Vehrs, Sheldon exit having enjoyed the moment

Many youngsters dream about growing up someday and being crowned a king or queen of the county fair.

For 2024 King Quentin Vehrs and Queen Jenna Sheldon, that dream was a reality this past year as they traveled to Ohio state fairs to promote everything great about the Holmes County Junior Fair and Holmes County.

On Monday, Aug. 4 at Harvest Ridge, the royal duo handed over the reins to  the new king and queen, Logan Van Dalen and Madison Ringwalt.

Before their final moment in the sun was over, each shared their experiences and gratitude for having had the opportunity to experience this past year.

“It has been an honor to represent our beautiful county across the state this year,” Sheldon said.

She said she enjoyed traveling to many fairs, festivals and parades throughout the year, and Vehrs agreed it was a worthwhile year spent traveling.

“Going to the different fairs I have gained a lot of knowledge,” Vehrs said, noting this opportunity has afforded him plenty of growth in his leadership skills.

Vehrs is currently working as a railroader for Amtrak Contractors and also will attend a trade school to learn horseshoeing and blacksmithing.

“I thank everyone who was involved with my role as the 2024 Holmes County Fair king,” Vehrs said.

Both king and queen thanked their families, friends and the community for the support shown to them throughout their experience.

Sheldon was especially grateful in thanking the senior fair board members, who turned up in force at the 2024 Ohio Fair Manager Association Conference, where she said many of the contestants had little or no support from their fair boards.

There, she placed in the top 15 queens in the state, a true honor, and said she had a great time meeting other queens and learning important life skills.

“While I was fortunate to place in the top 15, that was not what made the experience so special,” Sheldon said. “The truly incredible part was the cheering section I had, not only that night, but in every moment leading up to it.”

She said months prior to the event, the leaders in the Ohio State University Extension Holmes County were preparing her for that moment, and a junior fair board adviser put her in contact with a past Ohio Fairs queen so she could glean some valuable input.

Community members were constantly reaching out in the days leading up to the contest to wish her well, and fair board members showed incredible support. As a member of the junior fair board, Sheldon said working with the senior fair board members was eye-opening and encouraging, and she said she soon found the close relationship isn’t a given.

“Some girls at the contest told me that they’d never even met their fair board,” Sheldon said. “They had no idea if there was anyone there in that room to support them other than their family.”

Sheldon said her fair board was the loudest cheering section in the large room, and their support provided a sense of gratitude she said will always remain close to her heart.

“The amazing support is something I’ve grown very proud of,” Sheldon said. “It’s always the first thing I share when asked what makes our county so special.”

She went on to express the honor it was to serve her county and fair in this capacity, having the fortune of following in her mother Tara’s footsteps as fair queen.

“I truly appreciate all of the amazing people that made this year possible,” Sheldon said. “I am proud to be a representative of this county.”

And so Vehrs and Sheldon completed their year as fair royalty, thankful for the opportunity to create cherished moments and memories.