Ida County Fair crowns first king

AUSTIN TREiBER, in black cowboy hat, watches the beef show at the livestock ring at the Ida County Fair. Treiber was the first fair king to be chosen since the fair began its traditional queen coronation events in 1954. Treiber spent the balance of the fair congratulating winners of the horse, poultry, sheep, rabbit and swine shows.
By DOUG CLOUGH
“mailto:douglasclough@gmail.com”>douglasclough@gmail.com
IDA GROVE – For the first time in its 146-year history, the Ida County Fair hosted an Ida County King contest. Six young men took the stage on July 17 for the new event.
Austin Treiber was chosen as Ida County’s first King and presented with a belt buckle, black cowboy hat and $50 cash.
Contestants were evaluated based on dress, ability to answer an impromptu question, appearance, citizenship, personality, and an interview that occurred prior to the evening presentation.

DONKEY RACES were a new draw for the Ida County Fair this year. The event brought several competitors and spectators on Saturday afternoon. Contestants had the draw of a field of donkeys, some more cooperative than others.
As Ida County Fair King, Treiber had the responsibility of helping to present trophies and ribbons to livestock showmen and women.
Lee Riessen was chosen second runner-up. Tanner Thompson was awarded first runner-up.
During the same ceremony, the customary Queen Contest, which has been in existence since 1954, took the stage with seven contestants.
Katie Boyle, of Holstein, was awarded queen honors, as well as Miss Citizenship, earning a $200 cash award.
Contestants were judged on appearance, citizenship, personality and an interview with judges. Boyle also had the honor of presenting awards at the livestock competitions.

EMERSON ELSE, 11, of Holstein, showed the grand champion gilt at the Ida County Fair swine show on Saturday. She poses with judge Brad Davis, of Mediapolis.
Erin Glawe garnered the Miss Personality award. Arielle Wolterman was second runner up.
Kendra Krager earned first runner up honors.
Other highlights included the out-of-the-field tractor pull, hog mud wrestling, a hypnotist, mud drag racing, donkey races, a magician, three grandstand music events, several livestock shows and a demolition derby.
The fair also boasted more than 30 commercial vendors throughout the event.
- DONKEY RACES were a new draw for the Ida County Fair this year. The event brought several competitors and spectators on Saturday afternoon. Contestants had the draw of a field of donkeys, some more cooperative than others.
- EMERSON ELSE, 11, of Holstein, showed the grand champion gilt at the Ida County Fair swine show on Saturday. She poses with judge Brad Davis, of Mediapolis.
- THE LITTLE MISS Ida County pageant was held July 17. Erica Ortner, 8, of Danbury, facing camera wearing tiara, was crowned Little Miss Ida County Princess.
- KIRSTEN WEBER, 16, of Ida Grove, showed the grand champion pen of three heifers at the Ida County beef show on Friday. She is a member of the Maple Husky 4-H’ers, and is the daughter of Keri and Kevin Weber.

THE LITTLE MISS Ida County pageant was held July 17. Erica Ortner, 8, of Danbury, facing camera wearing tiara, was crowned Little Miss Ida County Princess.

KIRSTEN WEBER, 16, of Ida Grove, showed the grand champion pen of three heifers at the Ida County beef show on Friday. She is a member of the Maple Husky 4-H’ers, and is the daughter of Keri and Kevin Weber.