Junior Fair Leader Meira Bryant Shares Why Service Comes First

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.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

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)

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Sierra Shields Says the Knox County Fair Is About Leadership, Responsibility and Serving Others

While fairgoers often see the shows and competitions, there’s another group working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Sierra Shields wears several hats on the Knox County Junior Fair Board, serving as a liaison, Dairy Ambassador, and leader for fellow exhibitors.

WNZR’s Sue McDonald recently sat down with Sierra to discuss her many responsibilities, her livestock projects, and the lessons she’s learned through years of involvement with 4-H and FFA.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Sierra, of Howard, is a senior at Danville High School and also attends the Knox County Career Center in the College U Business program. She’s a member of the Creative Kids 4-H Club and Danville FFA. She has been involved in 4-H for eight years, FFA for four years, and has spent the past three years serving on the Junior Fair Board. She has also served as Dairy Ambassador and a liaison for four years.

As a liaison, Sierra acts as a communication link between exhibitors, parents, and visitors, helping answer questions and keep events running smoothly. As Dairy Ambassador, she represents the dairy industry while encouraging younger members to become involved in agriculture.

This year, Sierra said the Junior Fair Board has placed extra emphasis on animal care and safety by providing exhibitors with clear guidelines for barn walkthroughs and making sure livestock receive proper care throughout the week.

Beyond her leadership roles, Sierra is busy in the show ring. At the Knox County Fair she’s exhibiting market dairy steers, market dairy feeders, and a market hog. She’ll continue her summer at the Ohio State Fair, where she’ll also show sheep and additional cattle.

Preparing animals for competition is a year-round commitment. Sierra explained that exhibitors spend months helping animals become comfortable around people while making sure they’re healthy and ready for the show ring. She credits her younger siblings for helping with chores and daily responsibilities throughout the year.

Looking ahead, Sierra plans to return to the Career Center’s College U Business program while pursuing internship opportunities. Her long-term goal is to attend Wilmington College and earn a master’s degree in animal science.

Reflecting on her years in 4-H and the Junior Fair Board, Sierra said one of the biggest lessons she’s learned is the importance of staying true to yourself and treating others with authenticity. One of her favorite fair memories is competing in showmanship alongside her older brother.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

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

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Knox County Equine Royalty Ready to Encourage and Support Young Horse Exhibitors

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.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

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!

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WNZR Talks with the 2026 Little Miss and Mr. Knox County!

2026 Knox County Fair Royalty were announced on Sunday. WNZR’s Joe Rinehart had the chance to talk with the 2026 Little Miss Knox County – Hallie Johnson and Little Mr. Knox County – Karsten Tedrow. They shared about their experience in the Pageant.

Click HERE to hear the conversations!

This was the 34th year for Little Miss Knox County and the 5th year for Little Mr. Knox County!

Congratulations to all the participants and winners:

2026 Little Miss Knox County – Hallie Johnson

1st Runner Up – Kasey Mason
2nd Runner Up – Millie Ruckman
3rd Runner Up – Anna Prince

2026 Little Mr Knox County – Karsten Tedrow

1st Runner Up – Heath Scott
2nd Runner Up – Jay Schall
3rd Runner Up – Holden Miles

Check out our pictures on the WNZR Facebook Page. Look for the 2025 Knox County Fair Sunday photo album.

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WNZR talks with the 2026 Junior Fair Queen and King

2026 Knox County Fair Royalty were announced on Sunday. WNZR’s Joe Rinehart had the chance to talk with the 2026 Junior Fair Queen – Sophie Wolfe and Junior Fair King – Will Stokes. They shared about their experience in this contest and shared a highlight of the projects they are working on for this year’s Fair.
Click HERE to listen to their conversations.

Congratulations to all the participants and winners:
2026 Junior Fair Queen – Sophie Wolf

We spoke with these candidates:

  • Sophia Wolf
  • Haley Unger
  • Taylor Thorne
  • Raegan Blanchard

2026 Junior Fair King – Will Stokes

We spoke with these candidates

  • Will Stokes
  • Lane Dugan

Check out our pictures on the WNZR Facebook page. Look for the 2025 Knox County Fair Sunday photo album.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – our favorite songs from for King & Country

Today for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite songs from for King & Country. We are so excited for their concert on Monday, 8/3 at the Ohio State Fair. Listen 7/27 – 7/31 for your chance to win tickets to the show!

Click HERE for more information on the concert and how to win.

Click HERE to hear from the hosts.

Take a listen to the songs:

Marcy’s favorite is The Proof of Your Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-2dKOfbC9c

Eric’s favorite is Fix My Eyes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ej9T4bTAGI

Daniels’s favorite is God Only Knows
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5cPQg3oq-o

Ethan’s favorite is It’s Not Over Yet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmTmTMcdxOs

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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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