Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair Queen Runner-Up for 2025 is from O’Brien County.
The 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen was crowned Saturday evening on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.
Ashlynn Gunnerson of O’Brien County was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Brian Gunnerson and Christie Tewes. The first runner-up earns a $1,500 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, a $300 gift card from an anonymous donor, and a flower bouquet from Boesen The Florist.
Riah Schrage of Grundy County was crowned the 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen. Schrage was chosen out of the 102 contestants who advanced from local county competitions.
Second runner-up was Annalise Buxton of Union County. Emery Hawkins of Appanoose County was named third runner-up. Kelsey Greenslade of Dallas County was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. Alexandria Kent of Fayette County was given the Personality Plus Award.
State Fair officials tell us judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contributions to the community, overall appearance, charm, and poise.
The last time an Iowa State Fair Queen hailed from O’Brien County was when Paris Schnepf of rural Granville won the honor in 2011.
In 1992, Miss Lyon County, Bobbi Jo Post from Doon, was crowned the Iowa State Fair Queen. In 1976, Miss Lyon County, Lori Zorning of Rock Rapids, became the Iowa State Fair Queen.
We at KIWA want to congratulate Gunnerson and all the contestants in the Iowa State Fair Queen competition.
Iowa State Fair amusements at night – KIWA Staff Photo
