(SEDALIA, Mo.) – Emily Wood of Palmyra was crowned the 2012 Missouri State Fair Queen Aug. 10, in a coronation service in the Mathewson Exhibition Center.

Wood will reign over the remaining State Fair events and be an ambassador for the Missouri State Fair and agriculture throughout the coming year.

Contestants vying for the crown were judged in multiple areas including interviews, speech and talent and evening gown.  Wood received the highest score out of 54 contestants in the talent competition with her clogging performance, and was crowned by the 2011 Missouri State Fair Queen, Meredith Jones, of Dawn.

Wood, 19, is the reigning Miss Marion County, and is the daughter of Gary Wood and Sheri Wood. She studies nursing at Moberly Area Community College.  As queen, she will receive a $1,500 scholarship to continue her education.

Trina Stumpe, Miss Meramec Community Fair, received first runner-up and a $500 scholarship. Second runner-up went to Miss Columbia FFA, Amy Wilsdorf, who will receive a $250 scholarship.

The third runner-up was Miss Shelby County, Ashley Coe, who will receive a $200 scholarship. The fourth runner-up was Miss Mizzou Collegiate 4-H, Taylor Bryant, who will receive a $100 scholarship.

Recognition certificates went to contestants ranking highest in each of the four competitive categories.  Stumpe was the top ranking contestant in both the speech and interview categories. Loryn Hirst, Miss Tipton Fair, ranked highest in the evening gown category.

The 2012 Missouri State Fair is currently underway in Sedalia and will run through Sunday, Aug. 19. For more information, visit www.mostatefair.com, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).