QUEENS

In 1958, the Indiana State Fair introduced the new competition for a fair queen. The same year, many counties opened a similar competition in order to select a young lady to compete on the county’s behalf at the Indiana State Fair.

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Clay County was one of those counties which created a pageant. In Clay County, it was decided that a fitting outlet for this new pageant would be to collaborate with the county 4-H program.

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Clay County held its first pageant on Friday, August 8, 1958. The second pageant was then held in 1959.

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Unfortunately, the world suffered turbulent times with war and conflict. Clay County did not hold a pageant during the years of 1960-1966. The third pageant was held in 1967.

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From then on, an annual pageant has been held in conjunction with the Clay County 4-H Fair. While some aspects have changed over the years, one constant has remained. A young lady is selected from the pageant field to hold the title of Queen and serve her county at the fair and as a contestant in the Indiana State Fair Pageant.

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Clay County elected to add a Princess pageant in 1987. It was decided that as the fair was expanding, a queen needed assistance to attend all events and perform her duties as Queen effectively.

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The first Clay County 4-H Fair Princess Pageant was held, Sunday, August 2, 1987. It has continued in tradition ever since.