Olivia Hanson, the 2024 Benton County Fair Queen, pictured on Aug. 10 following the 2024 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation ceremony held at the state fairgrounds in Des Moines. Hanson was one of seven finalists in the competition this year out of 103 total participants, ultimately receiving the 2024 Miss Leadership award. PHOTO COURTESY OF BENTON COUNTY IOWA 4-H/FACEBOOK

DES MOINES – Olivia Hanson, the 2024 Benton County Fair Queen and a member of Union High School’s Class of 2024, was one of seven finalists this year in the Iowa State Fair Queen pageant, ultimately earning the Outstanding Leadership award.

Hanson competed alongside 102 other young women from across Iowa in this year’s contest which took place on the state fairgrounds in Des Moines. As the Outstanding Leadership recipient, Hanson won an $800 scholarship, a $250 gift card, a plaque from the State Fair, and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist.

Elli Blackford of Clarke County was crowned the 2024 Iowa State Fair Queen on Saturday, Aug. 10, during the Coronation ceremony which was held on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage. She will reign for the next year while also receiving a $5,000 scholarship from the Branstad-Reynolds Trust, a $3,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, a $1,000 scholarship from Dawghouse Concessions, a $600 gift card, a crown necklace from Tiffany Jewelers and the Iowa State Fair, an Iowa State Fair Brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, as well as her crown, sash and trophy.

Judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contributions to the community, overall appearance, charm and poise.

The 2024 finalists include:

*2024 Iowa State Fair Queen: Elli Blackford, Clarke County

*1st Runner Up: Lauren Long, Appanoose County

*2nd Runner Up: Nora Pickhinke, Sac County

*3rd Runner Up: Jada Litterer, Floyd County

*Queen Alumni Award in honor of Julie Wolterman: Marley Larson, Marion County

*Outstanding Leadership: Olivia Hanson, Benton County

*Personality Plus: Libby Trewin, Franklin County