The feature of the 2008 4-H & FFA Achievement Show Grand Stand performance on July 9 was the crowning of this year’s Chickasaw County Fair queen.
    While the queen is crowned during the achievement show, she represents Chickasaw County in the competition at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 7-9 and presides as queen for the Big Four Fair in September.
    Jessica Kuehner’s final duty as the 2007 queen was crowning the 2008 queen, Mary Kolthoff, during the coronation ceremonies.
    Kolthoff is the 17-year-old daughter of Dwight and Cindy Kolthoff of rural New Hampton. She will be a senior this fall at New Hampton High School and is a member of the Ionia Rustlers and New Hampton FFA Chapter. Kolthoff is sponsored by Fareway Stores Inc.
    In addition to Kolthoff, this year’s candidates included Laura Underwood, Jada Pleggenkuhle, Kayla Franzen and Megan Meissen.
    Laura Underwood is the 18-year-old daughter of Ron and Debbie Underwood of New Hampton. She is a recent graduate of New Hampton High School and is a member of the Utica Lucky 4’s and the New Hampton FFA Chapter.  Underwood is sponsored by Stanton Electric.
    Jada Pleggenkuhle is the 17-year-old daughter of Merilee and Steve Pleggenkuhle from rural Fredericksburg. She will be a senior this fall at Sumner-Fredericksburg and is a member of the Fredericksburg Futures. Pleggenkuhle is sponsored by Dungey’s Furniture and Gifts.
    Kayla Franzen is the 17-year-old daughter of Jeff and Lisa Franzen of Nashua. She will be a senior this fall at Nashua-Plainfield High School and is a member of the Richland Royals. Franzen is sponsored by First State Bank of Nashua.
    Megan Meissen is the 16-year-old daughter of Brian and Kathy Meissen of rural New Hampton. She will be a sophomore this fall at New Hampton High School and is a member of the Alta Vista Aces and New Hampton FFA Chapter. Meissen is sponsored by TriMark.
    The runner-up assumes the queen’s duties if she is unable to participate. The 2008 first runner-up is Franzen. The contestants were reviewed during personal interviews and while dining during competition the week prior to the fair.