Taylor Thorne Is Using Her 4-H Experience to Encourage the Next Generation

After more than a decade in 4-H, Taylor Thorne has learned that the fair is about much more than showing livestock. It’s an opportunity to encourage younger exhibitors, answer questions, and give back to a program that has shaped her life.

WNZR’s Josiah Styer recently talked with Taylor, a 2026 Knox County Junior Fair Queen nominee, about her years in 4-H, her plans for the future, and what the fair continues to mean to her.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Taylor, who is from Fredericktown, graduated from high school last year and is now attending Indiana Wesleyan University, where she is majoring in nursing. She is a member of the Green Valley Giants 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for 11 years.

As a Junior Fair Queen nominee, Taylor said she hopes to be a positive role model for younger exhibitors. She enjoys helping answer questions, encouraging participants, and being someone others can look to during fair week.

Preparing for the fair is a year-round commitment. Taylor breeds her livestock well in advance so they’ll be ready for competition when fair season arrives.

Once the fair wraps up, she’ll return to work on her family’s goat farm before continuing her nursing studies at Indiana Wesleyan. She also spends time tutoring while attending college.

Looking back on everything 4-H has taught her, Taylor said one of the biggest lessons has been learning responsibility and taking ownership of the animals she cares for.

Her favorite fair memory takes her back to childhood. Taylor recalled participating in the goat costume contest when she was five years old, dressing up alongside her sister and simply enjoying the experience.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

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Lane Dugan Combines Leadership and Livestock at the Knox County Fair

Lane Dugan wears more hats than just about anyone at the Knox County Fair. Between serving on the Junior Fair Board, caring for livestock, mentoring younger exhibitors, and preparing his own projects, he stays busy long before the first show begins.

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger recently sat down with Lane to talk about the many responsibilities he carries and why serving the fair has become such an important part of his life.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Lane, who is from Fredericktown, recently graduated from the Knox County Career Center and is continuing his education in beef production at The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute. A longtime member of the New Horizons 4-H Club, he is serving his second year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

His list of leadership roles is extensive. Lane serves as the Beef Liaison, Swine Liaison, Junior Beef Ambassador, Vice President of the Junior Fair Board, and is also a 2026 Junior Fair King nominee.

Each role comes with different responsibilities. As Beef and Swine Liaison, Lane helps oversee livestock and assists exhibitors. As Vice President, he helps organize and coordinate shows so events run smoothly throughout the week. He also works alongside the Junior Fair Board to make sure volunteers and exhibitors are where they need to be.

Lane is also bringing several projects to this year’s fair, including two lambs, a market steer, and a beef breeding project. He said preparing those animals begins as soon as they arrive, with months of daily work leading up to fair week.

When the Knox County Fair concludes, Lane plans to visit other fairs before getting ready to return to school.

Looking back on his years in 4-H, Lane said one lesson stands above the rest: younger members are always watching. Whether you realize it or not, he said, they look up to older exhibitors, making it important to set a positive example.

He also shared a pair of memorable fair stories. One dates back to when he was six years old, when another exhibitor’s hog relieved itself down his leg just before judging. Despite the unexpected mishap, Lane stayed focused and went on to win Best Meat Quality with his hog.

Another favorite memory came last year, when members of his FFA chapter celebrated an impressive showing in the steer competition, with one friend earning Grand Champion while several others placed in the Top 10.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Whether She’s Announcing, Singing, or Helping Exhibitors, Jenelle Doup Enjoys Staying Involved

There aren’t many places around the Knox County Fair where you won’t find Jenelle Doup. From helping exhibitors and managing social media to announcing shows and preparing her own livestock projects, she enjoys being involved wherever she’s needed.

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger recently caught up with Jenelle to talk about her many roles at the fair and the experiences that have made them so meaningful.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

A senior at Fredericktown High School, Jenelle is also taking College Credit Plus classes through Ashland University. She is a member of the Furr, Feathers, and Friends 4-H Club and is serving her second year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

In addition to her board responsibilities, Jenelle serves on the Queen’s Court, is the Poultry Liaison, and is one of the fair’s social media officers. She explained that as Poultry Liaison, she helps answer questions and connects exhibitors with the people who can help if she doesn’t have the answer herself. As a social media officer, she helps plan and schedule posts to keep the community informed throughout fair season. She also spends time announcing shows during the fair.

One event she’s especially looking forward to this year is singing the National Anthem before Wednesday’s goat show. Jenelle said preparing for that performance has helped her continue building confidence.

She’ll also be exhibiting market broilers and described the work that goes into preparing the birds, including the process of washing them before competition.

After the fair, Jenelle plans to enjoy the remaining weeks of summer before heading back to school.

When asked what 4-H has taught her, Jenelle said one of the biggest lessons has been the importance of building relationships. She said the friendships she’s developed through the Junior Fair Board have become one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

Looking back on last year’s fair, Jenelle shared a favorite memory that brought the board members closer together and reminded her just how special those friendships have become.

Click HERE the learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Britton Metzger Builds Confidence Through 4-H and the Knox County Fair

Showing pigs and rabbits is only part of what Britton Metzger enjoys about the Knox County Fair. She says some of her best experiences have come from meeting new people and building friendships through 4-H.

