Kraus, Gravel crowned ’21 Cowgirl Queens in new competition

     New to the 2021 Great Jones County Fair was the addition of the Cowgirl Queen Contest.

     The event was held on Monday, July 19.

     This was the brainchild of Heidi Hall, who has quite a history when it comes to the rodeo circuit in Iowa and the horse world.

     “The county had the contest a long time ago,” Hall said of wanting to bring it back.

     Knowing the Iowa State Fair also hosts the Cowgirl Queen Contest, Hall felt it was time young women in Jones County have the opportunity to qualify.

     “There are 80-some contestants at the State Fair,” Hall said. “It’s a huge deal.”

     A couple of weeks before the GJCF, Hall brought the idea to Fair Manager John Harms and the fair board. She assumed it would be too late to offer it this year, but wanted to get the ball rolling for 2022.

     Much to her surprise the fair was on board. They presented Hall with an event budget and she ran with it.

     “This was Heidi’s baby,” Harms said of the initial idea. “She asked if it could be done some year, and we asked, ‘Why not this year?’”

     The Monday evening before the fair was open, so Hall set the date and started publicizing the contest and seeking interested contestants.

     Those taking part had to be between the ages of 10 and 26. Both a junior (ages 10 to 15) and senior (ages 16 to 26) Cowgirl Queen in chosen to compete at the State Fair.

     Contestants also have to reside in Jones County and actively participate in the fair, and have a horse to ride (not necessarily own a horse).

     With the addition of the Open Horse Show just prior to the fair, Hall said she wants to see more equine events.

     “We have this amazing facility to utilize more than just during the fair,” she said of the addition of the equestrian center. “It’s a huge draw for our county.”

     Hall said she was happy to have the support of the fair when bringing the idea to them in the beginning.

     “Having a contest was important rather than just giving someone the title or sponsoring them,” Hall said of seeing girls compete.

     On the night of the contest, there were 11 girls, which pleasantly surprised Hall.

     “I thought I’d have just two or three,” she said. “I was very pleased and flabbergasted.”

     Hall used social media and the fair’s website to promote the contest and urge people to apply.

     Hall secured three judges: Lydia Grant, who also served as co-chair, Callie Fagen, and Kali Schilling.

     At the end of the night, Jones County had two new queens: Jaelynn Kraus was named Senior Cowgirl Queen, and Dani Gravel was named Junior Cowgirl Queen.

     The Cowgirl Queen Contest includes an interview with the three judges, rail work, and an individual pattern inside the arena. Girls must also exhibit a “queen salute” while riding. Hall said this is sometimes known as a “rodeo wave.”

     “You ride your horse at a high-rate of speed and salute the crowd before coming to a dramatic stop,” described Hall.

     The contestants must also wear western attire.

     Hall said the rules very much mimic those of the State Fair’s contest, with the addition of personality.

     “That makes a big difference,” she said. “One’s personality brings out their beauty inside and out.”

     Horsemanship is also a big part of the contest.

     “It’s how well you handle your horse and connect with the horse,” said Hall. “Can you communicate with the horse with very little action and movement?”

     Hall hopes to see the Cowgirl Queen Contest as an annual event at the GJCF. She said the stands were full during the contest as people cheered on the contestants.

     “There was a lot of audience participation,” she said.

     Kraus and Gravel each received a custom-designed belt buckle as part of their prize package. This also included paying their fees into the State Fair, travel money, a sash and crown.

     Kraus was also the 2019-20 GJCF Princess. Having represented the county in this role, she wanted to continue representing Jones County in another way.

     “I’ve wanted to do this contest since I was little because I’ve shown horses most of my life,” she said. “I want to be a good role model for younger girls so they can have just as great experiences with horses as I have.”

     She said taking part in the contest was a lot of fun, and thanks everyone for their support.

     “I haven’t stopped smiling since the contest,” she added. “I’m so excited to do it all again at the State Fair!”

     Gravel said not only was running for the junior cowgirl title so much fun, but it was extra special doing it with her friends.

     “This was another opportunity to get involved in the GJCF,” she said. “I just wanted to have fun, and wanted a chance to be a positive role model to younger riders.”

     Gravel said it feels good to be a part of something new associated with the fair.

     “The excitement, happiness, and grateful feelings I have right now are unreal,” she added.

     She also encourages other girls to consider taking part in the Cowgirl Queen Contest next year.