By Edward Lynn
Editor
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa – Lily Pigman was once “just a kid at the fair.” But last Wednesday she stood before a crowd at the Wright County Fair, as a glittering tiara was placed on her head, officially crowning her 2025 Wright County Fair Queen. “When I heard my name for fair queen, I was so shocked,” she said. “I didn’t think I had actually gotten it.”
At 16 years old and heading into her senior year of high school this fall, Pigman has fulfilled a dream born of admiration of those who’ve worn the crown before her, and pride in her community. “I’ve always looked up to those girls when I was younger,” she said. “I wanted to make an impact in my community as well, and being in FFA, I’ve had that experience to prepare me for the interview and the rest to come!”
But her journey to the crown began long before coronation night. Pigman’s roots in the fair run deep. She spent years spent participating through FFA, showing sheep, and entering static exhibits. “I’ve been in FFA all throughout high school, and this year was my second year showing sheep for my FFA chapter,” she said, noting that she also entered a few static projects to the fair over the years, and her church youth group has a food stand at the fair in neighboring Franklin County.
But this year’s fair marked a memorable turning point for Pigman, who said her favorite memories of the Wright County fair are “being crowned fair queen this year and showing my sheep.”
But the best thing about becoming Queen, for Lily, isn’t the bragging rights, it’s the chance to influence the younger kids. “I loved being able to hand out all the ribbons and banners at the livestock shows this year—being able to see all those kids’ smiles when they won, and learning a lot about different livestock,” Pigman said. “So the livestock shows were definitely my favorite part of the fair.”
For Pigman, the fair is much more than just livestock shows, ribbons, and rides, “it’s a mix of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit. There’s a variety of animals, food trucks, and rides, along with a bunch of vendors. The air smells like popcorn, funnel cakes, and farm animals.”
Those funnel cakes hold a special place in Pigman’s heart, as do the fries. “Although I didn’t make my way to get a funnel cake there this year, I’m pretty sure I ate French fries every day,” she revealed.
Pigman is taking her role as Queen seriously, and she knows that everyone is watching her closely, especially the younger kids. “I think that being the fair queen takes a lot of hard work and dedication. You have to be kind to everyone you meet, and be willing to smile for a LOT of pictures,” she said. “Overall, you just have to be a role model for those little kids looking up to you and a great representative of your county.”
That kind of leadership brings pressure, but Lily handles it by staying grounded, composed, and authentic. “I stay calm under pressure by just focusing on what I’m doing and not worrying about it.”
She credits her parents, Mandie and Michael Pigman, as the foundation of her confidence and growth. “My parents have been my biggest role models my entire life,” she said. “They’ve always supported me in everything I do, which is great because I’m always finding something new to do.”
Looking ahead to the Iowa State Fair, Pigman is excited to carry the Wright County spirit with her. “I plan to represent Wright County by talking about it with other fair queens and being myself.”
To younger girls dreaming of wearing the sash one day, Pigman offered encouragement. “I would tell other girls who want to run for fair queen to just be themselves and have fun. You meet a lot of fun people.”
Toward the end of our interview Lily expressed her deep gratitude. “I would like to thank the fair board, the fair queen committee, the girls who also ran for fair queen, and my family for supporting me and making this opportunity possible for me!” she said. “I encourage the girls to run again next year and for more to join—it is truly an amazing experience and I can’t wait for state fair!”
