History will be made this weekend when the Indiana State Fair crowns its new queen in January for the first time. Reigning queen Alyssa Garnett will hand over her crown to one of the 85 contestants participating in the pageant that runs Jan. 2 – 4. 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. The public event schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, Jan. 3:  Preliminary Judging in the State Fairgrounds’ 4-H Exhibit Hall – 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.); $10
• Sunday, Jan. 4:  Final Judging and Crowning in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum – 1 p.m. (doors open at noon); tickets are $10 for adults, free for kids 5 and younger

A panel of three judges will determine the new Miss Indiana State Fair based on contestants’ interview, formal wear, and professional wear. The panel will pare down the 85 contestants to 10 finalists during Sunday’s final judging before choosing one person to be the new queen. The queen will represent the fair at more than 35 public appearances throughout the year, including the 17-day State Fair. This year's Indiana State Fair takes place Aug. 7 – 23.  For more information, visit www.indianastatefair.com.