Henry County's Kalayna Durr Crowned 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen

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DES MOINES, IA (08/12/2023) (readMedia)-- Kalayna Durr, 18, of Henry County, was crowned the 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen by Darwin Gaudian, president of the Fair Board, and Mary Ann Fox, the 2022 Fair Queen. This year's ceremony took place on Saturday evening at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor iHeart Radio. The 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation is presented by Nature Hill with Spirulux.

The daughter of Tony and Ann Durr, Daniel Hester and Deana Boecker, Kalayna was chosen out of the 104 contestants who participated in this year's competition. All had been crowned queen of their respective county fairs prior to the State Fair.

Kiley Langley, 18, of Muscatine County, was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Barry and Melanie Langley. Second runner-up was Lillian Howe, 16, of Fremont County. She is the daughter of Steve and Christy Howe. Taylor Bartholomew, 17, of Washington County, was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Scott and Michelle Bartholomew.

Maria McGowan of Woodbury County was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. The 17-year-old is the daughter of Chris and Cathleen McGowan. Molly Chapman, 18, of Cedar County, was given the Personality Plus Award. She is the daughter of Brad Chapman and Stacy Chapman. Kiersten Knobbe, 18, of Guthrie County, received the Queen Alumni Award in honor of Julie Wolterman. She is the daughter of John and Wanda Knobbe.

Queen Kalayna, 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 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; 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, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise.

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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. Best Days Ever at the Iowa State Fair, August 10-20, 2023. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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