Taylor Vittetoe (she/her), 12, was crowned Johnson County’s Fair Queen this past summer.“[I have been] showing in the county fair since the fourth grade. I have always looked up to the Johnson County Fair Queen and admired her dedication to our county and its events throughout the year at the fairgrounds. In the back of my mind, I knew that I wanted to become her one day,” Vittetoe said.
That long-standing admiration eventually turned into action as Vittetoe began the process of applying for the title herself.
“To become the county fair queen, I first submitted a written application that consisted of fair, extracurricular and service-based questions,” Vittetoe said.
The application marked the beginning of the selection process, which continued with an in-person judging event.
“After being accepted as a queen contestant, I attended the county judging night along with seven other amazing young women. We each met individually with a panel of judges and then participated in a large group interview. It was a lot of fun and a great way for me to practice my interview skills,” Vittetoe said.
A few days later, Vittetoe was crowned the 2025 County Fair Queen, chosen to represent the fair and the community.
“It is expected that as queen, you are a welcoming figure of the fair and that you attend as many livestock shows and events as possible throughout the week. During the county fair, I helped to pass out awards, MC shows/contests and talk with all types of fairgoers,” Vittetoe said.
Vittetoe didn’t just compete for the county queen.
“After the county fair, I competed in the Iowa State Fair Queens Contest, in which I got the opportunity to meet over 100 other county fair queens throughout the first week of August,” Vittetoe said.
Her role as queen extends beyond fair week, with ongoing involvement in events throughout the community and preparations for the next fair season. Vittetoe will eventually assist with the upcoming queen contest, where a new representative will be crowned.
“At the 2026 Johnson County Fair, I have the honor of helping at the queens contest and passing my crown off to the next lucky girl,” Vittetoe said.
Vittetoe reflects on the impact she hopes to leave behind.
“I want to be remembered as a Johnson County Fair Queen who was passionate about supporting everyone at the county fair and getting youth involved in all types of fair and agricultural opportunities,” Vittetoe said.
