The Logan County Fair will officially kick off with the annual Fair Royalty Contest on Sunday, July 12, immediately following the Opening Ceremony, which begins at noon.
The contest will take place in the Show Barn on the fairgrounds.
This year's contest includes two King candidates, five Queen candidates and three Princess candidates, all of whom are eager to represent the fair and serve the community during the coming year.
“Our Fair Royalty Contest is one of my favorite traditions because it allows our youth to share their passion for our fair and the community it represents,” said Mandi Wood, fair royalty coordinator.
“We are excited to continue providing opportunities for our youth to represent our fair and to celebrate the values of leadership, service, agriculture and community involvement. Each candidate brings a unique story about what the county fair means to them.”
Candidates had an interview with judges on Tuesday, June 23. On the day of the contest, they will answer a question and share their experiences and involvement in their schools, community and the fair.
The newly crowned Logan County Fair King, Queen, and Princess will spend the next year representing the fair at community events, neighboring county fairs, agricultural activities and the 2027 Ohio Fair Managers Association Queen Contest.
Community members are encouraged to attend the contest, meet this year's candidates, and help celebrate the beginning of another exciting fair season.
Here’s a look at this year’s royalty contestants:
A pair of king applicants each hope to represent the Logan County Fair this year – Wyatt Gordon King of Zanesfield and Jay Young of West Liberty.
Wyatt is a member of the Logan County Livestock 4-H Club and Benjamin Logan FFA. A son of Eric and Summer Gordon, he will be a senior at Benjamin Logan High School in the fall.
Wyatt shows dairy beef feeders, dairy steers, dairy heifers and dairy cows.
“If selected, I would represent Logan County by maintaining a professional demeanor with an emphasis on community,” he said.
A member of Showin and Growin 4-H Club and West Liberty Salem FFA, Jay is a son of Scott and MaryAnn Young and will be a junior at West Liberty-Salem High School.
Jay shows beef steers and swine.
“If selected, I would go to fairs all across the state, put in a good word for Logan County as well as represent attending Logan County events, and also represent Logan County as a whole at school,” he said.
Five young ladies will vie for the Logan County Fair Queen title: Courtney Altstaetter of Bellefontaine, Maddy Hamm of Rushsylvania, Lauren Kennedy of Zanesfield, Emily LeVan of Bellefontaine and Alice Luthman of Huntsville.
Courtney is a member of the Cool Clovers 4-H Club and Indian Lake OHP FFA. She shows market goats, pygmy goats, dairy steer, and dairy beef feeders at the fair.
A daughter of Phil and Brandi Altstaetter, Courtney will be a senior at Indian Lake High School.
“If I were to be selected as Logan County Queen, I would attend numerous fairs, including fairs I have attended as Princess, to form relationships with their royalty and connect with the royalty I have met this past year.
“I would display myself in the most professional way possible so that I, along with the royalty court, will be respected. As Queen, I am representing all of Logan County. I will represent Logan County to the best of my ability because I have such a deep love for Logan County.
“During my time not attending fairs, I will still be active in my community, volunteering and serving wherever needed. Logan County Royalty is not just a seasonal job, I will hold myself to the standard of respect and grace and represent Logan County in that way.”
Maddy is a daughter of Tige and Michelle Hamm. She is a recent graduate of Benjamin Logan High School.
A member of Roots and Boots 4-H Club, Maddy shows market goats and beef feeders.
“If selected, I would be sure to share the word of what it really means to support the Logan County Fair. I would go to as many fairs around Ohio as possible to share the word of what we do,” she stated.
Lauren is a member of Friendly Farming 4-Her’s and Benjamin Logan FFA. A daughter of Ben and Renae Kennedy, she will be a senior at Benjamin Logan High School.
Lauren participates in the fair with her market turkeys, market pigs and pack goats and welding project.
“If selected as the 2026 Logan County Fair Queen, I would be honored to represent Logan County throughout the year by serving in my community, supporting local agriculture, being a positive role model and mentor for the youth and promoting the Logan County Fair,” she said.
“I would take pride in attending community events, parades and other county fairs, where I would have the opportunity to connect with other fair royalty and share values and traditions that make the Logan County Fair so special.
“Being the Logan County Fair Queen and representing Logan County is a responsibility that goes beyond wearing a sash and crown; it's a commitment to make a positive impact in my community, support those around me and represent my county with pride.”
Emily is a daughter of Scott and Carmen LeVan and will be a senior at Benjamin Logan High School.
A member of Mix & Match 4-H Club and Benjamin Logan FFA, Emily shows horses at the fair.
“If selected, I would represent Logan County by focusing on mentorship and outreach,” she said. “Throughout the year, I want to attend local schools and 4-H meetings to encourage younger kids to get involved.
“I’ll represent our county with integrity and a “work hard, stay humble” attitude, showing that the fair is about more than just one week, it’s about the character and friendships we build year-round.”
Alice is a member of Traditions 4-H Club. A daughter of Ben and Erin Luthman, she is a recent graduate of Seton Home Study.
At the fair, Alice shows market lambs, dairy steers and dairy beef feeders.
“If selected as this year's Fair Royalty, I would represent Logan County by showing the same work ethic, hospitality, and agricultural pride that our community is built on,” she said. “I would be present at events throughout the year, not just to wear a crown, but to support exhibitors, encourage younger members, and help visitors feel welcomed and included.
“Whether I’m helping at shows, speaking with families, or representing Logan County at surrounding fairs and events, I would strive to be a positive, respectful, modest and dependable ambassador.”
A trio of young ladies is competing in the 2026 Princess contest: Alivia James of West Mansfield, Charity Sanders of Bellefontaine and Carlie Wilson of Lewistown.
Alivia is a member of Benjamin Logan FFA and a daughter of Justin and Lora James. She will be a sophomore at Benjamin Logan High School.
At the fair, Alivia shows market goats, breeding goats, market turkeys, and a market barrow.
“If I were selected as the Logan County Fair Princess, I would make sure I would represent the¥ program throughout fair week and at other fairs,” she said. “I would make sure I attended as many shows as possible. I would help exhibitors and assist others when needed.”
Charity is a daughter of Jaromey and Julia Sanders. She will be in seventh-grade at Bellefontaine Middle School.
A member of the Animals, Stitches, and Things 4-H Club, Charity shows breeding rabbits.
“If selected, I would tell people about Logan County and the community and all of the good things we have to offer. I would show respect to the people I would come into contact with,” she said.
A member of Premier Livestock 4-H Club, Carlie is the daughter of Joe and Shawnna Wilson. She will be a freshman at Riverside High School.
Carlie shows steers at the Logan County Fair.
“If selected, I will go to different fairs, help pass out ribbons, and show people around the fair. I will tell people my favorite things about the fair, how fun the fair is, and why they should come to our fair more often,” she said.
The 2026 Cloverbud Royalty are:
● Ella Davidson of Riverside Hustlers;
● Kyndall Ross of Mix & Match;
● Lexi Penhorwood of Riverside Hustlers;
● Sawyer Blair of Roots and Boots; and
● Margaret Jacque of Master Mix.
For additional information about the Logan County Fair Royalty Contest or how you can support the royalty program, contact Mandi Wood at [email protected].