Visited: June 24
As I was entering the fairgrounds, I was stopped by a man on a cell phone and before I knew it, I was being interviewed by WPNM radio via phone. After my pleasant interview, I proceeded to meet my escort, the Fair King of the Putnam County, Matt. He showed me to a building where several 4-H'ers were displaying their miscellaneous projects to the Putnam County Fair Queen, Steph. After helping Steph view some of the youths projects, Matt was given the special privilege of driving the golf cart... It seems to be a re-occurring theme that kings and queens are not typically so spoiled as to have their own golf cart... but suddenly when I arrive, the golf cart appears! So while Matt was busy driving us around the fairgrounds on the golf cart, we ran into the OFMA's very own 1st Vice-President, Dan Kimmet on the mid-way! It was nice to see a familiar face 145 miles away from home. King Matt, Queen Steph, and I then went to the dog show on the back side of the fairgrounds. This was a favorite of mine, since I have shown dogs for all of my 4-H career, nine years! I was even allowed the honor of being a "post" in the figure 8 exercise....and for those of you who show dogs, you know what I am talking about. I was very impressed by the show and the exhibitors at Putnam County. After the dog show, I was given the grand tour of the fair. The barns and buildings were very neat and very well-kept. I especially loved the Junior Fair Board Headquarters attached to the show arena. It was a very unique building that allowed the members to relax (because th
ey work so hard running shows!) and have a place to see their work schedules for the fair. Later in the evening, I had the honor of being a judge in the pinewood derby cars event. I saw the coolest derby car that was decorated as a chicken! My visit to the Putnam County Fair was a very enjoyable one. I really appreciate Matt's and Steph's hospitality towards me. They make a wonderful king and queen! They are so enthusiastic about the fair and really made sure that people felt welcome. They will do a great job this year!
Visited: June 21 
After having the honor of leading the Pickaway County Fair parade, I arrived at the stage as the king and queen contestants were announced and escorted to the stage. Congratulations to the new queen and king, Gracie and Bryan! After the ceremony, I was accompanied around the fair by the 2009 queen, Marcy, who I had the pleasure of first meeting at the 2010 OFMA convention. I visited all of the livestock barns and viewed the spectacular club display booths. Marcy even took me to my very first combine derby! Later in 
the evening, I witnessed square dancing-- tractor style! I watched four couples spin their tractor wheels round and round! I then visited the Italian Eatery operated by Bates Amusement, where I met Rob and Kenny. These amazing guys hooked me up with a fabulous cheese stromboli. Who knows, maybe I will be seeing them at future fairs. The Pickaway County Fair was a pleasure to visit and I especially thank Marcy for showing me around.
Visited: June 19
My first official stop of fair season began with the Paulding County Fair in Northwestern Ohio. Upon my mid-afternoon arrival, I was picked up in a golf cart by Katie and Anna, the 1st and 2nd runner-up royalty for Paulding County. They drove me to the show arena where I met the King, Dakota, who was auctioning himself off for a kiss to a lucky member of the crowd. This "royalty kiss auction" is an annual fundraiser that the fair has on the last day. While in the show arena, I met the Paulding County Fair Queen, Amanda. All of the royalty escorted me around the fairgrounds to the various barns and buildings on the golf cart. They even showed me the fa
ir's famous home-made ice cream stand. That ice cream was delicious! After eating the ice cream, I was then introduced to members of their senior and junior fair boards. The junior fair board members even showed me their sacred euchre table on the fairgrounds, but I can't tell you where it's at! A youth center is something that Paulding County is lucky to have on the fairgrounds. It is something Paulding County should be very proud of! Thank you to Dakota, Amanda, Katie, and Anna for giving me the grand tour of the fairgrounds and being a part of my first fair experience as the 2010 Ohio Fair's Queen!
As I was entering the fairgrounds, I was stopped by a man on a cell phone and before I knew it, I was being interviewed by WPNM radio via phone. After my pleasant interview, I proceeded to meet my escort, the Fair King of the Putnam County, Matt. He showed me to a building where several 4-H'ers were displaying their miscellaneous projects to the Putnam County Fair Queen, Steph. After helping Steph view some of the youths projects, Matt was given the special privilege of driving the golf cart... It seems to be a re-occurring theme that kings and queens are not typically so spoiled as to have their own golf cart... but suddenly when I arrive, the golf cart appears! So while Matt was busy driving us around the fairgrounds on the golf cart, we ran into the OFMA's very own 1st Vice-President, Dan Kimmet on the mid-way! It was nice to see a familiar face 145 miles away from home. King Matt, Queen Steph, and I then went to the dog show on the back side of the fairgrounds. This was a favorite of mine, since I have shown dogs for all of my 4-H career, nine years! I was even allowed the honor of being a "post" in the figure 8 exercise....and for those of you who show dogs, you know what I am talking about. I was very impressed by the show and the exhibitors at Putnam County. After the dog show, I was given the grand tour of the fair. The barns and buildings were very neat and very well-kept. I especially loved the Junior Fair Board Headquarters attached to the show arena. It was a very unique building that allowed the members to relax (because th
ey work so hard running shows!) and have a place to see their work schedules for the fair. Later in the evening, I had the honor of being a judge in the pinewood derby cars event. I saw the coolest derby car that was decorated as a chicken! My visit to the Putnam County Fair was a very enjoyable one. I really appreciate Matt's and Steph's hospitality towards me. They make a wonderful king and queen! They are so enthusiastic about the fair and really made sure that people felt welcome. They will do a great job this year! 
