Indianapolis, January 7, 2026

Presley Hampton, representing Jackson County, has achieved a historic milestone by being crowned the 67th Miss Indiana State Fair. Her victory highlights the local community’s support for youth talent. A dedicated 4-H member and current student at Purdue University, Hampton is set to inspire future generations and promote community engagement as she embarks on her responsibilities throughout the summer.

Presley Hampton Crowned Miss Indiana State Fair 2026

INDIANAPOLIS — Presley Hampton, representing Jackson County, was crowned the 67th Miss Indiana State Fair on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center inside the Corteva Coliseum.

Historic Achievement

Hampton’s victory marks only the second time in the pageant’s 67-year history that a representative from Jackson County has secured the title. The first was Mariah Huff in 2013, highlighting the local community’s ability to foster outstanding talent through dedicated support and engagement.

Background and Education

A native of Brownstown, Indiana, Hampton graduated from Brownstown Central High School with high honors. Throughout her high school journey, she showcased leadership by serving as Class President, Booster Club President, and Vice President of the National Honor Society. Additionally, she launched a student-led spirit wear boutique, providing her peers with real-world business experience and emphasizing the significance of entrepreneurial initiative in youth development.

Currently, Hampton is a Trustee Scholar at Purdue University, majoring in Marketing. She plans to continue her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue a career in sales and brand-building within the formalwear industry, illustrating the importance of education in personal and professional growth.

4-H Involvement

As a dedicated 10-year 4-H member, Hampton has earned numerous Grand Champion and State Fair honors in sewing and fashion revue. These achievements laid the foundation for a designer assistant internship with a prominent formalwear brand, showcasing the value of practical experience in the competitive market. She currently lends her support by mentoring Jackson County 4-H members, empowering the next generation and demonstrating the impact of community involvement on youth empowerment.

2026 State Fair Queen’s Court

The judges faced a challenging decision in narrow down a field of 83 contestants, and the result is a distinguished 2026 Court that includes:

• Queen: Presley Hampton (Jackson County)
• 1st Runner-up: Kylie Cox (Tippecanoe County)
• 2nd Runner-up: Addison Buckley (Hancock County)
• 3rd Runner-up: Alexis Wilhoite (Vermillion County)
• 4th Runner-up: Gretchen Link (Jay County)
• Miss Congeniality: Addie Morris (Johnson County)

The Top 10 Finalists (Alphabetical) also include: Ella Shephard (Boone), Bailey Blacker (Clinton), Amelia Duncan (Howard), Emma Ruedlinger (Vanderburgh), and Eden Hoover (Wabash).

Upcoming Responsibilities

As Miss Indiana State Fair, Hampton will embark on a whirlwind summer tour, traveling an estimated 10,000 miles across the state during June and July. She is scheduled to visit approximately 50 county fairs to promote the upcoming season, fostering community engagement and a spirit of camaraderie around local traditions. The 2026 Indiana State Fair is scheduled to run from August 7–23, with a noteworthy change this year: the Fair will be closed on Mondays, offering a streamlined experience for attendees.

Organizers have noted that Hampton’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, reinforcing the belief that individual achievement and community support can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Conclusion

Presley Hampton’s journey reflects not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the potential nurtured within the Jackson County community. With a focus on education, entrepreneurial spirit, and community involvement, Hampton is set to inspire many as she embodies the values that drive Indiana’s youth and businesses forward. As the countdown to the 2026 Indiana State Fair begins, local residents are encouraged to support not only this event but also the various local enterprises that contribute to the vibrant economic tapestry of Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.

FAQ

Who is Presley Hampton?

Presley Hampton is the 67th Miss Indiana State Fair, representing Jackson County. She was crowned on January 4, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center inside the Corteva Coliseum.

What is Hampton’s educational background?

Hampton graduated from Brownstown Central High School with High Honors and is currently a Trustee Scholar at Purdue University, majoring in Marketing. She plans to continue her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue a career in sales and brand building within the formalwear industry.

What are Hampton’s 4-H achievements?

As a dedicated 10-year 4-H member, Hampton has earned numerous Grand Champion and State Fair honors in sewing and fashion revue. These achievements led to a designer assistant internship with a premier formalwear brand. She now mentors Jackson County 4-H members, helping the next generation find their footing.

Who are the other members of the 2026 State Fair Queen’s Court?

The 2026 Court includes:

• 1st Runner-up: Kylie Cox (Tippecanoe County)
• 2nd Runner-up: Addison Buckley (Hancock County)
• 3rd Runner-up: Alexis Wilhoite (Vermillion County)
• 4th Runner-up: Gretchen Link (Jay County)
• Miss Congeniality: Addie Morris (Johnson County)

The Top 10 Finalists (Alphabetical) are: Ella Shephard (Boone), Bailey Blacker (Clinton), Amelia Duncan (Howard), Emma Ruedlinger (Vanderburgh), and Eden Hoover (Wabash).

What are Hampton’s upcoming responsibilities as Miss Indiana State Fair?

As Miss Indiana State Fair, Hampton will 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, with Mondays closed.

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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER

The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.