(INDIANAPOLIS) - Presley Hampton of Jackson County was crowned Miss Indiana State Fair 2026 on Sunday, January 4, during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center inside the Corteva Coliseum.
Hampton, who previously held the title of Miss Jackson County 2025, earned the crown as the 67th Indiana State Fair Queen after competing against contestants from communities across the state.
As Miss Indiana State Fair 2026, Hampton will serve as a statewide ambassador, traveling an estimated 10,000 miles during June and July while visiting approximately 50 Indiana counties. Her role will focus on promoting the mission of the Indiana State Fair, highlighting agriculture, supporting youth development, advancing education, and engaging Hoosiers statewide.
Hampton is a student at Purdue University, where she is pursuing a degree in Marketing as a Trustee Scholar. She plans to continue her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology with the goal of building a career in sales and brand development within the formalwear industry.
A 10-year member of Jackson County 4-H, Hampton has earned Champion, Grand Champion, and State Fair honors in 4-H Sewing and Fashion Revue. Her achievements led to a designer assistant internship with a leading formalwear brand, and she now mentors younger Jackson County 4-H members.
Hampton is also recognized for her leadership and entrepreneurial experience. She graduated high school with High Honors and served as Class President, Booster Club President, and Vice President of the National Honor Society. While in high school, she launched a student-led spirit wear boutique at Brownstown Central High School, providing hands-on business experience for fellow students.
The 2026 Indiana State Fair Queen's Court included first runner-up Kylie Cox of Tippecanoe County, second runner-up Addison Buckley of Hancock County, third runner-up Lexi Wilhoite of Vermillion County, and fourth runner-up Gretchen Link of Jay County.
Additional finalists in the Top 10 represented Boone, Clinton, Wabash, Vanderburgh, and Howard counties. The Miss Congeniality title was awarded to Addie Morris of Johnson County.