Marion County Fair Queen Candidates have been announced. The competition will be held July 9. Candidates will be scored by a panel of judges and questioned about Marion County and the fair to determine a Queen.

Paige Anderson is the daughter of Tom and Deb Anderson of Pella, Iowa. Paige is involved in 4-H, FFA, show choir, choir, and church activities. Paige’s favorite activities are showing horses, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Paige plans on attending Black Hawk College in Kewanee, Illinois, this fall, where she will be a member of their horse judging team. As she will be studying equine science, Paige is looking forward to be bringing her horse to college with her.

Carlee Brent is the daughter of Jeff and Tammy Brent of Pleasantville, Iowa. Carlee is involved in 4-H, FFA, Dance Team, Cheerleading and Student Council. Carlee’s favorite activities include spending time with friends and family, partaking in activities such as community service, hunting with dad and shopping with mom. Carlee plans on attending Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, beginning the fall of 2017. She plans on getting her general education in the agriculture field. Later she plans to transfer to Iowa State University to major in Agricultural Education and minor in Agronomy.

Madelyn Mann is the daughter of Chris and Kina Mann of Melcher-Dallas, Iowa. Madelyn is president of her home Thespian (theatre) Troupe #6479, as well as a second year state Thespian officer for the state of Iowa. She is the secretary for her FFA chapter this year. She is also involved in yearbook, speech, and National Honor Society. Madelyn enjoys singing, reading, writing, acting, meeting new people, and attending other school shows. Madelyn will be a senior this fall. After high school, she plans on attending college at the University of Northern Iowa or The Juilliard School, and majoring in some aspect of theatre. She also plans on spending a little time on Broadway.

Natalie Montgomery is the daughter of Marty and Tami Montgomery of Knoxville. She is a junior at Pella Christian High School where she is captain of the Shine Drill Team, member of the Cheer Team, Cheer Stunt Team and Soccer Team. Natalie is active in the YACS Youth Group, a volunteer at the Marion County Humane Society and attends Celebrate Community Church. She enjoys helping others through her numerous mission trips, traveling, dancing competitively, staying active, hanging out with friends, and working part time at the Windmill Cafe. Natalie plans to start her college education at Indian Hills Community College and then attend a 4 year college to finish her degree to become an art teacher.

Jenny Petersen is the daughter of James and Julie Petersen of Knoxville, Iowa. Jenny also has three older brothers: Justin, Jacob, and Josh. Jenny has been involved in: 4-H, the Melcher-Dallas FFA Chapter, the M-D Basketball team, Dance Team, Heartland Youth Show Lamb Circuit, National Honor Society, Youth Group, County Council, and Marion County Lamb Producers. Some of Jenny’s favorite activities include showing and raising livestock, going on mission trips, advocating for agriculture, and spending time with friends and family. Jenny will be a sophomore at Iowa State University this fall majoring in Agricultural Education.

Kortney VanderLinden is the daughter of Kenny and Stephanie VanderLinden of Knoxville, Iowa. Kortney is involved in 4-H, FFA, County Council, and National Honor Society. Kortney’s favorite activities are showing sheep and swine, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. Kortney will graduate from Melcher- Dallas High School in May of 2017, and after that she plans to attend Kirkwood Community College to major in business and minor in pet grooming.