Riah Schrage of Grundy County was crowned the 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen on Saturday evening during a grand ceremony held on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, sponsored by Pepsi, with media coverage by iHeart Radio. The coronation event was presented by Nature Hill, with support from Spirulux.
Riah, the daughter of Landon and Cassie Schrage, emerged victorious from a competitive pool of 102 contestants who qualified through local county competitions.
The title of first runner-up was awarded to Ashlynn Gunnerson from O’Brien County, daughter of Brian Gunnerson and Christie Tewes. Annalise Buxton of Union County secured the position of second runner-up, while Emery Hawkins from Appanoose County was named third runner-up.
In addition to the queens, several special awards were presented. Kelsey Greenslade of Dallas County received the Outstanding Leadership Award, Alexandria Kent of Fayette County earned the Personality Plus Award, and Emily Foran of Audubon County was honored with the Queen Alumni Award in recognition of Julie Wolterman.
As the reigning queen, Riah Schrage will enjoy a year of service and community engagement, receiving a $3,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, along with her crown, sash, and trophy. Additional prizes include a $1,000 scholarship from Dawghouse Concessions, a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, a $600 gift card, a crown necklace from the Iowa State Fair, and an Iowa State Fair Brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.
The first runner-up, Ashlynn Gunnerson, will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a $300 gift card; second runner-up Annalise Buxton will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship and a $250 gift card; and third runner-up Emery Hawkins will secure a $500 scholarship and a $200 gift card. The Outstanding Leadership Award recipient, Kelsey Greenslade, will receive an $800 scholarship and a $250 gift card, while the Personality Plus winner, Alexandria Kent, will take home a $500 scholarship and a $200 gift card. All members of the Royal Court will receive a plaque and floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, courtesy of an anonymous donor.
Judging for the competition was based on a range of qualities, including personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, community contributions, overall appearance, charm, and poise.
