MANSFIELD, Ohio — New royalty now reigns over the Richland County Junior Fair.
Luke Given and Julie Brown were named the 2015 Richland County Junior Fair King and Queen during the coronation ceremony Sunday evening at the John Hartz building. They were selected out of two king contestants and 10 queen contestants.
Warren Rehberg was named first runner-up for king, Kristen Eisenhauer was named first runner-up for queen and Brianna Given was named second runner-up for queen.
“I’m happy, excited and little bit surprised,” Luke Given said of his new title. “Other than that, just very honored to be this year’s king.”
Before judges Adam Floro, Kimmy Villard Satterwhite, Bobby Rhea and Jennifer DeLong Paul–who all are former Richland County Junior Fair Kings and Queens–announced their decision, the contestants were required to answer a question on the stage.
Luke Given was asked why he thinks he’d be a good choice for the 2015 Richland County Junior Fair King.
He cited his leadership experiences as a good reason why he’d make a great king, noting, “I believe I’m a good leader and that it would be a great honor to be this year’s king.”
Brown was asked if she thinks that competition in junior fair programs is good for the exhibitors.
She believes it is good for exhibitors, reasoning, “I think it’s a chance for them to show what they know and what they’ve learned.”
She said it also provides an opportunity for exhibitors to learn from their mistakes.
Luke Given, a soon-to-be senior at Crestview High School, said he has aspirations of becoming a middle school history teacher, though he’s not certain which college he’d like to attend.
A member of Farm Gang 4-H Club, he commented, “I’m excited about this week and the rest of this year. It’s going to be a fun–I’m hoping to make the most of it.”
Brown said she is also eager to begin her reign.
“I think I’m in shock right now. It hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m really excited to embark on this journey. It’s going to be incredible.”
Brown, who belongs to Richland County Livestock Lovers 4-H, recently graduated high school and plans on attending Excelsior College in the hopes of earning her associate degree in business. She said she’d someday like to start her own photography business.
Other contestants who participated in the pageant included Kelcie Chance, Morgan Fackler, Ariel Figueroa, Rebecca Gregg, Mikka Messmore, Christy Reynolds and Emma Yockey.
