By Mark Carpenter
People’s Defender
As you read this, the 135th version of the Adams County Fair is in full swing, with activities for all ages filling the daily schedules. Even with the extreme heat, the fair is scheduled to run through Saturday, July 18, with the usual large crowds expected.
The fair kicked off on Sunday, July 12 with the return of the Grand Parade, which made the long trek from the old hospital site to the center ring on the fairgrounds. The parade entertained those lining the streets of West Union with the usual array of 4-H floats, vintage farm tractors, queens and princesses, local businesses, first responders, horses and of course, the contingent of local politicians.
After emcee Don Bowles introduced all the parade participants as they circled the center ring, the opening ceremonies got underway on the gazebo, beginning with a welcome from Fair Board President Brock Pistole who then presented the Outstanding Fair Supporter Award to Brad White.
“Brad is the guy we call when we need something done, whether it’s during Fair Week or the middle of October,” said Pistole. “Brad has always gone above an beyond with anything we need and there’s a lot of stuff around here that wouldn’t happen here without people like Brad.”
Next up was Adams County resident and Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge, who extended an invitation to everyone to attend this year’s Ohio State Fair.
“Best wishes to all for a wonderful Adams County fair,” said Baldridge.
Teresa Lewis, representing Congressman David Taylor had two presentations, the first a proclamation from Taylor to Pistole and the Senior Fair Board and then a $200 check presented to the Junior Fair Board.
“The members of the Junior Fair Board are the hardest working young people in the state of Ohio,” said Lewis. “They are her before the fair, during the fair and after the fair.”
Next was the King and Queen Contest with Diesel Ferguson being named the 2026 Junior Fair King with Liam Newland as First-Runner-Up. Vivian Grimes was named the 2026 Junior Fair Queen with Grace DeAtley as First Runner-Up, Nina McCann as Second Runner-Up, Madee Koenig as Third Runner-Up and Reese Davis as Fourth Runner-Up.
Each contestant was interviewed by Bowles and then challenged with a randomly drawn question. for Grimes, the random question was how 4-H and FFA had shaped her into the person she is today.
“I’ve been taught so many life skills that you simply can’t get anywhere else,” said the new Queen. “I’ve learned responsibility and time management skills.”
In the time while the contest judges made their tough decisions, there were more presentations.
4-H Advisory Committee member Hannah Scott presented the Friends of 4-H Award to Mark Wickerham, owner of West Union Electric & Plumbing.
“Mark goes above and beyond for 4-H and for our community and he embodies that spirit every day,” said Scott. “Mark helps in any way he can and his generosity extends as a faithful supporter of the Adams County Fair. “He never asks for recognition and goes out of his way to fill the gaps with a smile on his face and a positive attitude.”
Adams County 4-H Educator Kristy Watters presented the 2026 4-H Alumni Award to Ryan Shoemaker, an award given to someone who has gone through the 4-H program and made a significant impact on the community.
“Some people volunteer for a program and others become the heart of it, Ryan is one of those people,” said Watters. “Ryan continues to give back to our program in so many ways. When I need a problem solved or just an extra set of hand, Ryan is the guy I call. He has a commitment to making our program strong. His leadership and support have impacted so many young people over the years.”
Finally, Kim Baker presented the 4-H VIP Award to Chris Watters.
“Chris is usually the first call and the last one to leave,” said Baker. “Perhaps his greatest role is to be a “4-H Dad” to four children. The success of 4-H depends on people like Chris behind the scenes who quietly step up and ask for nothing in return.
The only real hiccup of the fair’s opening night came a few minutes past six o’clock as the Cheerleading Competition was beginning to gear up. The clouds parted and a deluge of rain lasted for about 15 minutes, enough to force the cheer squads to scramble for cover and for the competition to be moved to the gymnasium at West Union High School. After a whole lot of pieces fell into place, the competition went on and the winners were as follows:
• Pee-Wee: First Place- Peebles; Second Place- Creative Spark
• Cheerability: First Place and Grand Champion- Venture Hawks
• Junior High: First Place- West Union; Second Place- Eastern Brown; Third Place- Manchester
• High School: First Place- Peebles; Second Place- Manchester; Third Place- West Union; fourth Place- North Adams
As stated before, the fair continues through Saturday, with the Small Animal Sale on Friday at 4 p.m. and the Livestock Sale on Saturday at 11 a.m. Admission price is $10.