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Vermillion County's Wilhoite named 3rd runner-up at 67th Miss Indiana State Fair

Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 8:49 PM

By Staff report

Presley Hampton, Miss Jackson County 2025, 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.

Hampton was selected from a competitive field of contestants representing communities across Indiana. As Miss Indiana State Fair 2026, she will serve as a statewide ambassador, traveling an estimated 10,000 miles during June and July and visiting approximately 50 counties.

In this role, Hampton will promote the mission of the Indiana State Fair, highlight agriculture, support youth development, advance education, and engage Hoosiers statewide.

Hampton is a student at Purdue University, where she is earning a degree in Marketing as a Trustee Scholar. She plans to continue her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue a career in sales and brand building within the formal wear industry.

A 10 year 4-H member from Jackson County, Hampton has earned Champion, Grand Champion, and State Fair honors in 4-H Sewing and Fashion Revue. Her success in these programs led to a designer assistant internship with a leading formal wear brand. She also serves as a mentor for Jackson County 4-H members.

Hampton is a proven student leader and entrepreneur. She graduated high school with High Honors and was elected 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, creating hands on business experience for her peers.

This year’s Indiana State Fair Queen’s Court included the following finalists.

  • 1st Runner Up: Kylie Cox, Tippecanoe County
  • 2nd Runner Up: Addison Buckley, Hancock County
  • 3rd Runner Up: Lexi Wilhoite, Vermillion County
  • 4th Runner Up: Gretchen Link, Jay County

The remaining finalists completing the Top 10 represented Boone County, Clinton County, Wabash County, Vanderburgh County, and Howard County.

The title of Miss Congeniality was presented to Addie Morris from Johnson County.

As Miss Indiana State Fair 2026, Hampton brings a strong blend of agriculture, academics, leadership, and business focus. Her experience reflects the values of the Indiana State Fair and the future of Indiana agriculture and youth leadership.

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