Webster City-Sophia Nibe of Ellsworth was crowned the 2026 Hamilton County Fair Queen Tuesday night at the fair grandstand. Nibe succeeds retiring queen McKenna Miller of Stanhope. Nibe will represent Hamilton County in the Iowa State Fair Queen competition next month in Des Moines. She is the daughter of Daniel and Jennifer Nibe of Ellsworth and a recent graduate of South Hamilton High School in Jewell. The other contestants in the Hamilton County Fair Queen competition this year were Olivia Bergman, Rosie Collins and Samantha Tilley all from Stratford, Delaney Paulson of Boone and Megan Van Deer from Webster City.
The crowning of Nibe was one of the many activities at the opening night of the Hamilton County Fair. The exposition kicked off with the annual fair parade through the streets of downtown Webster City. There were plenty of floats, classic cars and trucks, farm equipment from the past and present and police, fire and EMS vehicles parading out to the fairgrounds much to the delight of those watching the parade. Scott Amusements opened last night with their amusements. A meal was served by the Hamilton County Fair Foundation and a free concert featuring Tank Anthony at the EBY Trailer free stage.
Today’s (Wednesday’s) highlights of the fair will include the Horse and Poultry Show in the show arena both beginning at 8 this morning. The Rabbit Showmanship program is set for 11 this morning. There will be kid’s activities today including Books in the Barn in the Horse Pavillion at 12 noon today through 12:30. A Spelling Bee is set for 1:30 at the Ed Prince Stage. Rock Painting at 2:30. The first day of the Pedal Pull south of the CO-OP Building at 3:30. The Kid’s Zone will be open from 12 until 5:30 in the Career Academy Building. The Scott Amusements will be opening for another day of carnival rides at 4:00 p.m. The Vendor Market will be open from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m.. Corgi Races set for 6:00 in the show arena and Lee Klett will have a free concert tonight at 8:00 on the EBY Trailer Stage. There is more information about the fair online at www.hamcoexpo.com