Beatty and Poorman crowned 2017 Fair King and Queen
COSHOCTON – The 2017 Coshocton County Fair officially opened on Saturday, Sept. 30 under sunny skies and cool weather. The Rotary Pavilion was filled with anticipation as everyone awaited the crowning of the 2017 Coshocton County Fair King and Queen.
The National Anthem was performed by members of the River View Elementary Honor Choir under the direction of Les Widder, Christina Shrimplin, and Allison Granger. Coshocton County Commissioners, D. Curtis Lee, Gary Fischer, and Dane Shryock welcomed everyone to the 166th Coshocton County Fair.
“The fair board has done a great job making changes around here this year,” said Mayor of Coshocton Steve Mercer. “What they have done to the grandstand is just fabulous. They spent tens of thousands of dollars improving the grandstand. The fair is the only event in Coshocton where we come together as a community once a year to see your friends and neighbors.”
Kim Wells, president of the fair board, had a moment of silence for Ward Karr, long-time fair board member who passed away last March. He also announced that the grandstand was a $150,000 project and was completed by Chuck Hathaway.
Jay Hottinger (R), senator, welcomed everyone to the fair.
“I have always loved this fair,” he said. “I get the opportunity to visit many fairs throughout the state and I always love the Coshocton County Fair.”
Rick Williamson, member of the fair board, gave a special presentation.
“Every year from here on, we will be recognizing a person in the community who not only supports the community but the agriculture in the community as well,” said Williamson.
This year, Deputy Royce Emerson was recognized. Emerson has been a deputy at the sheriff’s office for 58 and one-half years. He has never missed a county fair.
“I want to talk about his dedication to the uniform, his loyalty to the citizens, and his commitment to the sheriff’s office,” said Sheriff Timothy Rogers. “I have contacted the National Sheriff’s Association and this hasn’t been confirmed yet, but I do believe he is the longest-serving deputy in the country.”
Emerson started in the police department on April 1, 1959.
“I was asked about joining the Sheriff’s Auxiliary,” said Emerson. “I served under Sheriff Bill Hoop, then Sheriff Dave Corbett, and now Sheriff Rogers. It was an honor to serve under all three of these sheriffs, they’re terrific. They treat me so good and they care about the county. I have 58 and one half years and I plan to stay maybe a little bit longer. We will see if the Good Lord keeps me standing tall. We have a good department, the male and the female deputy’s, I love them all. Thank you.”
Jon Iannello presented him with a clock.
“This is a small token of our appreciation to the service you give to our community,” said Iannello.
Visiting royalty was recognized and representatives from agricultural organizations throughout Coshocton County were introduced.
Four young women and two young men were vying for the 2017 Coshocton County Fair Queen and King. Contestants for queen were Augusta Kinzel, Allie McCoy, Hannah Poorman, and Elizabeth Porteus. King contestants were C. Lane Beatty and Jordan Olinger.
After brief interviews, Poorman and Beatty were named 2017 Coshocton County Fair Queen and King respectively.
“I have always looked up to the fair queen since I was a little girl,” said Poorman. “I remember being a little sprout and seeing the fair queen and how she presented herself, and I always said to myself, that will be me one day.”
Beatty considers it a privilege to serve as fair king.
“I consider it a great honor and privilege to represent our fair and visit other fairs and get to talk to their king and queen,” said Beatty.
Mackenzie Doughty and Ian Brinker presented the 2017 king and queen with their sashes and prizes. Doughty had some advice for Poorman on being queen.
“Take the time to enjoy just what you’re doing,” she said. “It goes by so fast. Have fun and meet new people.”
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