear. Three words that Aubrie would use to describe herself are friendly, hardworking, and polite. This fall Aubrie will attend Wartburg college where she will continue to play volleyball while majoring in elementary education. In the future, Aubrie would like to teach and coach high school sports in Cedar County.

Aubrie-Pruess-Queen-scaled

Graduate

Lacey Rouse

Lacey Rouse is the daughter of Deb and Tyler Rouse of Mechanicsville and is sponsored by High Hopes Cattle Company. Lacey is going to be a senior at North Cedar High School this coming fall. Lacey has been involved in FFA, volleyball, concert band, drama, and student council while in school. Lacey has taken on many leadership roles in her school activities, including competing in solo and large group band competitions, modeling positions for underclassman in volleyball, played in the musical pit band, and even performed on stage. Outside of school, Lacey tries her best to be involved in her community. Lacey has donated blood at local blood drives, helped keep highway ditches clean, plant flowers on main street, and servicing the food panty each week. Lacey is very involved in the cattle community at the county, state, and national levels. In 2020 Lacey was named the National Miniature Hereford Princess and is a member of the Miniature Hereford Foundation Youth Committee. With this involvement, Lacey finds herself often traveling the county to support a variety of cattle organizations by helping run cattle shows, running scale and tattoo chutes at check-ins, and handing out prizes in the show ring. Lacey tries her best to be model for younger participants and provides a friendly face for anyone to ask questions. These activities don’t leave Lacey much free time but when she can find some in her schedule she enjoys reading, crocheting, hanging out with her friends, or traveling with her grandpa who is part of a dirt track pit crew. Lacey doesn’t mind a little hard work and dirt and finds it rewarding to help change tires or gears on a car that could help them get to victory lane. In the future, Aubrie would like to attend Iowa State University to major in Agriculture Education. Lacey would like to help students realize their love of agriculture and sees herself leading an FFA program and helping to impact the community in a positive way.

Royalty Contest Information

Deadline to Apply: May 1, 2025 5:00pm

Welcome to your first steps in participating in the 2025 Cedar County Fair Queen program. We are excited to meet you. Our goal for you is that you will meet and interact with other outstanding young ladies from Cedar County, learn about the inner workings of the fair, develop stronger leadership and public relations skills, and have a great time!

Any young woman between the ages of 16-21 who resides in Cedar County is eligible to apply and participate. These ladies need to be active in the community and positive role models. It is not limited to just those who are in FFA & 4H.

Please return the following application, quick facts sheet, and permission slips to Queen Coordinator, Molly Haub or Jenny Jackson at PO Box 324, Tipton, IA 52772 or email to thecedarcountyfair@gmail.com by May 1, 2025. The follow events will be available to contestants to participate in (starred events are required):

  • Contestant orientation & activity*
  • Volunteering at fairground work nights
  • Interview Practice, Poise Workshop, & Brunch
  • Tipton 4th of July parade* 
  • Rehearsal & Fair Board Appreciation Dinner
  • Judging- July 9* 
  • Coronation- July 9 @ 5 pm* 
  • Cedar County Fair July 9-13*

A full schedule of events will be given at Orientation.

Throughout the entire competition, judges will base their decision on personality, attitude, appearance, awareness, leadership, citizenship, charm, and poise. The competition consists of a group interview, one-on-one interview, and stage presence on Wednesday, July 9. Events prior to the fair will be noted in the judges’ binders, so your presence & participation is highly encouraged.

We are requesting that each Queen candidate have a sponsor. Any organization, church, business, or individual can sponsor a candidate. Each sponsor shall donate a minimum of $50 on the candidate’s behalf. This $50 will go towards prizes, activities & awards for the contestants. If you need assistance finding a sponsor, please contact Molly or Jenny.

If you have any questions with regards to the above information or the application, please feel free to contact Molly Haub or Jenny Jackson at thecedarcountyfair@gmail.com. We wish all the candidates the best of luck!

