Six-year-old Lydia Ivory, Traer Legion Auxiliary’s 2026 Little Miss Poppy, pictured with Mayor Pete Holden on Wednesday, May 20, in downtown Traer. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

TRAER – Ahead of Memorial Day, Traer Legion Auxiliary’s 2026 Little Miss Poppy, six-year-old Lydia Ivory – the daughter of Greg and Natalie (née Owens) Ivory and granddaughter of Jim and Sharon Owens – visited the community on Wednesday, May 20, to distribute poppies in honor and remembrance of veterans.

During her visit, Lydia was accompanied by Auxiliary host Kathy Manful, her grandmother Sharon Owens, and her parents.

She began her day at the Traer Historical Museum, where she met with Mayor Pete Holden, before continuing along Second Street, stopping at many local businesses and the public library.

Lydia especially enjoyed meeting the clinic cat at the North Tama Veterinary Clinic. She also visited with staff and residents at Sunrise Hill Care Center.

Lydia’s mother Natalie was also named Little Miss Poppy back in 1991, while her aunt Marlee Owens assumed the honor a few years later, continuing a family tradition of supporting veterans.

Lydia Ivory poses for a photograph on Wednesday, May 20, at the Winding Stairs in Traer.

Lydia’s great-grandmother, Ruth Anne Owens, an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Kubik-Finch Post 142 for many years who served as both president and treasurer, proudly supported the Poppy Program.

Lydia’s mother Natalie (Owens) pictured in 1991 with then-Traer Mayor Russell Drinovski.

1991 Little Miss Poppy, Natalie Owens.

Lydia Ivory pictured with her parents Natalie and Greg Ivory at Sunrise Hill Care Center.

Lydia with her mother Natalie and grandparents Jim and Sharon Owens at Sunrise Hill.

Lydia Ivory pictured with her great-grandmother Arlene Schmidt.

Traer Legion Auxiliary’s 2026 Little Miss Poppy Lydia Ivory attends a recent Auxiliary meeting in Traer.

Lydia Ivory pictured with a Veteran-made poppy container.

The Traer Legion Auxiliary’s memorial board.