INDIANA — In a historic win for Jackson County, Presley Hampton was crowned Miss Indiana State Fair 2026 on Sunday afternoon. Selected from a field of 83 contestants—each representing their respective home counties—Hampton will now serve as the official ambassador for the “Great Indiana State-A-Fair.”
Hampton, the reigning Miss Jackson County 2025, marks only the second time in the pageant’s 67-year history that a representative from Jackson County has taken the top honor. The first was Mariah Huff in 2013.
Brooklyn Peterson of Mitchell, represented Lawrence County.
A Legacy of Leadership and 4-H Excellence
Hampton’s journey to the crown is rooted in her hometown of Brownstown, where she graduated from Brownstown Central High School with High Honors. Her high school career was defined by leadership, serving as Class President and Booster Club President. Notably, she launched a student-led spirit wear boutique, providing her peers with real-world business experience.
A dedicated 10-year 4-H member, Hampton’s technical skills in sewing and fashion revue have earned her numerous Grand Champion and State Fair honors. These achievements paved the way for a designer assistant internship with a premier formalwear brand.
Currently a student at Purdue University majoring in Selling and Sales Management, Hampton plans to transition to the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue a career in sales and brand building within the formalwear industry.
2026 State Fair Queen’s Court
The judges faced a difficult task narrowing down the field of 83. The final 2026 Court includes:
| Title | Winner | County |
| Queen | Presley Hampton | Jackson |
| 1st Runner-up | Kylie Cox | Tippecanoe |
| 2nd Runner-up | Addison Buckley | Hancock |
| 3rd Runner-up | Alexis Wilhoite | Vermillion |
| 4th Runner-up | Gretchen Link | Jay |
| Miss Congeniality | Addie Morris | Johnson |
Top 10 Finalists (Alphabetical): Ella Shephard (Boone), Bailey Blacker (Clinton), Amelia Duncan (Howard), Emma Ruedlinger (Vanderburg), and Eden Hoover (Wabash).
The Road Ahead: 10,000 Miles of Hoosier Spirit
As Miss Indiana State Fair, Hampton will embark on a whirlwind summer tour. She is scheduled to travel an estimated 10,000 miles across the state during June and July, visiting approximately 50 county fairs to promote the upcoming season.
The 2026 Indiana State Fair is scheduled to run from August 7–23. Fans and families planning their trips should note that the Fair will be closed on Mondays this year.
“Presley’s experience as a 4-H mentor and her entrepreneurial spirit make her the perfect representative to showcase the hard work and talent of Indiana’s youth,” organizers noted following the coronation.
