Riah Schrage in shock as she is announced to be the 2025-26 Iowa State Fair Queen.
Ever since she was a little girl, Riah Schrage had dreamed of becoming a fair queen. After being appointed as the 2025-26 Grundy County Fair Queen, she had the opportunity of a lifetime: getting to run for Iowa State Fair Queen.
When arriving at the state fair, Schrage had 104 0ther young women to compete with for the queen title. At the beginning of the week, queen candidates are tasked with going through multiple interview processes. Judges look at the candidates’ leadership, poise, charm, citizenship and overall attitude. By the conclusion of the week, the Iowa State Fair Queen is announced through a live crowning open to the public at the fair.
“The experience grew not only myself, but my self-confidence,” Schrage says.
Schrage has a multitude of qualities that make her an exemplary queen. She is heavily involved within the Grundy Center FFA Chapter, and recently competed at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo as Iowa’s FFA Talent contestant. Schrage was among the top 10 individuals who played on the national stage, and decided to take a chance that was presented to her by her FFA advisor. She had the opportunity to share her musicality with other FFA members, and now has inspired youth in her community with her gift.
Schrage performs on stage in Lucas Oil Stadium.
Community involvement is important to Schrage, and so is sharing the gift of music. She teaches youth within her county how to play piano and sing. Initially, she began going into nursing homes around Grundy County and sang for the residents. Eventually, she integrated the children she taught and let them share their gifts with the residents as well.
“The kids could tell the residents loved their singing,” Schrage says. “I hoped that inspired them.”
As Schrage continues to go about her year of service as fair queen, her goal is to inspire anyone she connects with. She continues to spread her joy of music throughout FFA and her community, leaving an inspiring touch to all.
