Becker, Wolthuizen reign as fair king and queen

The 2008 Plymouth County Fair Queen Jesa Wolthuizen and King David Becker were crowned Wednesday evening in Century Hall. [Click to enlarge]

Rainy weather moved the crowning of the Plymouth County Fair royalty to Century Hall Wednesday evening.

David Becker of Hinton was crowned the 2008 Plymouth County Fair King and Jesa Wolthuizen of Le Mars, was crowned the 2008 Plymouth County Fair Queen during the 7 p.m. ceremony.

The only thing missing was the traditional ride in the convertible around the grandstand arena.

Wolthuizen, 17, is the daughter of Jeff and Lisa Wolthuizen of Le Mars and represented her club, Johnson Juniors in the contest. She has been a member of 4-H for eight years and says the national 4-H slogan, "Learn by doing" defines her experience in 4-H over the past eight years. She has served her club as treasurer and vice president and has received a reserve grand champion placing on a 4-H project. She has served on the 4-H County Council and Northwest Area 4-H Council.

Wolthuizen is active in activities at Akron-Westfield High School, where she will be a senior this fall. She serves as class president, and is a member of National Honor Society and Student Council. She is active in band, choir, Spanish Club, volleyball, track, large group speech and individual events speech, school plays, Lakeside Lab, Silver Spur-school store manager, catechism teacher, Akron Community Theater plays and Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO).

Her hobbies include swimming, scrapbooking, reading, spending time with friends and family, and running.

She also noted her experience in 4-H has also taught her the importance of volunteering in her community.

Becker, 17, is the son of Doug and Peg Becker of Hinton. He is an eight-year member of the LIncoln Toppers 4-H Club, who sponsored him in the contest.

Becker has received senior showmanship awards beef for three years, and has served his club as vice president and president. He has been a member of the 4-H County Council, Iowa State 4-H Youth Conference delegate, and went on the Citizenship Washington Focus Trip 2008.

He has attended the State 4-H Leadership Conference in Ames for the past three years, and said this has given him the opportunity to explore several agricultural careers in both animal science and crop science. His beef project, "has given me a small dose of reality of the cattle business."

Becker has also been active in activities at Hinton Community High School where he has participated in Hinton Soundwaves Show Choir, chorus, Northwest Iowa Honor Choir, choir solo small group competition, choir large group competition, All State Camp, DECA State Convention Delegate, DECA International Convention Delegate (Atlanta, GA), and Debate Club.

He says his hobbies are working with and showing 4-H club calves, hunting with family and friends, riding four-wheelers, swimming and skiing.

Tara Lehner was named Miss Congeniality. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Tom and De Ann Lehner of Le Mars and an eight-year member of the Grant Clever Clovers 4-H Club.

Casey Leonard and Rachel Black were named fair princesses.

Leonard, 17, is the daughter of Susan and Mark Leonard of Merrill, and is an eight-year member of the American Achievers 4-H Club.

Black, 17, is the daughter of Marvin and Connie Black of Akron. She is a four-year member of the Akron-Westfield FFA Chapter.

Ben Beitelspacher was named Mr. Personality. He is the son of Kelly Beitelspacher and Sandy Norby of Le Mars and is an eight-year member of the Grant Little Giants 4-H Club. He celebrated his 18th birthday Wednesday.

Mitchel Zenk and Jacob Trierweiler were named fair princes.

Zenk, 18, is the son of Fred and Donna Zenk of Akron. He is eight-year member of the Grant Little Giants 4-H Club and was sponsored by the Perry Pals 4-H Club.

Trierweiler, 17, of Hinton, is the son of Tomn and Cindy Trierweiler. He is a nine-year member of the Lincoln Toppers 4-H Club.

Members of the fair royalty court will make numerous appearances at events during the Plymouth County Fair which runs through Sunday, July 27.

Wolthuizen will compete at the State Fair Queen competition in August.