By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
The new Wood County Junior Fair Queen and King each brought something a little nontraditional to the royal court when they were crowned Sunday night in front of a packed grandstand.
Junior Fair Queen Madelayne Lee, representing the Wood County Junior Fair Board, called herself the “Miscellaneous Girl.” Throughout her junior fair experiences, her 4-H projects have consisted only of miscellaneous projects.
Tontogany Four-Leaf Clovers member Logan Benedict was crowned the junior fair king at the end of the fair’s opening ceremony. He thought the fact that he was homeschooled would be a strike against him because he didn’t have the usual “school-based leadership opportunities” that the majority of king and queen candidates had.
Lee and Benedict were surprised when their names were called for queen and king; they were both aware their backgrounds were slightly unconventional.
Lee knew traditionally the junior fair members who are chosen for the royal court often are the kids who have experienced the fair in the barns, raising and showing animals from rabbits and poultry to horses and beef.
She was surprised because Wood County is known for having “so many candidates and everyone is so capable,” she said.
Her resume included secretary of the junior fair board, vice president of Country Paws 4-H Club, president of her senior class at Elmwood High School, and involvement in the Spanish club, Royal Leadership team, yearbook staff and a HOBY ambassador alumna.
“I did dog projects and a woodworking project when I was little. … that one was rough. I’m not going to be a carpenter, that’s for sure,” she said with a smile. “The miscellaneous world (in 4-H) is incredible. Making sure kids have accessibility to anything in 4-H is a great thing.”
Benedict grew up with doubters about his ability to socialize because he was homeschooled. “That’s never been a factor, but I didn’t think I would be Wood County junior fair king,” he said after the ceremony.
Instead of school-based leadership activities, most of his involvement is through his affiliation with Dayspring Church. “I’m really involved in the community with a lot of activities outside of 4-H,” he explained.
As an active volunteer at the church, helping with activities such as surveys and Sunday school, “I was able to fill in my leadership and volunteer experience to be able to get king,” he said.
He wasn’t confident that his royalty interview went well, but the lesson he learned was “Never underestimate yourself and give thanks to God,” he said.
In addition to the church involvement, Benedict is a fifth-generation farmer in the family farm, raises and shows sheep, and is a member of Tontogany 4-Leaf Clovers and Wood County Top Shots 4-H Club.
Fair week is a marathon for the queen, king and the royal court. “It’s a lot. It’s a big responsibility but I’m looking forward to taking that role on and helping everyone at the fair to learn more about it,” Lee said.
“I’m ready and prepared for whatever they throw at me” throughout the rest of fair week, Benedict said. “I’m used to late nights and early mornings on the farm.”
Also recognized as members of the 2024-25 Wood County Junior Fair Royal Court were first runners-up Addison Naus of Bowling Green FFA, and Jimmy Russell, representing the Wood County Junior Fair Board; second runners-up Summer Lehsten of Haskins Clover Crew 4-H Club, and Carter Lampe, Simply Stock 4-H Club; and third runners-up Emma Ruffner, representing Blue Ribbon Rangers 4-H Club, and Henry Strow of Leaders of Tomorrow 4-H Club.
Parade is a toast to Wood County Junior Fair
Each year, the Wood County Junior Fair Parade precedes the crowning of the junior fair royalty at the Wood County Fair.
This year, the parade featured 50 units, including the 2024 grand marshals Richard and Peggy King, 28 queen and king units, 16 4-H clubs, five high school bands, the 2023 junior fair king and queen and royalty court, and one FFA chapter. The covered wagon float of the Black Swamp Outlaws 4-H Club earned the first-place float award in the parade.
John Nissen, president of the Wood County Agricultural Society, thanked everyone for their part in making the Wood County Fair one of the best in the state. From the Wood County sheriff, local firefighters and Wood County Hospital who help keep the fair safe to the “countless people who give of their time and energy, Wood County has a lot to be proud of,” he said.
Thanks to his father, Eugene Nissen, who served on the senior fair board for many years, “The fair holds a special place in my heart,” Nissen said. “Since I was seven-years-old, the fair was the center of my summers.”
He was on the fairgrounds as a youngster because of his father’s involvement and as a 4-H horse club member. He went on to become a 4-H horse club adviser and then decided he wanted to continue in his father’s footsteps as a fair board member.
“The fair holds many family memories for me. I hope you carry some of them home with you this week,” he told the spectators at the evening’s ceremony and parade.
Ag Credit Agricultural Hall of Fame
Brendyn George of Jackson Township was named to Ag Credit Agricultural Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his agricultural and civic leadership.
A long-time Wood County farmer, George’s family farm operation includes row crops and small grains.
He earned the 2010 Farm Beautification Award and the 2014 Outstanding Cooperator Award from the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District.
He has served as a Jackson Township trustee for 32 years, is involved with the Toledo Metropolitan Council of Governments and is a citizen representative of the Wood County Planning Commission.
