Area Teen Named 2016 Iowa State Fair Queen

A young woman from Northeast Iowa has been crowned the new 2016 Iowa State Fair Queen.

In ceremonies last week, Amanda Riniker of Winthrop, who was Buchanan County fair queen, was named state fair queen, out of 102 other contestants, who represented Iowa's 99 counties. There were 102 contestants, because some counties in Iowa have more than one fair.

The daughter of Bruce and Jeanette Riniker of Winthrop, Amanda was chosen out of the 103 contestants who participated in this year’s competition. All had been crowned queen of their respective county fairs prior to the State Fair.

Queen Amanda, who will reign for the next year, receives a $5,000 from the State of Iowa Governor’s Office along with a $3,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also receives a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, a $600 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall, a pair of diamond earrings from B. Shannon Designs, and an Iowa State Fair Brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.

The first runner-up earns a $1,500 scholarship and $300 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall. All members of the Royal Court receive a plaque from the State Fair and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist. An anonymous donor graciously provided the Jordan Creek gift cards for the Royal Court.

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