“I was hoping to make the top ten. That was like a dream, so this is amazing,” she said. “I know what it’s like to look up to a girl and be excited that she is the queen, so I can’t wait to interact with all the kids and all the fairgoers.”
Hayden, 18, is a freshman at Purdue University studying speech, language and hearing sciences. She is a 2014 honors graduate of Plainfield High School. At Purdue, she is a member of the Purduettes vocal ensemble, Purdue College Mentors for Kids and the Purdue American Sign Language Club.
She is a 10-year 4-H member who still volunteers with the Lucky Clovers 4-H Club. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, running and playing computer solitaire.
Hayden became the first woman from Hendricks County to win the title since the State Fair began crowning a queen in 1958, officials said.
First runner-up was Allie Abney of Johnson County, second runner-up was Melissa Smoker of LaPorte County, third runner-up was Jacinda Thompson of Gibson County, and fourth runner-up was Jessie Earhart of Huntington County.
Other Top 10 finalists (in random order) were Kennedy Drago, Delaware County; Cassie Molter, White County; Allison Trevithick, Lawrence County; Riley Mineart, Tippecanoe County; and Brittany Birt, Putnam County.
Miss Pulaski County 2014 Justine Kruger of Francesville represented Pulaski County in the pageant.
Miss Hayden will reign throughout 2015. The queen will represent the fair at more than 35 public appearances throughout the year, including the 17-day State Fair.
The 2015 Indiana State Fair, with the theme "The Year of the Farmer," will be held Aug. 7 – 23.
The Indiana State Fair began crowning a queen in 1958. The pageant originally took place the weekend before the State Fair until 1994 when it was moved to the fair’s final weekend.
In 2013, The State Fair Board voted to move the pageant to January beginning in 2015 to allow the contestants – county queen winners from around the state – more time to prepare and a more memorable experience.
In addition, the event now coincides with the Indiana Association of Fairs’ annual convention in Indianapolis, which allows county representatives an opportunity to support their respective contestants.
A panel of three judges determined the new Miss Indiana State Fair based on contestants’ interview, formal wear and professional wear. The panel pared down the 85 contestants to 10 finalists during Sunday’s final judging before choosing one person to be the new queen.
About Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair is the state’s largest multi-day event celebrating Hoosiers’ spirit and agricultural heritage. Nationally recognized for offering great entertainment, showcasing youth, interactive agriculture education programs, premier facilities and a variety of unique, fun foods, the Indiana State Fair has been an annual tradition for generations of Hoosiers since 1852. The 2015 fair is celebrating the “Year of the Farmer presented by Dow AgroSciences.” For more information, please visit www.indianastatefair.com.
