MOUNT VERNON — Being Knox County Fair Queen or King isn’t a walk in the park. One minute you’re smiling for pictures, the next you’re mucking a stall.
None of the 2025 candidates would have it any other way.
At the Junior Fair Board Breakfast on Thursday at the Ramser 4-H Center, king and queen candidates had a chance to state their respective cases why each would make good royalty.
First, however, 2024 Queen Reagan Ward imparted words of wisdom.
“July will be the most hectic and wonderful and chaotic month of your year, and life doesn’t slow down from there,” she told the candidates.
As part of being the 2024 queen, she competed in the state fair queen competition through the Ohio Fair Managers Association.
“I will say that after talking to those girls and talking to some of the judges, Knox County truly is a very special and wonderful county. I am beyond thankful for my fair and the way we operate,” she said.
“Our community is intimate and supportive. If you fall down, we will be right there to help you back up.”
Four young women are competing for the queen title; three young men are vying for king.
Junior Fair Chairman Amy Carpenter said she is privileged to work alongside the youth over the last couple of years.
“They come to work, they’re dedicated, they get the job done. And I’m so excited for some of the changes that they’re going to show you guys this year and some of the shows,” Carpenter said.
“Every single one of these individuals would be a fantastic representative of our community, our fair, and what we are all about here.”
Following is a brief biography of each candidate.
Queen candidates
Kennedy Auker
Auker said growing up on her family’s grain farm, with its early mornings and long days, taught her the value of hard work, faith, and family.
“This isn’t just a fair to me. It’s home, it’s tradition, and it’s the heartbeat of everything I love about agriculture,” she said.
In her 11th year of showing market hogs, Auker said she’s walked out of the show ring with ribbons.
“More importantly, I’ve walked away with lifelong friendships, lessons and responsibility, and a sense of pride that only comes from hard work,” she said. “The fair has given me a place to grow up, grow into who I am, and that’s something I will always carry with me.”
In addition to serving on the Junior Fair Board, Auker has served as president of the Knox County Career Center’s FFA.
“I want to be someone who’s not afraid to roll up their sleeves, who checks in when someone is struggling, and who shines a spotlight on the hard work of every single exhibitor. Because that’s what this fair is about.”
kennedy auker
Other activities include the Knox County Teen Advisory Council, student council, and student ambassador.
“As fair queen, I wouldn’t just wear a crown. I’d wear the responsibility that comes with it,” she said.
Auker plans to attend The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, majoring in agriculture communications and minoring in business.
Ansley Daubenmeier
A recent Mount Vernon High School graduate, Daubenmeier said that standing in front of the group was a “full circle moment.”
“Looking out at this crowd filled with friends, 4-H families, community members, and even some new faces, I feel nothing but gratitude,” she said.
“This fair, this community has helped shape the person I am today. Now I’m honored to stand before you as a candidate for the 2025 Knox County Fair Queen.”
Daubenmeier said that for as long as she can remember, the fair has been her second home. She spent childhood summers in the barns.
“I still remember the first time I walked into the show ring, my heart pounding, my hands shaking,” she said.
“But I also remember the people around me clapping, cheering, and believing in me before I even knew how to believe in myself.
“Through 4-H and FFA, I didn’t just learn how to care for animals. I learned how to care for people. I learned what it means to show up, to work hard, and to grow through these challenges.”
“But more than anything, I learned that the fair is about more than just projects or prizes. It’s about connection. It’s about belonging.”
Ansley daubenmeier
In her desire to give back, Daubenmeier created the Limitless Livestock Show, allowing individuals with developmental disabilities to experience what many youth take for granted.
“I want every child who steps onto this fairgrounds, whether they’re showing a champion or it’s their first year, to know that they matter,” she said.
Daubenmeier also plans to attend OSU ATI, majoring in animal science and minoring in agricultural communication.
Madison Seng
Madison Seng recalls that when she was little, she looked up to the fair queen. She thought it would be “so cool” to be queen one day.
“Now, after being in the program for so many years, I’m finally eligible, and I’m so excited to be running,” she said.
Seng’s involvement includes serving as a 4-H camp counselor, vice president of the Future Go Getters 4-H Club, and vice president of the Mount Vernon FFA chapter.
Her fair projects range from beef feeders and broilers to a shop project and flowers.
“These programs require unwavering dedication and commitment, which I believe I have shown,” she said. “They have helped me grow as an individual and have really built my skills.”
4-H camp, in particular, helped Seng reach out to younger members of the community. She is also actively involved in Sertoma and her church, all of which she said provide a connection and make her recognizable.
If selected queen, Seng said she will visit each building and be involved.
“I will strive to be a fair queen that leaves a legacy,” she said. “… I don’t just want to wear the crown. I want to connect with people so that whenever they look back on this fair year, they’ll be able to say, ‘of course I can tell you what year she was fair queen. I saw her everywhere. She was so involved and made a difference.’”
“If chosen, I’ll put all my energy into giving back to these programs that have given me so much and truly built me into the person I am today.”
Madison Seng
Raegan Blanchard
Raegan Blanchard grew up with an agricultural background, although not on a big farm with large animals.
“Growing up, I never really had that place that felt like home to me. But that changed the minute I became a 4-H member for the first time,” she said.
