Almost every little girl at one point and time dreams about growing up and being a princess one day. Alecia Anderson was one of the lucky ones who actually got a chance at that dream when she was crowned Little Miss Humboldt (they lived in Dakota City at the time), at the age of five. From that time on, she dreamed even bigger dreams…of becoming a Fair queen someday. Her dream came true when she was crowned the 2021 Wright County Fair Queen on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. She got to spend five days reigning over a variety of activities from sun-up to sundown.
“Being crowned meant that I got the opportunity to be a role model for the youth that attend and take part in the fair, as well as getting to help out with the events that take place during the fair,” said Anderson.
The fair life is nothing new to Anderson who spent six years as a 4-H member herself in Humboldt County before their family moved to Eagle Grove. Of course, she always enjoyed attending the Wright County Fair as well, just for fun. But despite all these years spent on various fairgrounds, Anderson said there were many new things she learned by spending the week as a Fair Queen, like all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making the Fair run smoothly – from the Fair Board members to the people working the food stands to the kids taking care of their animals.
“A person may notice some of this, but spending time with these hard working people, attending all of the shows, and eating meals on the grounds, I was really able to see this,” she said.
Anderson enjoyed every minute of the Wright County Fair this year and the special duties she had.
“My favorite part of being the Wright County Fair Queen was the new relationships I built. I met so many awesome people on the Fair Board, and got to spend some time with some amazing kids,” said Anderson.
She met all of these new people because most of her day was spent going from one activity to another. There’s always something to do as the Fair Queen. Anderson’s typical day usually started around 7:30 a.m., enjoying breakfast from one of the food stands to support their business. Then she would head off to hand out ribbons and awards at the first livestock show of the day. After that was lunch (she especially enjoyed the cinnamon pretzels from the Sports Boosters and the quesadillas from the Taco Shack) and a little downtime, which she chose to spend watching some of the free shows on the grounds. After her short break, she would head back to another livestock show. When that was complete, Anderson said there was usually some time to look at the Fair exhibits, get a lemonade, and eat some supper. Finally the day would end with whatever big event was going on that day. Admittedly, her favorite evening event was the Rodeo held Sunday evening at the conclusion of the Fair, followed by fireworks.
“I spent a lot of my free time talking to the youth that were taking part in the Fair, getting to know the Fair Board members more, and just spending time enjoying the Fair with Princess Gabby Hackley,” said Anderson.
To all the young girls out there who might be thinking about running next year, or even the girls who have never considered it, Anderson said she encourages you to try.
“The whole experience is truly amazing, and I think it is very beneficial,” she said. “From the interviews, to working up the courage to volunteer for a lumberjack show, you learn so much along the way.”
The Wright County Fair may be over, but Anderson’s duties aren’t finished quite yet. Being crowned the County Queen means she will also have the opportunity to compete for the crown at the Iowa State Fair with the other 98 contestants from around the state. She and the others will be there Aug. 11 – 14 for the experience of a lifetime.
“I am very excited about being able to represent Wright County at the State Fair. I remember in past years seeing all of the County Fair Queens and thinking it would be so much fun to be one of them, and now I get to,” Anderson explained. “I am excited to meet the other Queens and to just enjoy my time there.”
Anderson added that the memories she made as the Wright County Fair Queen are ones she will cherish forever.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity, and can't wait for the 2022 Fair,” she noted.
