Miss Tess Bauer, of Saint Charles, was named the 2026 Missouri State Fair Queen in a ceremony held yesterday, Thursday, Aug. 13. Miss Bauer received the highest score of 32 contestants vying for the title in the two-day competition held in the Mathewson Exhibition Center. Miss Bauer will reign over the remaining State Fair events and be an ambassador for the State Fair and Missouri agriculture throughout the coming year.
Miss Bauer is 19-years-old and is the daughter of Doug and Lori Bauer. She attends the University of Missouri and entered the pageant as the 2025 Miss St. Charles County. As Queen, she will receive a $2,000 scholarship to continue her education.
Miss Bauer is looking forward to meeting new people at the Fair. Her favorite activity at the Fair is the Tony Perryman Memorial Rooster Crowing Contest. She has exhibited various projects in the 4-H and FFA Buildings and is excited to spend time with her family at the Fair.
Participants in the queen pageant were judged in multiple areas including interview, speech, talent and evening gown.
Miss Mallory Reed was named first runner-up and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Second runner-up went to Miss Bella Baker, who will receive a $750 scholarship. The third runner-up honor went to Miss McKenna Claborn who will receive a $500 scholarship, and the fourth runner-up honor went to Lorelai Kuecker who will receive a $350 scholarship.
Recognition plaques went to contestants ranking highest in each of the four competitive categories: Miss Jalynn Hoover received top ranking in Interview; Miss Reed received top ranking in Speech; Miss Bauer received top ranking in Evening Gown; and Miss Haylee Williams received top ranking in Talent.
The 2026 Missouri State Fair continues through Aug. 23 in Sedalia. Find more information through the Fair’s website and social media accounts.
#
Photo of Miss Bauer is available for download from the Fair’s Flickr page.