DEADLINE TO APPLY: MAY 1, 2025

  1. Each contestant must be female and at least 16 years of age and not more than 21 years of age on Aug 7th, the first day of the 2025 Iowa State Fair.
  2. Contestants must have never been married.
  3. A county fair queen must reside in the county she represents or an adjoining county if most of her activities in the county she represents. If a fair represents more than one county, the winning contestant must reside in one of the participating counties.
  4. Each contestant must be an active member of at least one service organization in her community such as a church group, Girl Scouts, 4-H, FFA, etc. (Eligibility is not limited to 4-H or FFA membership.)
  5. Each entrant in the State Fair Competition must be selected from a competitive queen contest at her county fair. If an Iowa fair does not have a contest, it may sanction another queen contest in their county as the “Official County Fair Queen Contest.” The winner of this is then eligible to compete at the Iowa State Fair. Only contests sponsored by county fairs that are members of the Association of Iowa Fairs will be eligible to compete at the state level.
  6. Only winners as indicated under Rule 5 are eligible to represent counties at the state pageant. In the event the county queen is unable to participate, alternates will be considered in order of selection.
  7. No professional model (one who has had ongoing employment in which modeling was the primary part of the job) is eligible to compete in the state competition.
  8. Any contestant who has competed at the Iowa State Fair Queen level of the competition may not compete again.
  9. Any county fair queen selected after the 2024 Iowa State Fair and meeting the above qualifications is eligible for the 2025 competition
  10. The Iowa State Fair will accept only one entry per county. Should there be more than one queen contest in the county, it will be the responsibility of the fairs concerned to hold an elimination contest. The only exception to this rule will be in those counties where more than one fair qualifies for membership with the Association of Iowa Fairs. In those cases, both fairs will be eligible to submit candidates for competition.
  11. It is the responsibility of each contestant to plan transportation to and from Des Moines.
  12. The county fair queens will be the guests of the Iowa State Fair Tuesday, August 5th, through the time of the crowning Saturday evening, August 9th, 2025.
  13. The Iowa State Fair will provide a sash and crown for each county fair to award their queen at the county fair. This must be worn when she appears at the Iowa State Fair and is included in the $450.00 entry fee. The entry fee for entries received after April 30 is $500.00. Absolutely NO entries will be accepted after May 31! Online payment for 2025 will only be accepted. The Link has been attached to this email.
  14. County fairs are requested to select their candidates by competition in which personality, leadership, and beauty are judged.
  15. A competent committee will select the “Iowa State Fair Queen”. Judging comments are not available to the contestants or county representatives. Judging will be based on the following: Personality, Attitude, Appearance, and Awareness Leadership and Citizenship – Contribution to Community, Overall Appearance, Charm, Poise.
  16. Each contestant should be prepared to appear in a variety of attire, such as business attire or a suit, evening attire, or casual wear.
  17. The winner of the state competition will be crowned “2025 Iowa State Fair Queen.” The 2025 Queen will be required to remain at the Fairgrounds for the remaining time of the 2025 Fair.
  18. The state competition winner must agree to appear for the Iowa State Fair Board in official capacities as requested throughout the year until her successor is crowned. Ibis includes daily appearances at the 2025 Fair and the first three days at the 2026 Fair. The Iowa State Fair will help with food and transportation expenses for these appearances.
  19. If the winner cannot reign until a new queen is crowned at the 2026 Fair, she must forfeit the title, and all awards associated with it to the first runner-up. She may then accept the title and all awards associated with it to the first runner-up. She may then accept the title and awards for the first runner-up.
  20. The winning contestant at the Iowa State Fair must agree to accept no other queen titles nor endorse any commercial product as “Iowa State Fair Queen” for 12 months following the 2025 Iowa State Fair without the written permission of the Iowa State Fair Board.
  21. The winning contestant will receive all the prizes at the time of the finals except the scholarships. The scholarships will be presented to her after the 2026 Iowa State Fair Queen is selected.
  22. The reigning 2025 “Iowa State Fair Queen” is expected to conduct herself in a manner that reflects positively on herself, her family, and the Iowa State Fair. Should the reigning “Iowa State Fair Queen” become involved in any activity, including drug, alcohol, or tobacco-related offense that reflects negatively on herself, her family, or the Iowa State Fair, she may be required to forfeit her crown, title, and rights to the scholarship award to the first runner-up.
  23. Should the 2025 “Iowa State Fair Queen” marry or become ineligible before the 2026 queen is crowned, she will forfeit her title, crown, and rights to the scholarship award for the first runner-up. Should the first runner-up marry or become ineligible, she will forfeit the title, crown, and rights to the scholarship to the second runner- up.
  24. The Iowa State Fair Board reserves the right to change and interpret the foregoing rules and regulations at any time as may be deemed expedient.