Seng recalls her first 4-H meeting, sitting in the car and absolutely terrified because of all the new people.
“As soon as I walked into that meeting, everything changed. People that I had never talked to before came up to me and made me feel welcome,” she said.
Six years ago, Blanchard and her parents started a 4-H club. Now she can create that same welcoming experience for everyone who walks through the doors.
Blanchard’s leadership experience includes club president, Junior Rabbit Ambassador, two years on the Junior Fair Board, and FFA involvement.
She shows breeding and market rabbits.
“Through my projects and involvement in the fair, I’ve acquired many qualities and skills that have helped shape me into the person that I am today,” she said.
“The Knox County Fair isn’t just a week on the calendar with ribbons and trophies. It’s a week full of memories and a week full of emotions. A time to show off months of dedication, to proudly walk around in your dusty boots and your sunburned shoulders, and to celebrate the heart and effort poured into every single project.”
Reagan Blanchard
She’s more independent, confident in her abilities, and has learned responsibility, dedication, communication, and selflessness.
Arguably the most important, Blanchard said she has learned to be selfless and willing to help anyone and everyone she can.
King candidates
Arthur Hollenback
A Utica High School graduate, Arthur Hollenback attended C-Tech of Licking. He’s certified in diesel power equipment mechanics and plans to earn his heavy machine operator’s license, Class A CDL, and OSHA 30 card at Hocking Technical College while working on the family farm.
“My passion for agriculture started with toy tractors to now working, operating, and helping on our family farm,” he said.
The family farm includes grain farming, a chicken complex, and a cow-calf operation.
“My love of cattle started because of this cow-calf operation,” he said. “From petting and learning all about them to now showing all kinds of heifers, red heifers, fat steers, and feeder calves all throughout my years into my final year of 4-H.”
Hollenback shows through the Morgan Center Squealers 4-H Club, where he currently serves as president.
Actively involved with FFA, he received his Ohio FFA State Degree, as well as the Outstanding Chapter Star Farmer award.
“Last year, I was also the senior beef ambassador, helping younger members learn showmanship, public speaking, and livestock,” he said.
“If I am chosen fair king, I will represent and show all the good that is Knox County.”
Arthur Hollenback
Hollenback said that through his years of showing cattle, he’s shown at multiple fairs throughout Ohio.
“I’ve always enjoyed coming back to Knox County,” he said. “It is a well-knit, family oriented and welcoming fair.”
Michael Brady
A high school student at East Knox, Michael Brady is actively involved in drama club, track and field, and FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America).
A two-year member of the Junior Fair Board, Brady said he discovered a passion for helping with community events and stepping outside of his comfort zone through FCCLA.
“I joined the drama club one year ago and found a love for working with a team toward a shared goal. Being part of both organizations has helped me grow as a person and as a leader,” he said.
“I take pride as being someone who uplifts others and brings positivity to any room that I walk in. Helping people and making them smile, especially during difficult times, is something I truly enjoy.”
Brady said he is hardworking, respectful, and eager to listen to the ideas of those around him.
Serving on the Junior Fair Board, he said, has taught him to never judge a book by its cover, and that even difficult situations can lead to positive outcomes.
“I’ve learned how to adapt to last-minute changes, build meaningful relationships, and push beyond my comfort zone,” he said.
“As a Junior Fair board member, I take pride in helping ensure that the fair is fun, welcoming, and a memorable experience for everyone.”
“It’s an honor to be a part of something that helps youth become active, engaged community members and future leaders.”
Michael Brady
Dalton Bailey
Dalton Bailey holds a full-time job after graduating from high school. He was unable to attend the breakfast but provided a video listing his qualifications for the fair king.
Bailey is the vice president of the Junior Fair Board and president of Clover Valley 4-H Club.
“I am a very good community person. I am very good with talking to people, and I love the fair,” he said.
“I have a lot of experience with talking to people and leading, and helping with shows through the fair board.”
“I am very good at handling situations and finding the person to handle that situation.”
Dalton Bailey
The qualification process
Amy Carpenter had her own “full circle moment” while listening to the queen candidates speak.
She related that her children grew up showing at the fair under the leadership of OSU Extension Youth Educator Andrea Rees. Rees attended the breakfast and recently celebrated 24 years as an Extension educator.
Carpenter has pictures of almost all of the queen candidates sitting on her daughters’ laps and walking down the barn aisles with them during shows.
“It is now these young ladies that my granddaughter, in her first year of showing, is hanging out with in the barns, is spending time with at quality assurances, and is helping prepare at a very young age for the future of our fair,” she said.
“So if you are not familiar with the legacy and the effect that this program 4-H and FFA has on the youth of our community, talk to families that are several generations deep into this program and see how it is the younger kids growing up to be the older kids embracing the next generation of younger kids in our community.
“It is truly amazing.”
The Junior Fair Board Breakfast was the second speech the candidates made. Randomly selected judges were in the audience judging the candidates’ presentations.
In June, the candidates gave a speech before a panel of six. The panelists also asked the candidates questions.
Judges will combine the scores from the interview process and the breakfast presentation to determine the winner.
Judges will announce the selection at opening ceremonies on Sunday, July 20, at 5 p.m. in front of the grandstand.
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.
