The 140th Fayette County Fair began Sunday afternoon with the annual opening ceremony at the McDonald’s Grandstand on the fairgrounds.

The 2019 Fayette County Fair queen’s court was named and out of three candidates — Tori Evans, Abbi Pettit and Andrea Robinson — Pettit was selected as the 2019 Fayette County Fair Queen. Robinson was named an attendant while Evans was named the first attendant and will take over for Pettit if needed.

“It feels absolutely amazing (to be picked queen),” Pettit said. “I have waited since I was in the third grade for this opportunity and I am so honored. Especially since I get to serve as queen with my two best friends on the court as attendants. It is really just unexplainable. I want everyone to have the best time ever and especially if this is your first year showing, go out and have new experiences, try new things and find what you are passionate about and let it take you in life.”

The event began with an introduction of the various guests, the 2019 Fayette County Fair commodity queens, members of the Junior Fairboard and members of the Senior Fairboard. Senior Fairboard President Bob Schwartz addressed the crowd and thanked the community for their continued support of not only the Fayette County Fair, but also of the fairgrounds. He also took time to thank Faith Cottrill for her excellent continued service as the Senior Fairboard secretary.

Schwartz awarded the Jim and Eddie Kirk Fair Supporter Award to the recently retired, Betty Russell. Russell not only served the senior fair office for years, but was often seen serving with 3-Mom’s Catering. She enjoyed all aspects of the Fayette County Fair all her life. In November, Russell decided to retire and stay home to fulfill her bucket list. Russell was on hand during the opening ceremony to accept the award and spoke about how she has never missed a fair since she was a little girl.

Stay with the Record-Herald this week for more coverage of the 140th Fayette County Fair, including photos and stories on the various shows from July 15-20.

Reach Martin Graham at (740) 313-0351 or on Twitter @MartiTheNewsGuy.

The 2019 Commodity Queens were present during the opening ceremony on Sunday.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/07/web1_IMG_3853.jpgThe 2019 Commodity Queens were present during the opening ceremony on Sunday.

Senior Fairboard president Bob Schwartz thanked the crowd for their attendance and continued support of the fair.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/07/web1_IMG_3859.jpgSenior Fairboard president Bob Schwartz thanked the crowd for their attendance and continued support of the fair.

Betty Russell received the Jim and Eddie Kirk Fair Supporter Award during the opening ceremony. She is pictured with Senior Fairboard president Bob Schwartz, member Wayne Arnold and vice president Doug Marine.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/07/web1_IMG_3864.jpgBetty Russell received the Jim and Eddie Kirk Fair Supporter Award during the opening ceremony. She is pictured with Senior Fairboard president Bob Schwartz, member Wayne Arnold and vice president Doug Marine.

The 2019 Fayette County Fair Court, including (bottom to top): Queen Abbi Pettit, first attendant Tori Evans and attendant Andrea Robinson.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/07/web1_IMG_3865.jpgThe 2019 Fayette County Fair Court, including (bottom to top): Queen Abbi Pettit, first attendant Tori Evans and attendant Andrea Robinson.

Abbi Pettit was crowned the 2019 Fayette Fair Queen on Sunday afternoon at the McDonald’s Grandstand during the 140th Fayette County Fair Open Ceremony. Pettit, member of 4-H Fun Bunch, is a graduate of Miami Trace High School and will be attending Miami University in the fall to study early childhood education with hopes of becoming a kindergarten teacher one day.

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/07/web1_IMG_3869Try2.jpgAbbi Pettit was crowned the 2019 Fayette Fair Queen on Sunday afternoon at the McDonald’s Grandstand during the 140th Fayette County Fair Open Ceremony. Pettit, member of 4-H Fun Bunch, is a graduate of Miami Trace High School and will be attending Miami University in the fall to study early childhood education with hopes of becoming a kindergarten teacher one day.