(Atlantic, Iowa) – The 2023 Cass County (Iowa) Fair begins this Thursday (July 27th), and continues through August 1st.  Thursday, evening, 14 youth are competing for a place in the royal court. Preliminary judging was held on Monday, July 17th at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic where each candidate was interviewed by two judges. Candidates vying for the title of queen: Rachel Becker, Sydney Becker, Natalie Behnken, Ryleigh Harrison, Cecilia Hensley, Rio Johnson, Claire Pellett, Natalye Scholl, Quincy Sorensen, Trista Swain. The candidate selected as queen will advance to the Iowa State Fair, where she will compete in the statewide competition for the title of the 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen.
King candidates include: Dylan Comes, Tristan Becker, Parker Brock, and Brett Dreager.

Judging criteria is based on leadership, citizenship within the community, poise, charm, appearance, personality, attitude, and the ability to communicate openly with honesty about current youth issues. Candidates competing for the Queen and King Position voted amongst themselves for a Miss Congeniality and Mr. Congeniality.

The crowning of the 2023 Cass County Fair King and Queen will take place in the north garden of the Cass County Community Center at 7:30-p.m., Thursday. The evening will kick off at 7:00 pm with the Little Miss and Mister contest. Cass County youth ages 5-8 can participate by signing up in the Extension Office by noon on Wednesday, July 26^th.  All contestants introduce themselves to the crowd before a winner is drawn out of a hat.