Princess Contest Information

The Cedar Country Queen Committee and Fair Board would like to thank you for taking this opportunity to apply for the 2025 Cedar County Fair Princess Contest. We are very excited about the upcoming fair and want to make this a memorable one.

Little Miss Contest Information

The Cedar Country Queen Committee and Fair Board would like to thank you for taking this opportunity to apply for the 2025 Little Miss Cedar County Contest. We are very excited about the upcoming fair and want to make this a memorable one.

Kennedy Crist

18, Tipton

Kennedy Crist is a recent grad of Tipton High School. In school Kennedy has been involved in as much as possible. She has played varsity volleyball all four years of highschool and was captain for two years. Kennedy also was on the varsity golf team for three years. She has been involved in FFA for all four years of highschool and held the officer positions of Historian and Treasurer. In addition to these activities, Kennedy joined FCCLA her freshman year, served on the student council her junior and senior year. Kennedy was inducted into National Honor Society her junior year and served as vice president of the chapter. Outside of School, Kennedy is very involved in 4-H and serves on the Youth County Council. Kennedy has served on many officer roles of her club. Involvement in these clubs has also given Kennedy many chances to volunteer and help better her community. Kennedy is the daughter of Josh and Kristi Crist. In her free time, Kennedy enjoys golfing, showing breeding cattle and swine, helping with her family’s row crop operation and volunteering. Kennedy plans to attend Iowa State majoring in Ag Business to hopefully one day become an Ag Accountant or Ag Loan Officer to help guide farmers in the best direction financially, she would also like to grow her livestock herd.

Shelby Hennings

19, Bennett

Shelby Hennings is a Sophomore at the University of Iowa. Shelby has taken on many leadership roles throughout high school. Shelby was class president her senior year of high school, as well as president of the Interact Club. Shelby was secretary of her FFA Chapter. She served as a dedicated member of FCCLA, FBLA, and NHS. Shelby was chosen as drum major for her band and served as a leader to the softball team. At the University of Iowa, Shelby has also prioritized involvement and joined Women in Healthcare and Global Health Studies, where she serves as the marketing director. In her community Shelby has been involved in 4-H and Cedar County Youth Council, where she served as treasurer and then president. Shelby has volunteered at a local food pantry to support families in need. Shelby is the daughter of Jeffrey and Sarah Hennings. In her free time Shelby enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and being outdoors. Shelby is always looking for ways to help others. Shelby is currently on the path for her future plans of becoming a physical therapist. She plans on continuing to complete her doctorate. 

Maddie Neuberger

17, West Branch

Maddie Neuberger is a senior at West Branch High School. Maddie is involved in volleyball and basketball in school, along with being very involved in her FFA Chapter where she has served as secretary for the past 2 years. Maddie is involved in National Honor Society has has served as secretary for that organization as well. She is a member of the student council and is the media manager for her high school’s yearbook. Maddie is highly involved in 4-H, serving as president of her club for the last two years. She also joined the County 4-H Council this past year. Maddie is involved in her church youth at West Branch United Methodist Church, where she has had many opportunities to volunteer, including leading a group at vacation bible school each summer. Maddie is the daughter of Brian and Lisa Neuberger. In her free time, Maddie enjoys showing pigs. She takes diligent care of them and attends shows whenever her schedule allows. She has met a lot of people and built strong relationships through the show pig circuit. In the future, Maddie wants to study livestock dentistry. 

Tatum Nebergall

18, Tipton

Tatum Nebergall is a recent graduate of Tipton High School. In school Tatum is involved in FFA, Ag Farm, 4-H, and is on the 4-H County Council. She is involved in a lot sports including Cross Country, Basketball, and Track and Field. Outside of school Tatum has volunteered in Fill the Bus with canned goods, planted trees around Tipton during Earth Day, and has helped with Food for America with her FFA Chapter. With the 4-H County Council, Tatum has volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House to help make meals for families getting treatment at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Tatum is the daughter of Leslie and Jordan Nebergall. In her free time Tatum likes to show cattle in jackpot shows and works with her family’s cattle operation. In the future Tatum would like to study agronomy, have a successful career, and own her own cattle operation.