Joshua Davidson may be in his first year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board, but he’s already discovering what makes the fair such a rewarding experience.
WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger recently sat down with Joshua to talk about his involvement in 4-H, serving on the Junior Fair Board, and what he’s looking forward to at this year’s Knox County Fair.
Joshua attends Riverview Middle School and will be entering eighth grade this fall. He’s been a member of the New Horizon 4-H Club for four years and says joining the Junior Fair Board has given him a chance to become more involved with the fair.
One event he’s especially excited about is the truck events, and he shared how he prepares throughout the year for his 4-H project.
Joshua says one of the biggest lessons he’s learned through 4-H is to never give up, even when things don’t go as planned.
When asked about his favorite fair memory, Joshua smiled as he remembered bringing his goose to the fair and seeing how excited everyone was to meet it.
Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!
(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)
Most people come to the Knox County Fair to watch the shows. Lia Wolf enjoys something a little different.
Whether she’s helping in the barns, answering questions, or pitching in wherever she’s needed as a member of the Knox County Junior Fair Board, Lia says some of her favorite moments happen behind the scenes, long before ribbons are handed out.
WNZR’s Josiah Styer recently caught up with Lia to talk about life on the Junior Fair Board, raising livestock, and why she hopes to one day become a veterinarian.
Originally from Chile, Lia moved to Mount Vernon several years ago and is now a homeschooled junior. She’s been involved with the Down on the Farm 4-H Club for six years and is serving her second year on the Junior Fair Board.
This summer she’s showing rabbits, goats and broiler chickens, giving her plenty to keep track of during fair week. While visitors may only see the finished product in the show ring, Lia says preparing animals is something that takes place every day throughout the year.
When the fair ends, life doesn’t slow down much. Along with continuing to care for her animals, she’ll balance school and her job at North Main Café while working toward her long-term dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Lia says raising livestock has taught her responsibility, but it has also shown her the importance of patience. Animals don’t always cooperate, and learning to work through those moments has helped shape her as a person.
She also enjoys being someone her younger siblings can look up to. Seeing them learn from her reminds Lia of the trust she works to build with her own animals every day.
Asked about one of her favorite fair memories, she didn’t mention winning a ribbon. Instead, she smiled while remembering the teamwork of getting livestock pens ready before the fair opened—a reminder that some of the best moments happen before the crowds ever arrive.
Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!
(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)
Leah Weiser’s fair experience stretches far beyond the show ring.
The Mount Vernon teen earned recognition as a miscellaneous project winner at the Knox County Junior Fair with three very different projects: Your Thoughts Matter Senior, Leadership 1, and You Can Quilt Senior. Along with those achievements, she’s also organizing a new beef grooming clinic to help younger exhibitors.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently sat down with Leah to discuss her award-winning projects, her passion for helping others, and what keeps her so busy during fair week.
Leah, a member of the Clinton Clovers 4-H Club, has been involved in 4-H for seven years and will be a sophomore at Mount Vernon High School this fall.
One of her projects focused on mental health awareness. Through Your Thoughts Matter Senior, Leah researched topics surrounding mental health, watched and analyzed how those issues were portrayed in the movie Juno, interviewed a counselor, created educational posters, and learned how to recognize warning signs that someone may be struggling. While she doesn’t plan to pursue a career in mental health, she said the project gave her a much better understanding of the challenges many people face.
Her second project explored leadership. As president of her 4-H club, Leah studied different leadership styles and learned the importance of listening to others before making decisions. She said one of the biggest lessons was realizing that good leaders don’t simply make popular decisions—they make the best decisions for the group.
Leah’s third project combined creativity with family tradition. Earlier this year, she learned to quilt alongside her grandmother, working through instructional books while developing new skills. She completed two quilts, including one that will advance to the Ohio State Fair. Although she won’t be able to attend state judging because of her responsibilities at the Knox County Fair, she’s proud of the work she accomplished in just a few months.
