10-year-old Colfax girl got words of wisdom from Jasper County Fair Queen

Don’t be scared about the Jr. Jasper County Fair Queen contest. Have fun with it.

That was the advice Jillian Moffitt, of Colfax, received from Jasper County Fair Queen Lauren Zaabel this past summer. Zaabel, who was a nanny for Jillian, reassured her to have a good time on stage and that it is not something to be afraid of. Jillian took the advice to heart when she practiced.

Of course, it wasn’t Jillian’s first time on the stage. She participated in the contest a couple years ago and remembered the experience she had back then. Using that prior knowledge to her advantage, Jillian made sure she was prepared to answer any of the judges’ questions thoughtfully and clearly.

Between the queenly advice and a bit of extra preparedness, Jillian on July 16 was crowned the Jr. Jasper County Fair Queen. Jessica Moffitt was “super happy” and excited for her daughter Jillian, who has big goals to become Jasper County Fair Queen like Zaabel and Miss American Angus someday.

“She is definitely working towards that goal,” Jessica said. “And I am super proud of her … We’ve been coming to the Barnyard Babies since our kids were little, and just seeing how it’s grown in participation. This year there was a lot of people. The organizers are doing a great job and continue to do a great job.”

Jillian participates in the county fair in other ways, too. She made a pie and poster of her Angus steer and submitted a photo. And, as a 10-year-old, this is her first year she can be eligible for 4-H and will be showing her Angus steer, Cy, named after the Iowa State Cyclones, on July 20.

By being in 4-H, Jillian was guaranteed to participate in the Jasper County Fair Parade. But now that she has the crown and sash, she’ll be doing the royal wave as the junior county fair queen. Another challenge for Her Lil’ Majesty? Maybe. But if this past contest is any indicator, all it will take to overcome it is a little practice.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext 6560 or at cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com