The legacy of the Knox County Junior Fair is a long and prosperous one.
Knox County youths have been showing animals, completing projects and learning life lessons for most of the 176 years the fair has been in existence.
That legacy was celebrated July 10 as the Knox County Chamber of Commerce hosted the Junior Fair Breakfast at the Ramser 4-H Center.
“If you are not familiar with the legacy and the effect that this program and FFA has on the youth and our community, talk to families that are several generations deep into this program and see how it is, the younger kids growing up to be the older kids, embracing the next generation in our community. It is truly amazing,” said Amy Carpenter, director over the junior fair for the Knox County Fair Board.
The large crowd in attendance heard about projects from several youths, heard from king and queen candidates, and helped raise $3,000 for the Junior Fair Board. The youths, animal species’ liaisons and ambassadors, were also honored at the breakfast.
“Beyond the midways, fair prizes and tough truck shows, junior fair exhibits are really the highlight of the Knox County Fair,” said Jay McLaughlin, emcee for the event. “The junior fair showcases the very best in our corner of the world. This is where you see junior fair participants stepping into something new, overcoming fears, learning new skills, and having fun while doing chores, and making memories and friends.”
After the introduction of the liaisons, ambassadors and junior fair board members, the king and queen candidates got their opportunity to tell why they should be elected. Four queen candidates and three kings spoke as part of the scoring process to see who will be crowned on opening day of the fair.
Kennedy Auker, the junior fair board president, senior swine ambassador and swine liaison, was the first queen candidate to speak.
“Knox County is more than where I live. It’s where I found my purpose. I grew up here on my family’s grain farm where early mornings and long days taught me the value of hard work, faith and family,” Auker said. “But it’s right here at the Knox County Junior Fair that I discovered my family. This isn’t just a fair to me. It’s home, it’s tradition and it’s the heartbeat of everything I love about agriculture.”
Auker has shown hogs for 11 years, held three leadership positions with the Junior Fair Board and was a member of student council and the Knox County Teen Advisory Council. She plans to attend Ohio State University-ATI in Wooster and will major in agriculture communications.
“I want to be the kind of queen who makes every kid feel like they belong; who celebrates those early mornings and late nights that go into every project. I want to be someone who’s not afraid to roll up their sleeves; who checks in when someone is struggling; and who shines a spotlight on the hard work of every single exhibitor because that’s what this fair is all about,” Auker said. “Being named Knox County Fair Queen would be an incredible honor. I believe I’m ready to serve in this role because I lead with heart, serve with purpose and love this fair deeply.”
Ansley Daubenmier is a recent graduate of Mount Vernon and plans to attend Ohio State University-ATI in Wooster this fall where she will major in animal sciences and agriculture communications. She has spent the majority of her life at the Knox County Fair and wants to be able to give back to her second family as queen.
“Standing up before you today is a full circle moment. This fair, this community has helped shape the person I am today,” Daubenmier said. “For as long as I can remember, the fair has been my second home. I spent my childhood summers in these barns. I still remember the first time I walked into the showroom – my heart pounding, my hands shaking. But I also remember the people around me, clapping, cheering and believing in me before I even knew how to believe in myself.
Wanting to give back, Daubenmier helped start a program for youths with developmental disabilities last year. It’s something that she’ll remember forever, seeing those seven youths get the opportunity to show their animals and hear the cheers from the crowd.
“If I’m honored to serve as your fair queen, that’s the message I want to carry with me everywhere I go. I want every child who steps onto this fairground, whether they’re showing a champion steer or it’s their first year, to know that they matter. I want to lift up the voices that don’t always get heard – the first-year members, the shy kids, the quiet volunteers that stay late, making sure all the trash is picked up and that all animals are fed and watered,” she said. “I know this fair is not built by one person, it’s built by all of us. And I would be proud to represent that heart, that hard work and that sense of home.”
Madison Seng has wanted to be fair queen since her first year at the fair. The Mount Vernon FFA officer and camp counselor has shown beef feeders and broilers, as well as participated in countless other projects over the years.
“These programs require unwavering dedication and commitment, which I believe I’ve shown. During the fair, I’m in almost every barn and building - Beef feeders, broilers, countless projects. I’ve done so many projects. These have allowed me to grow as an individual and really built my skills,” Seng said.
“I want (to be) fair queen. I’ve wanted it ever since I looked up to a fair queen and I think that I can really represent all that I’ve worked for over the years. If chosen, I will bring the same dedication, energy and leadership that I brought to every booth, barn and event.”
Reagan Blanchard has served on the Junior Fair Board for two years and has shown rabbits for six years. She was also a rabbit ambassador.
“Through my projects and involvement in the fair, I’ve acquired many qualities and skills that helped shape me into the person I am today. I’ve become more independent, confident in my abilities. I’ve learned responsibility, dedication, communication and selflessness. And I’ve learned to put my all into everything I do and to see it through to the end,” Blanchard said.
She said she’s learned to be selfless through 4-H and wants to help others as fair queen.
“If chosen as your fair queen, I will be a voice for the youth, a supporter of traditions and I will cheer for every young person chasing their goals. I would love to give back to the organization that has given so much to me,” Blanchard said.
The three king candidates also spoke on their qualifications and why they want to represent the Junior Fair.Arthur Hollenback is a graduate of Utica High School and received his diesel power equipment mechanic certification from C-TEC. His passion started early on the family grain, chicken and cow-calf farm.
He has shown cattle at multiple shows around Ohio and hopes to use the title of king to help spread the word on Knox County.
“Through all my years of showing cattle, I’ve shown at multiple shows throughout Ohio and I’ve always enjoyed coming back to Knox County. It’s a well-knit, family oriented and welcoming fair. If I am chosen fair king, I will represent and show all the good that is Knox County,” Hollenback said.
Michael Brady is a student at East Knox and has developed a strong passion for FFA and 4-H through his years at the fair.
“Serving on the Junior Fair Board has been a major impact on my life. It has taught me to never judge a book by its cover, and even difficult situations can lead to positive outcomes. I’ve learned how to adapt to a lot,” Brady said.
“I take pride in helping ensure the fair is fun, welcoming and a memorable experience for everyone. It’s an honor to be involved in something that helps youth become active, engaged community members and future leaders. I would be honored to represent you as the 2025 Knox County Fair king and promise to bring my energy, commitment and heart to the role every single day.”
Dalton Bailey has also spent time as an officer with the Junior Fair Board and his 4-H club. He also recently graduated and is now employed full time. After spending most of his life at the fair, he’s ready to give back.
“I am very good at talking to people and I love this fair. I’ve been at the fair almost my whole life,” Bailey said. “I have a lot of experience talking to people, leading and helping with shows. Through the Junior Fair Board, I helped lead shows and do different activities.”
