Thomas and Greten named 2018 Coshocton County Fair King and Queen
COSHOCTON – The official opening of the Coshocton County Fair was held under sunny skies on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Rotary Pavilion where four queen and three king contestants vied for the title of 2018 Junior Fair King and Queen.
“It was very exciting,” said Michaela Greten who has been named the 2018 Coshocton County Fair Junior Queen. “I want to thank my AG teachers, Mr. Rich and Mrs. Mullet and my advisors and parents for helping me achieve my goals.”
Jaden Thomas was named the 2018 Coshocton County Fair Junior King.
“It was very exciting,” he said. “It was a big relief that I won. I would like to thank my teachers, my friends, and my family, and everyone who’s a part of my life.”
The opening ceremonies began at 9 a.m. at the Rotary Pavilion with the playing of the National Anthem and a few words from area dignitaries.
Gary Fischer, Coshocton County Commissioner, likened the Coshocton County Fair to a big family reunion for the people of Coshocton. Mayor Steve Mercer echoed those sentiments saying that the fair is the premiere event in the county that brings everyone together.
Rod Lindsey, president of the fairboard, spoke about the good weather and said that the fair is an event that takes all year to prepare for. He also thanked the Ohio dignitaries who came out to support the fair.
“The Coshocton County Fair is one of my favorite fairs,” said Senator Jay Hottinger. “You’ve got to love the weather. The Coshocton County Fair really is the opening to fall. It’s not just for the young, but for the young at heart.”
Rick Williamson then presented the Community Champion Award to Don Carpenter. Carpenter began his service in the US Army in 1969 and served in Vietnam. In 1971, he started working in local ambulance service and volunteered with EMS. He was also with the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Department, a staff sergeant in the National Guard, a firefighter, and volunteers at the Hope Clinic.
The Coshocton County 4-H committee then awarded the 4-H ambassador award. Each year, this award is given to those who have served in 4-H and those who continue their interest in 4-H. Carol Horn Miller was this year’s recipient. She was a member of the Keene Hill and Valley Girls 4-H Club and taught English and Home Economics in school. She also wrote a constitution for 4-H when most clubs didn’t have one. She was a 4-H advisor for five years and judges at surrounding counties and at the Tiverton Institute.
“I didn’t do this alone,” said Miller. “This is Coshocton County. I’m very proud of my home area. This is a community effort and I’m so pleased to be a part of it.”
The 2018 Junior Fair King and Queen candidates were then introduced. Queen contestants were: Belle Norman, Emily Bookless, Michaela Greten, and Waverly Reidenbach. King contestants were: Gerald Haines, Hayden McCoy, and Jaden Thomas. Each contestant told where they went to school, what they were showing at the fair, and what their future plans were.
Hannah Poorman, 2017 Junior Fair Queen, crowned Greten as she was announced queen.
“I cried earlier in the week,” said Poorman about giving up her crown. “It’s been 13 years in the making and to give it up in only one year, it’s hard. I’m so excited for the new queen. I know how excited I was when I got crowned. I’m excited for the memories she will make.”
Charles Lane Beatty also gave his crown to the new fair king.
“It’s really amazing to hand off my crown to the new king,” said Beatty. “I’ve been to other counties who don’t have a fair king, so it’s exciting that boys in our county participate in this.”
Now that Greten and Thomas have been announced as the reigning queen and king, they will travel to other county fairs and festivals representing Coshocton.
“I’m looking forward to being able to be a part of their fair and showing them that our fair is just like theirs, but we have more agriculture,” said Thomas.
“I hope to represent Coshocton County Fair as one of those fairs that offers a lot to its members and the community,” said Greten.
The king and queen contestants received jewelry from G.A. Fisher, gift cards from The Warehouse Steak-n-Stein, flowers from Linnet’s Flowers on the Square, and corsages from Dan Duren. The Garden Patch provided decorations for the stage at the Rotary Pavilion, Sue Gilmore made the sashes for the fair king and queen and attendants, and Susan McCurdy organized the opening ceremonies.
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