2023 Fayette County Fair Queen Emma See cuts a ribbon, held on one end by 2022 Fayette County Fair Queen Libby Aleshire, in opening ceremonies for the 144th annual fair Sunday, July 16, in front of the grandstand.
The 144th Annual Fayette County Fair Opening ceremonies were held Sunday, July 16, 2023; (l-r); Kaley Moser, Meat Goat Ambassador; Mackenzie Cory, Lamb and Wool Queen; Claudia Fuller, Family Consumer Science Queen; Kamika Bennett, Dairy Goat Ambassador; Amberly Szczerbiak, Horse Queen; Alora Self, Dairy Princess; Sara Dawson, Small Animal Queen; Emma See, 2023 Fayette County Fair Queen; Libby Aleshire, 2022 Fayette County Fair Queen; Addyson Butts, Beef Queen and Emily Reeves, Pork Queen.
2023 Fayette County Fair Queen Emma See addresses the crowd in front of the grandstand during opening ceremonies to mark the beginning of the 144th annual fair Sunday, July 16.
Chris Hoppes | Record-Herald photos
2022 Fayette County Fair Queen Libby Aleshire introduces this year’s queen, Emma See, during the opening ceremonies for the 144th annual fair Sunday, July 16, 2023.
The local Boy Scouts presented the colors during the opening ceremony for the 144th annual Fayette County Fair Sunday, July 16, 2023.
Dr. Bob Schwartz, president of the Fayette County Agricultural Society, addresses the crowd at the grandstand during opening ceremonies for the 2023 Fayette County Fair Sunday, July 16.
Sara Dawson (wearing sunglasses), Small Animal Queen, sings the National Anthem at the opening ceremonies of the 144th Fayette County Fair Sunday, July 16, 2023.
Fair queens at the opening ceremony of the 144th Fayette County Fair Sunday, July 16, 2023.
Junior Fair Board members with this year’s and last year’s Fair Queens Sunday, July 16, 2023. (l-r); Robbie Bennett, Jake Manbevers, Cameron Casto, Pierce McCarty, Tannon Huff; 2023 Fair Queen Emma See; 2022 Fair Queen Libby Aleshire; Kaden Noble, Brady Sheets, Hunter Havens, Corbin Melvin, Caleb Bennett and Bryson Sheets.
WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE — The 144th-annual Fayette County Fair opening ceremonies took place on Sunday afternoon at the newly-renovated grandstands. The ceremony began with the introduction of each of the 2023 Commodity Queens, followed by the introduction of the lone Fair Queen nominee, Emma See, and the 2022 Fayette County Fair Queen, Libby Aleshire.
Boy Scout Troop 112 presented a flag and led the congregation in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by 2023 Small Animal Queen Sara Dawson singing the National Anthem.
Fayette County Fair Board President Dr. Bob Schwartz spoke next and welcomed those in attendance. He then went on to thank several local businesses and community members for their help in renovating the grandstands to get the ready for the fair. He also thanked the Fair Board for their support in helping make the renovation possible.
Next was the presentation of the Jim and Eddie Kirk Fair Supporter Award. Schwartz presented this award to Valero and spoke of its involvement in helping the fair through donations and service to the fair.
Aleshire was next to speak and shared some remarks before crowning the 2023 Fayette County Fair Queen.
“It’s hard to believe that my year of service is coming to an end today. One thing that I know is that despite my 4-H career coming to a close today, I will always have a special place in Fayette County 4-H, like many others that have gone on to become advisors, senior board members, fairgrounds staff, or those who have simply lended a hand whenever they are needed.”
She finished, “If I could give any advice to future fair queens, it would be to take advantage of every opportunity that this week throws at you, no matter how small it may seem. I know at times you will be tired and it will seem like a lot, but that is when you begin to depend on your commodity queens to help you along the way. I hope that this week brings you ladies together and that it allows each of you to be a role model to someone that will one day be standing on this stage. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your 2022 Fayette County Fair Queen.”
Aleshire then crowned See as the 2023 Fayette County Fair Queen. Aleshire and See took part in the official ribbon cutting, and See then declared the 144th-annual Fayette County Fair open. She shared some remarks to close the event.
“I would first like to congratulate our Commodity Court, these ladies are going to be phenomenal and help me the best that they can this week. It’s really crazy how fast time flies. I’m thankful for the opportunities, memories, and friendships 4-H has given me. I would like to thank my parents for pushing me to join 4-H. I would also like to thank Faith Marine and Lisa Schwartz for being my fair week godmothers when I was the Small Animal Queen in 2019. They have always been there for me whether i was stressed, emotional, or just hot. I hope everyone has an amazing fair week. Make sure to stay hydrated, and always have fun.”
