Logan County Fair

Today was another thrilling day on the fair circuit where I traveled to Bellefontaine, Ohio for the Logan County Fair. It was definitely a hot and sticky day but that didn't seem to stop people from coming out and enjoying the fair. Upon arriving on the fairgrounds I met Queen Jessica Frazure and some of her court who gave me a tour of the fairgrounds and then took me for some free pizza in the poultry barn! Soon after that we made our way to the sales arena for the start of the livestock sale where we helped pass out thank you cards to buyers. After the sale we headed on down to see the entertainment for the evening which was bull riding! The queen and I even got to announce the bull riders and bulls as they came ripping out of the gate. It was so exciting! A big thanks to all the people who showed me around the Logan County Fair and made my trip worth the while! Next stop is Franklin County on Saturday, July 12th for the queen's contest! Hope to see you there! And make sure you check out this cute video of some of the kids participating in a contest during a break from bull riding! Aren't they cute?

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY. COME AGAIN ANOTHER DAY!

Trumbull County Fair

July 8th 2008

Well like they always say "The show must go on" and indeed it did despite the horrible storm that rolled in just about the time the opening ceremonies and crowning of the royal court were to begin. After about a half an hour spent in the ladies restroom on the fairgrounds, the storm finally broke and the ceremonies began! Although there was no power on the fairgrounds and everyone was soaked from head to toe, it didn't stop people from coming out to see who the next king and queen would be. After the crowning and some brief award presentations, I made a quick stroll around the fairgrounds and then got out of there because there was word another storm was heading our way!

Harrison County Fair

July 9th 2008

Well just when I thought I was driving away from the rain little did I know that Harrison County Fairgrounds was hit hard with the rain as well! But once again the shows went on and the people were right there with umbrellas in hand to watch the popular beef show. First up was showmanship and then the actual market show. They had a nice size show and the stands were full of people watching. Thanks to the junior fairboard members and county royalty for letting me help out with the show!

Lawrence County Fair

Well it was my first time to Proctorville, Ohio for the Lawrence County Fair on Monday, July 7th and I had a blast. Everyone was so kind and welcoming and really made me feel at home. My first privilege upon arriving was to not only witness the opening ceremonies and crowning of the new queen and princess but to announce the contestants and winners! Following that was a parade of all the 4-H clubs led by the newly crowned queens and myself. Somewhere in between all of that I also had the opportunity to catch up with Miss Gallia County who represents the county where our very own OFMA President Tim Massie resides. Before leaving I made a trip around the fairgrounds to check out all the projects and exhibits and even made my way over to check out the campgrounds! It was a great day to be at the fair and thanks to all the nice people from Lawrence County for making me feel welcomed! Next stop: Trumbull and Harrison County Fairs!!

Clinton and Madison County Fairs

Clinton County Fair

On Saturday I visited Clinton County Fair for the crowning of their 2008 Jr. Fair King and Queen! But before the crowning of the new king and queen I had a chance to catch up with last year's king and queen. However, this was not my first time meeting Clinton County Jr. Fair Queen, Kayla Alexander, because she is a former Ohio Beef Queen as well and a fellow lamb exhibitor. Before leaving the fair I had to stop in the beef barn and say hello to some old friends from my Beef Queen days who were preparing for the open beef show! Good luck guys!!

Madison County Fair

Sunday I traveled back to London, Ohio for the Madison County Fair where I helped to judge the Jr. Fair King, Queen and Princess Contest. Interviews were conducted prior to the fair but the onstage portion of the contest was held on that Sunday evening. Before the contest began a royalty picnic was held for all visiting royalty from surrounding counties. They had a wonderful turn out despite the extreme heat and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Congratulations to all the contestants and especially to the new King, Queen and Princess. Have a good week and enjoy yourselves!

Marion County Fair

Marion County Fair was booming full of excitement on Tuesday, July 1st with tons of shows and events taking place. Upon arriving I met with a senior fairboard member who showed me around and took me to my first event, which was the lamb show. There I had the opportunity to meet the Lamb and Wool Queen, Kelly Guthrie who was my escort for the day. I also had the chance to meet the Jr. Fair King and Queen, Luke Shepherd and Tiffany Bowman. After an interview with ABN farm radio, I snagged some stromboli from my favorite pizza guy and then headed off to the horse show to pass out some ribbons.

Thanks to everyone in Marion County for their hospitality and the cool name tag!!!

Putnam County Fair

Well after plenty of rain in Ottawa, Ohio the sun finally appeared for a few short hours on Saturday just in time for me to get to visit and tour the Putnam County Fair. After making the long drive up, I was greeted by Don Verhoff, Senior Fairboard President, who gave me a tour of the fairgrounds. My first stop was to visit the sales arena to watch the famous Beef, Lamb and Goat Obstacle Course. This event was hilarious and definitely a crowd favorite. After that I watched another crowd favorite, the decorated animal contest. The kids had a great time and came up with some pretty creative costumes. Despite the rain it was a very fun and exciting day! Thanks Putnam County for making my visit memorable!!!

Scioto County Fair Queen's Contest

Today I traveled to Portsmouth, Ohio to judge 11 young women who were vying for the 2008 Scioto County Fair Queen and Court title. Each contestant participated in a ten minute interview with myself and one other judge and then later answered an onstage question in front of family and friends. At the end of the evening the five finalists were announced; however, the official results will not be revealed until opening ceremonies of the fair. All of the girls did a wonderful job and all should be proud of their accomplishments. Also, congratulations to outgoing queen Meighan Stevens and good luck at the state competition!

Pickaway County Fair

Today I traveled to Circleville, Ohio for the Pickaway County Fair! Upon arrival I was given a tour by a junior fairboard member and then escorted to the main stage for the King and Queen contest. Before the contest there was a brief introduction of dignitaries and public officials including Director of Agriculture Robert Boggs, State Representative John Schlichter and Senator John Carey. Following that was the introduction of the king and queen contestants and then the crowning of the King and Queen. Congrats to Katie Liff and Will Ett on being crowned the 2008 Pickaway County Queen and King!

Jackson County Queen's Contest

On Saturday evening I had the privilege to MC the Jackson County Queen's Contest. There were 13 well qualified contestants who were vying the for title of the 2008 Jackson County Fair Queen. These women each went through an interview, which was held during the day and onstage questions in front of not only the 3 judge panel but an audience of family and friends as well. I was so happy to be a part of this contest because when I was competing for the state title I met their 2006 Fair Queen Jill Hamblin, who is a lovely woman who I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet. Congratulations to the outgoing queen and her court; Kendel Arthur, Molly Brown and Katie Downey! Congratulations to the five finalists and good luck!

Paulding County Fair

Well the fairs have officially started!!! My first stop of the season was yesterday in Paulding County for their first day of their fair. Upon arrival I was greeted by the current reigning king and queen, Elizabeth and Travis. They took me on a tour of the fairgrounds and then took me to watch the Prince and Princess and Jr. King and Queen Contest. After watching the cute little ones on stage we then got in line for the opening day parade, I was lucky enough to get to ride with Jr. Fairboard member Jessie in his blue El Camero!! At the conclusion of the parade was the coronation of the 2008 Paulding County Fair King and Queen. Congratulations to Amber Gebers and Caleb Schlatter! I'm sure you both will represent Paulding County well and will have a fantastic year doing so. After a long day of horse shows, hog shows, style reviews and more, I decided to make the long drive home! Thanks to all those people who welcomed me to Paulding County, especially the gentlemen who gave me free homemade ice cream! It was delicious!