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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