WNZR’s Josiah Styer recently talked with Britton about serving on the Knox County Junior Fair Board, preparing her livestock projects, and what she’s learned during her time in 4-H.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Britton is from Fredericktown and will be a freshman at Fredericktown High School this fall. She is a member of the Blue-Ribbon Livestock 4-H Club and has been involved with the club for three years. This is her first year serving on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

As a board member, Britton helps with livestock weigh-ins, assists during shows, and lends a hand in the barns throughout fair week. She’s especially looking forward to this year’s pig and rabbit shows.

Preparing for those projects takes patience and practice. Britton said she gets her pigs ready by washing them before the fair, while preparing her rabbits means keeping them calm and comfortable on the judging table.

When fair week comes to an end, Britton plans to shift her focus to volleyball and the upcoming school year. She also knows it won’t be long before it’s time to begin preparing her pigs for next year’s fair season.

Britton said 4-H has helped her become more confident and encouraged her to keep looking ahead, even when challenges arise.

When she thinks about her favorite memories, it’s the friendships that stand out the most. Britton said meeting new people through 4-H and developing lasting friendships has been one of the best parts of her experience.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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First-Year Junior Fair Board Member Haley Page Embraces New Opportunities

For Haley Page, the Knox County Fair is about more than showing rabbits. It’s a place where she’s learning to lead, building friendships, and creating memories with family along the way.

WNZR’s Sue McDonald recently caught up with Haley to talk about her first year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board, preparing for this year’s fair, and what 4-H has meant to her.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Haley, who is from Bladensburg, will be a freshman at East Knox High School this fall. She is a member of the Outsiders 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for five years.

Although this is her first year serving on the Junior Fair Board, Haley has already taken on an important role. She helps make sure volunteers and exhibitors are where they’re needed while assisting with the operation of the livestock shows throughout fair week.

When she isn’t helping behind the scenes, Haley is preparing her breeder rabbits for competition. She said getting them ready for the show ring includes regular grooming and trimming their nails so they’re ready for judging. After the Knox County Fair, she’ll continue her fair season by exhibiting at the Ohio State Fair.

Earlier this year, Haley also had the opportunity to travel to Alaska with her family, making for a memorable summer before fair preparations began.

Reflecting on her years in 4-H, Haley said the organization has taught her responsibility, leadership, and how to accept failure as part of learning and growing.

When asked about her favorite fair memories, Haley didn’t point to a ribbon or award. Instead, she said some of her favorite moments have simply been spending time at the fair with her sister and friends—and, of course, enjoying the fair food.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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From Fancy Ducks to Fair Announcing, Taylor Vance Stays Busy at the Knox County Fair

Taylor Vance doesn’t limit herself to just one project at the Knox County Fair. Between livestock, gardening, clothing, and helping behind the scenes, she enjoys being involved wherever she can.

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger recently talked with Taylor, a member of the Knox County Junior Fair Board and the 2026 Junior Poultry Ambassador, about what keeps her coming back to the fair each year.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Although Taylor originally lived in Muskingum County, she recently moved to Mount Vernon and is now a freshman at Mount Vernon High School. She serves as secretary of the Clinton Clovers 4-H Club, has been involved in 4-H for six years, and is in her second year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

Helping with livestock shows has become one of her favorite parts of fair week. Last year, she had the opportunity to announce one of the shows, an experience she said went well, and she’s excited to help again this year.

Taylor also has a full slate of projects. She’ll be exhibiting market turkeys, fancy chickens, fancy ducks, a gardening project, and a clothing project.

One of her favorite projects involves her ducks, which originally came from Texas. She started with three birds and has continued growing her flock over the past year. She said keeping them clean and ready for competition can be one of the biggest challenges leading up to the fair.

When the Knox County Fair concludes, Taylor won’t have much time to slow down. She’ll head directly to the Ohio State Fair to continue exhibiting her projects.

Looking back on her years in 4-H, Taylor said one of the greatest things she’s gained isn’t just experience showing animals—it’s the friendships she’s made. She believes those relationships will last a lifetime.

Taylor also reflected on being named Junior Poultry Ambassador last year and shared the reaction of one of her teachers, who wasn’t surprised to see her take on the role.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Ellie Boggs Balances Leadership, Livestock, and a Love for Writing

Ellie Boggs enjoys being involved in many different parts of the Knox County Fair. Whether she’s helping exhibitors in the goat barn, showing her own projects, or working on a writing project, she likes finding new ways to grow through 4-H.

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger recently talked with Ellie about serving as a Knox County Junior Fair Board liaison, her fair projects, and the experiences that have shaped her along the way.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Ellie is from Mount Vernon and will be a sophomore at Mount Vernon High School this fall. She is a member of the Down on the Farm 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for four years. After serving as a fair ambassador last year, she is now in her second year on the Junior Fair Board and is serving as the Goat Liaison.

