Crowns, Confidence & Community: Lessons from the Benton County Fair Queen Contest

Honoring 25 Years for Sara and 40 Years for Karen

Every summer, fairgrounds across Indiana come alive with more than livestock shows and lemon shake-ups. They’re places where traditions are honored, confidence is built, and community shines brightest—especially on Queen Contest night.

At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we’re proud to celebrate two of our own who once wore the Benton County Fair Queen crown:
👑 Sara – celebrating 25 years
👑 Karen – celebrating 40 years

While the sparkly tiara and sash may have been temporary, the experiences and lessons gained have lasted a lifetime.

A Stage for Growth

For both Sara and Karen, running for Fair Queen wasn’t about winning—it was about challenging themselves. Standing on stage in front of a crowd, preparing for interviews, and speaking with judges pushed them outside their comfort zones.

It helped them find their voice, believe in their potential, and realize that they had something meaningful to contribute.

“It gave me confidence I didn’t know I had yet,” Karen said.
“It helped me speak up, think on my feet, and present myself with pride,” Sara added.

Leadership Beyond the Sash

Serving as Queen also gave them a front-row seat to what leadership looks like in a small town:

• Showing up for 4-Hers in the livestock barn
• Handing out ribbons at shows and contests
• Attending events as an ambassador for the fair, the county, and rural youth

It was their first experience of what it means to represent something bigger than yourself—a skill they still carry into their professional roles at the bank today.

Lasting Friendships & Local Pride

Some of their most treasured memories don’t come from the crown, but from the people.
The supportive volunteers who cheered them on. The friendships formed with fellow contestants. The community members who reminded them they were capable and valued.

Even decades later, Sara and Karen speak of the Fair Queen experience with a sparkle in their eye—not for the pageantry, but for the pride of representing Benton County.

A Full-Circle Moment

Today, both women are dedicated members of the F&M Bank team—mentoring others, serving local customers, and continuing to lift up their community.

They may no longer wear a sash, but they’ve never stopped representing the values they stood for as Queen: kindness, service, and strength through connection.

So as this year’s Fair Queen contestants prepare for their moment in the spotlight, we hope they know: the experience will shape more than just their summer. It might just shape their future.

To Karen and Sara—thank you for the example you’ve set and the stories you’ve shared. We’re proud to work alongside you.

— Farmers & Merchants Bank
Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

NMLS #718145
published on 07/08/2025