In recent years Londen Fulks has sat in the audience of the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen pageant cheering on some of her closest friends, but this year she’ll have her chance to walk across the stage representing Henry County in hopes of being selected to reign as the 2024 State Fair Queen.

Londen is the 19 year old daughter of Jason Fulks and Nicole Fulks and is from Atkinson. She competed in the Henry County Pageant last June, winning the title just four years after she was named the 2019 Junior Miss Henry County.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to represent a county that I love so dearly,” said Fulks. “I’ve learned a lot about my community, and I’ve made some incredible memories during my years as queen. I can’t wait to walk across the stage in Springfield and I hope to make everyone proud. “

Fulks will compete for the state title January 12-14 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. The state pageant is held in conjunction with the annual convention of county fairs, the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF).

“I’ve been working primarily on interview and perfecting my speech,” said Fulks. “I have loved getting the chance to talk to past Henry County queens about their experiences at state and it’s made me that much more excited for this weekend. I can’t wait to make forever friends and memories.”

Fulks is contestant number 20 of the 73 young women competing in this year’s pageant. Each contestant will have a four-minute interview with the panel of judges, and will also compete in evening gown, swimsuit, and speech categories.

The top 16 finalists will be announced on Sunday, January 14. Each finalist will re-compete in the evening gown, swimsuit, and speech categories. They will also be judged on three pop questions. The new state queen will be chosen and crowned that evening.

She is currently a freshman at Iowa State University majoring in animal science on a pre-veterinary track with a minor in ag communications. She plans to attend veterinary school and pursue a career as a production and small animal veterinarian. She is currently a member of the Pre-Veterinary Club, International Agriculture Club, and the Vet-Science Team. She has been on the high honor roll, received an award for the highest GPA in FFA, and was a recipient of the Geneseo High School Ag Alumni Scholarship.