Plymouth County's Caine Westergard Crowned 2009 Iowa State Fair Queen

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DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2009)(readMedia)-- Caine Westergard, 17, of Plymouth County was crowned the 2009 Iowa State Fair Queen on Saturday, August 15, by Gary VanAernam, president of the Fair Board. The ceremony took place on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi.

The daughter of Carl and Colleen Westergard of Ireton, Caine was chosen out of the 103 contestants who participated in this year's competition. All had been crowned queen of their respective county fairs prior to the State Fair.

Shelby Sieren, 18, of Keota County was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Scott and Renee Sieren of Keota. Second runner-up was Demi Dunn of Cherokee County, the daughter of Deb and Doug Dunn of Cherokee. Kelsey Salton, 17, of Clay County was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Russ and Sue Salton of Ayrshire.

Meghan Cain of Madison County earned both Outstanding Leadership and Personality Plus Awards. She is the daughter of Paul and Kelly Cain of Van Meter.

Queen Caine, who will reign for the next year, receives a $2,500 scholarship and $300 U.S. Savings Bond from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also receives a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist.

The first runner-up earns a $1,000 scholarship and $300 U.S. Savings Bond; the second runner-up wins $500 in scholarship money and a $200 U.S. Savings Bond; and the third runner-up receives a $300 scholarship and $100 U.S. Savings Bond. The Outstanding Leadership recipient wins a $500 Scholarship and a $300 U.S. Savings Bond. The Personality Plus winner receives a $100 U.S. Savings Bond. All members of the Royal Court receive a plaque from the State Fair and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist.

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

"State Fair Time" runs through August 23. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

Note to editors: County Fair queen photos are available. E-mail your request to the Iowa State Fair photographer at steve@ishsi.com or call 515-262-3111 ext. 204.

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