Outside of her miscellaneous projects, Leah has a full schedule during fair week. She’s exhibiting three cows, a cow-calf pair, a breeding heifer, and a market goat named Chuck. She’s also serving on the Junior Fair Board while organizing a new beef grooming clinic designed to help younger exhibitors learn the basics of preparing cattle for the show ring. The clinic takes place Monday at 5 p.m. in the Multipurpose Building.
When she does get a chance to relax, Leah admits one of her favorite fair traditions is visiting the Steak Shack for an Italian sausage or steak sandwich. She especially appreciates that the Knox County Cattlemen’s Association showcases locally raised beef through the popular fair attraction.
Looking back on her years in 4-H, Leah says the experience has taught her patience, respect, and the value of stepping outside her comfort zone. She encourages younger members not to be afraid to try something new because, even when things don’t go as planned, there are always people willing to help.
Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!
(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)
For Meira Bryant, serving on the Knox County Junior Fair Board is about more than organizing events—it’s about being someone others can count on.
WNZR’s Sue McDonald recently spoke with Meira about her leadership roles, her livestock projects, and the lessons she’s learned during seven years in 4-H.
Meira, a recent graduate from Fredericktown, is a member of the Red Brush 4-H Club and has spent the past three years on the Junior Fair Board. She currently serves as secretary while also holding the roles of Goat and Poultry Liaison.
As secretary, Meira helps keep the board organized and works to set a positive example for younger members. In her liaison roles, she’s available to answer questions, assist exhibitors, and step in whenever help is needed throughout fair week.
When she’s not helping others, Meira is preparing her own projects. This year she’s exhibiting broiler chickens, dairy goats, and market goats. She explained that getting animals ready for competition takes months of work, including daily care, exercise, and making sure they’re healthy before entering the show ring.
Now that she’s graduated, Meira is looking toward a career in healthcare. She plans to earn her phlebotomy license and hopes to begin working in clinics or hospitals.
Looking back on her time in 4-H, Meira says one of the biggest rewards has been the friendships she’s built with fellow Junior Fair Board members while spending countless hours together in the barns.
She also shared a memorable lesson from her first year showing goats. After putting in months of preparation, her goat had other ideas once it entered the ring—a reminder that no matter how much you prepare, animals sometimes have plans of their own.
Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!
(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)
Representing the equine program at the Knox County Fair is about much more than wearing a crown or a cowboy hat. For Equine Queen Luci Byler and Equine Prince Michael Carpenter, it’s an opportunity to encourage exhibitors, support horse projects, and help make the fair a positive experience for everyone involved.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently talked with Luci and Michael about their roles as the 2026 Knox County Equine Royalty and what fairgoers can expect during the week.
Luci, of Brinkhaven, attends Loudonville High School and is a member of the Barnyard Bunch and Dreamcatchers 4-H clubs. Michael is from Bellville, attends Fredericktown High School, and is a member of the Questions 4-H Club.
As Equine Royalty, the pair helps present ribbons, serves as role models for younger exhibitors, and assists horse families whenever they’re needed throughout the fair.
For Luci, being named Equine Queen was especially meaningful. She said earning the title had been a longtime goal, reflecting her love for horses and years of dedication to the equine program.
Michael said he was excited to be selected as Equine Prince after trying for the honor for the first time. He hopes to encourage others to become involved with horses and enjoy everything the equine program has to offer.
During the interview, Michael also highlighted the equine facilities at the fairgrounds, noting the large arena with plenty of seating for spectators, along with a separate warm-up arena where riders can prepare before entering the show ring.
Luci reminded spectators that while it’s important to cheer on exhibitors, they should wait until a rider has completed their pattern before making noise so they don’t distract horses during competition.
Both are looking forward to spending the week around the horse shows and meeting exhibitors. Luci encouraged horse owners to spend as much time as possible with their animals, saying the bond between horse and rider is an important part of the experience.
One fun difference between the two? Luci wears a crown as Equine Queen, while Michael sports a black cowboy hat as Equine Prince.
Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!
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.
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!
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
Rise and Shine 