In that role, Ellie helps keep the goat barn running smoothly by assisting with shows, making sure things stay organized, and helping exhibitors throughout the week. She’ll also be exhibiting a pack goat, a project that she said has become one of her favorites. During the interview, she also reflected on winning Grand Champion with her goat in a previous year.

Ellie said she’s especially looking forward to helping on sale day and spending time around the cattle shows during this year’s fair.

In addition to her livestock projects, Ellie is entering a writing project. She explained that she’s writing a book and plans to submit its first two chapters for the fair. She said a BookTuber inspired her to begin writing, and her work-in-progress currently carries the title I Love You Forever?

Outside of the fair, Ellie stays active as the reporter for her school’s FFA chapter, where she helps with photography and social media. She also works at a local swimming pool and is working toward becoming a manager.

Looking back on her time in 4-H, Ellie said the program has helped her become more confident and develop leadership skills. One of her favorite memories came when she won Grand Champion with her goat, a day she said brought her a great deal of joy.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Reece Landers Looks Forward to Fair Week While Giving Back Through the Junior Fair Board

Planning for the Knox County Fair isn’t just about preparing his own projects for Reece Landers. As a first-year member of the Knox County Junior Fair Board, he’s also helping prepare for one of the county’s biggest events of the year.

WNZR’s Josiah Styer recently sat down with Reece to talk about his involvement in 4-H, his responsibilities on the Junior Fair Board, and what he’s looking forward to during fair week.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Reece, who is from Centerburg, attends the Knox County Career Center, where he is studying precision machining. He is a member of the Liberty Livestock 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for nine years.

As a Junior Fair Board member, Reece helps plan and prepare for the fair by attending meetings and assisting with projects leading up to fair week. He said he’s especially looking forward to the rodeo, helping with the pig shows, and being involved with the turkey show.

Preparing his turkey for competition takes time and consistency. Reece said he gets his bird ready for the show by spending time walking it and making sure it’s well fed throughout the summer.

Once the fair is over, Reece plans to continue working, make new connections, and enjoy the rest of his summer before returning to school. He said one of the biggest lessons 4-H has taught him is responsibility, especially when it comes to caring for animals.

Reece also shared one of his funniest fair memories. While showing a rabbit one year, it jumped off the table and took off running around the show ring.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Luci Byler Shares Her Passion for Horses, Sheep, and the Knox County Fair

Whether she’s answering questions, helping exhibitors, or preparing her own animals for competition, Luci Byler enjoys staying busy during fair week.

Luci recently joined WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger to talk about her role as a Knox County Junior Fair Board liaison, her years in 4-H, and what she’s looking forward to at this year’s Knox County Fair.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Luci, who is from Brinkhaven, will be a sophomore at Loudonville High School this fall. She is a member of the Barnyard Bunch and Dreamcatchers 4-H clubs and has been involved in 4-H since she was nine years old. This is her second year serving on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

As a liaison, Luci helps keep events running smoothly by assisting with livestock shows, supporting other liaisons, helping animal caretakers, and answering questions from exhibitors and fairgoers. She currently serves as a horse liaison and enjoys being available to lend a hand whenever it’s needed.

While she enjoys helping behind the scenes, Luci is also preparing for competition herself. This year she’ll be exhibiting both her horse and sheep at the Knox County Fair, and she’s especially looking forward to the sheep shows because she enjoys watching other exhibitors compete.

Preparing for the show ring takes plenty of work. Luci said she studies horse patterns, watches other exhibitors to learn from them, and spends a great deal of time practicing before fair week arrives.

Outside of 4-H, Luci is also involved in FFA and will continue participating in those activities during the upcoming school year. She also plans to exhibit her sheep at the Ohio State Fair after the Knox County Fair concludes.

Reflecting on what 4-H has taught her over the years, Luci said one of the biggest lessons has been learning to do what’s best for herself instead of letting others tell her what to do.

She also shared one of her funniest fair memories—a time when her horse nearly ran over the judge during a show.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Logan Daubenmire Balances Leadership, Livestock, and Service Through 4-H

While many fairgoers only see the events taking place in the show ring, Logan Daubenmire enjoys being part of the work that helps make those events happen.

Logan recently joined WNZR’s Josiah Styer to talk about his years in 4-H, serving on the Knox County Junior Fair Board, and the livestock projects that keep him busy throughout the year.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

A Mount Vernon High School senior, Logan is a member of the Knox County Career Center FFA Chapter. He has been involved in 4-H for eight years and is serving his fourth year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

As a board member, Logan helps announce shows, steps in wherever help is needed, and assists with caring for some of the animals during fair week. He said he’s especially looking forward to this year’s truck and tractor pull, along with the livestock shows.

Logan is also involved in the Limitless Livestock Show, which he described as a great opportunity for participants. Along with that event, he’ll be exhibiting dairy beef feeders and dairy beef steers during the fair.

When the fair comes to a close, Logan stays involved by helping with auctioneering before turning his attention to the upcoming school year, when he’ll assist with landscape competitions.

Reflecting on his time in 4-H, Logan said one of the biggest lessons he’s learned is the importance of putting in the work to achieve success. He also said one of his favorite memories was joining the Junior Fair Board and getting to know the other members.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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