Libby Aleshire was crowned the 2022 Fayette County Fair Queen at the fair’s opening celebration ceremony on Sunday.
After she was crowned by 2021 Fayette County Fair Queen Garren Walker, Aleshire spoke about her fair experience and how much becoming queen means to her. Aleshire is a Miami Trace High School graduate and serves as president of Fayette Farm Life 4-H club. She has been in 4-H for eight years and has been on the junior fair board for three years where she was elected as the 2022 vice president.
During her time in 4-H, Aleshire has held various commodity queen titles, including 2018 Fayette County Meat Goat Ambassador, 2019 Fayette County Small Animals Queen, and 2020 Fayette County Swine Queen.
In school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, FFA, Youth Drug Prevention Coalition, and student government. Also, Aleshire was a member of the varsity girls basketball, track, and golf teams where she has acted as a leader for the past four years.
“It is such an honor to be chosen as the Fayette County Fair Queen, but I wouldn’t be here today without the help and love of so many individuals,” Aleshire said.
Aleshire thanked those who introduced her to the fair and 4-H and got her involved.
“Thank you to my parents and grandparents and all my family for supporting me, loving me and driving me around to all my different projects because they were never at the same place,” she said.
Aleshire also thanked the Fayette County Fair Board and all the individuals who help make the fair possible.
“The fair truly is such a great thing in our community and brings together so many different people in all walks of life,” she said. “Thank you and let’s have a great fair week.”
Aleshire plans to attend the University of Louisville and major in biology. She has been accepted into the honors program on a pre-medical track. She hopes to one day become an orthopedic surgeon.
Hidy Kirkpatrick was selected as the 2022 Fayette County First Attendant and Abigail Brandt was chosen as the 2022 Fayette County Fair Attendant.
Sunday’s opening ceremony, originally scheduled to be held at the McDonald’s Grandstand, was moved inside due to rain and storms.
Fayette County Agricultural Society President Dr. Bob Schwartz announced to the large crowd that the community recently lost a great fair supporter and an institution with the Fayette County Cattlefeeders — Roger Bonham. A moment of silence was recognized and Schwartz offered thoughts and prayers to Bonham’s family.
Junior Fair Board President Bryce Bennett introduced all of the special guests and commodity queens, and the Boy Scouts of Fayette County presented the colors. 4-H member Sidney Payton sang “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Schwartz and Jim Kirk presented the 2022 Fair Supporter Award to Dr. Daryl Waits, Jr.
A graduate of The Ohio State University in 1998, Dr. Waits, Jr. joined the practice at the Fayette Veterinary Hospital. He has a strong interest in working with exotic pet animals in addition to the traditional pets normally seen at the hospital. He desires to help owners understand the health needs and requirements of their pets.
Garren Walker, the 2021 Fair Queen, also addressed the crowd before the new queen was announced.
“I sincerely thank the Fayette County Fair Board, advisors, my parents, my siblings and my friends for supporting me and believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” she said. “I have gained self-confidence, self-worth, leadership qualities and the ability to handle adversity through this opportunity. I think it’s a good reminder for everyone to be kind all this week. How you treat other people, your animal and the property of the fairgrounds is a reflection of who you are. I hope you have a wonderful fair this year.”
Immediately after the ceremony, a ribbon cutting was held, signifying the opening of the 2022 Fayette County Fair.
Reach Record-Herald Editor Ryan Carter at 740-313-0352.
