Schneiter named Second Runner-up at State Fair

     Great Jones County Fair Queen Reagan Schneiter of Monticello was named Second Runner-up in the Iowa State Fair Queen contest on Aug. 13.

   Those named Second Runner-up receive a $1,000 in scholarship money and a $250 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall.

   Schneiter competed in the contest against 101 other girls from across the state.

   “It was very different from competing with 10 other girls at the county level,” noted Schneiter.

   She said she established some great friendships with at the State Fair that she plans to stay in touch with.

   “I wouldn’t have changed it for the world,” added Schneiter.

   As Schneiter sat on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage waiting to hear the results of the queen contest she was filled with excitement. Having talked to so many of the candidates prior to thew crowning, she kept looking around in anticipation of who would be named “State Fair Queen.”

   Once her name was called for Second Runner-up, Schneiter admitted “it took me a second to process my name being called.

   “I didn’t think I was going to win anything,” she said. “I was very shocked!”

   The Great Jones County Fair Queen Contest includes an interview process, so Schneiter said she felt prepared for that aspect of the State Fair pageant.

   “That helped a lot to have already gone through that process.”

   Prior to the crowning on the 13^th, Schneiter and the other candidates spent time volunteering throughout the fairgrounds. After the coronation, they spent more time that evening taking in the sights of the State Fair.

   “The entire experience has been nothing short of a dream come true,” shared Schneiter. “Bring crowned the 2022 GJCF Queen was life-changing. I met friends from all over the State of Iowa who I know will be my friends forever, and that is what made the experience what it was.”

   We the candidates started departing the fairgrounds Saturday night, there were a lot of tears.

   “I believe that shows what this contest is really about,” Schneiter said of just how close the girls became in a short amount of time. “Those friendships we will have forever, while also learning amazing life skills.

   “I take away a lot from this whole experience, being so grateful for what I have been blessed with in my path and soaking up every moment.”