ORLEANS — The 56th Annual Orleans Dogwood Festival will receive a royal addition to its opening festivities this year. Robert F. Henderson, Executive Director of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce, has announced that the newly crowned 2026 Indiana State Festival Association (ISFA) Queen Jordyn Leininger will be a featured guest at the upcoming celebration.
Queen Jordyn is scheduled to appear during the Queen Crowning and Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Orleans Elementary School.
Hailing from Kosciusko County, Leininger brings a distinguished background to her reigning year. A Lilly Scholar currently attending Butler University, she is majoring in Healthcare and Business with a minor in Business Law.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Leininger is a third-generation shepherd and a dedicated 10-year 4-H alumna and former FFA member. During her time as Miss ISFA, she continues to advocate for her personal platform, “You Grow, Girl: Empowering Women through Agriculture.”
Leininger’s resume reflects a deep commitment to community and the performing arts, including:
- Volunteerism: Active involvement with the Fairview Presbyterian Early Childhood Program, Poss-ABILITIES, and Pierceton Community Dinners.
- The Arts: Performance experience with the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts and the Fort Wayne Youth Theatre.
“Jordyn is so excited to serve as this year’s Miss ISFA Queen and experience the amazing festivals, fairs, and events the state hosts, such as the Dogwood Festival,” the announcement noted.
The visit highlights the strong bond between the local festival and the state association. Henderson emphasized the significance of the visit for the community.
“The Dogwood Festival has been a longtime and active member of the ISFA, participating in its many activities, and we are indeed honored to be able to host this year’s reigning festival queen,” Henderson added.
Residents are encouraged to attend the Saturday evening ceremonies to welcome Queen Jordyn and kick off a week of celebration in the “Dogwood Capital of Indiana.”
