Since being named 2023 Jackson County Fair queen and Miss Congeniality in July, Morgan Branaman has participated in a variety of activities around the county.

Just a week after the fair was over, she and her court, First Runner-Up Carly Kaiser and Second Runner-Up Rebecca Lucas, attended the Jackson County Watermelon Festival pageant. They got to go up onstage and talk about their busy fair week.

Next, they served dinner at the HOPE Medora Goes Pink fundraiser. Then they participated in the Seymour Oktoberfest and Fort Vallonia Days parades, and they attended HOPE Medora Goes Pink, where they helped crown the event’s ambassadors.

“I have loved getting to talk to everyone and meet so many new people through these events,” said Branaman, 19, a resident of Seymour and a 2022 graduate of Brownstown Central High School. “It is great to see our county have so many other opportunities to come together outside of the fair.”

She also attended County Queens Day at the Indiana State Fair this past summer and had an opportunity to meet other fair queens from all over the state.

“It was so neat to hear about how other fairs operate and how their pageants take place,” Branaman said.

This weekend, they will come together again for the Indiana State Fair queen pageant at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis.

On Friday, Branaman and the 83 other contestants will go through interviews and present a speech. Preliminary judging is Saturday, and they will be modeling business and formal wear. The final judging is Sunday when the final 16 contestants will be announced, and they will go on to compete for the title of Miss Indiana State Fair 2024.

The preliminary and final judging rounds are open to the public.

“I think the judges will be looking for someone who is an open book to the public, someone whose personality shines and someone who has good hospitality skills,” Branaman said. “Being confident in what you are doing, whether that is talking in my interview or walking onstage, it is important to believe in yourself and stay true to who you are.”

In preparation for the state contest, Branaman said former queens have reached out to her and given advice about how the pageant works and what to expect.

“I have been working on my interview and public speaking skills to become more confident in that area,” she said.

“I also went out of my comfort zone by participating in Purdue’s Block and Bridle Club livestock show, The Royal, which required me to show a sheep, cow and pig,” she said. “I do not come from a livestock showing background, but I felt that it was important for me to experience just a small portion of what goes on behind the scenes. I have a better understanding and appreciation for all the work and practice that goes into showing livestock because it is such an important part of the fair.”

No matter what happens this weekend, Branaman said she hopes to gain more confidence in her speaking skills and stage presence.

It’s also another opportunity to represent her home county.

“I love living in Jackson County,” she said. “The community has been and continues to be an important part of who I am. It is truly a dream come true to represent it.”

Branaman, the daughter of Brian and Leah Branaman, is in her second year at Purdue University majoring in psychology. There, she has become involved with the College Mentors for Kids program. She said she also has enjoyed coming home on her breaks from school and substitute teaching for Brownstown Central Community School Corp.

If you go

What: 2024 Indiana State Fair queen pageant

When: 5 p.m. Saturday (preliminary judging) and 1 p.m. Sunday (final judging)

Where: Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis

Who: 84 county fair representatives will be competing

Cost: $10 (free for children 5 and under; seating is general admission; tickets may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or at the box office prior to arrival or the day of the event); parking at the fairgrounds is $10 per vehicle