Watch Riah Schrage Win in Grundy County’s Queen of Iowa State Fair 2025
Riah Schrage's Girls Generation hopes to be the queen of Iowa State University on Saturday, August 9.
Riah Schrage of Grundy County attends the Iowa State Fair every year. The shimmering core of her experience has always been watching the fair Queen’s coronation.
“I always remember seeing the Queen of Fairness, like ‘Oh, maybe one day it could be me’,” said the Grundy Center native.
On Saturday, August 9, Schrach's girlish wish came true. The 17-year-old was crowned the 2025 Iowa State University queen in front of crowd fair CEO Jeremy Parsons, titled “Biggriller and Better than ever.” The iconic event attracted so many people that latecomers did not receive the show.
Her name rang and cheers erupted from the crowd and Schrager’s companion Queen. After receiving her crown, she disappeared almost immediately into the sea of color as the other girls rushed to the stage and embraced the newly appointed monarch of the fair.
In addition to the crowning Queen, Schrager received a $3,000 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair, as well as a trophy, crown, belt and Tiffany Crown Necklace. She also received a $1,000 scholarship from Dawghouse, a $600 visa gift card for an anonymous donor, and Iowa State Fair Brick from Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.
There was always only one thought in Schrager's mind: “I'm dreaming,” she said, tears shining.
Schrage isn't the only feeling of the night. In the Queens area of 102 counties on stage, there are dry eyes.
After spending a week in each other's constant company, the girls formed a bond with each other, many of whom believed it would certainly last for a lifetime and planned to meet later.
One thing that unites all of your competitors is their passion for the communities that raise them. Tama County Queen Rhianna Murty joked that the girls were “farm fresh queens” and noted that many girls had walked straight from the farm to the stage.
“Learning how to model and like, pose and waving is entirely from our many comfort zones,” said Maci Darr of Warren County. “Having it and loving it, having fun is what you should do because everyone is on the same boat and we are all just as embarrassed.”
Having it, they did. The queen smiled as she ran throughout the stage, and each girl had a bigger smile than the last one.
With the sun set at the Iowa State Fair, the new Queen Rose, a childhood dream come true.
Iowa Congress Queen Award
First place: Ashlynn Gunnerson of O'Brien County
Second place: Analize Buxton in United County
Third place: Emery Hawkins in Appanoose County
Personality plus champion: Alexander Kent of Fayette County
Outstanding leadership: Kelsey Greenslade of Dallas County
Iowa State Fair Queen Alumni Award in honor of Julie Wolterman: Emily Foran of Odobo County
How to choose a state queen?
The choice of judgement queen is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contribution to the community, overall appearance, charm and balance.
The selection process of the state queen may be strict. After being crowned at their respective county fairs, girls and young women aged 16 to 21 must submit their resumes and explain why they are eligible to be queens. Many contestants have extensive resumes, including participating in the Future Farmers of the United States (FFA) and 4-H. Some are involved in music and art, while others are involved in sports.
Schrage is the daughter of Landon and Cassie Schrage. She is the class monitor of Grundy Center High School. When she headed to a university that was not yet confirmed, she planned to major in music education and secondary marketing.
As the new queen, Schrage will participate in events such as grape pedals, beard measurement competitions and 4-H performances. She has been accused of visiting as many county fairs as possible in Iowa this year and the following year. She will also have a place at next year's fair before choosing a new queen.
Reporter Virginia Barreda contributed to the story.
Norah Judson is the Register's reporter. Arrive to her njudson@gannett.com.