Ohio State Fair Selects Junior Fair Board

Article presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

COLUMBUS – The 2022 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board has been announced. The Junior Fair Board (JFB) is comprised of brilliant young leaders from across the state who contribute to the success of the Ohio State Fair. Each member is selected to represent their respective organizations, including 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts of America, Farm Bureau, and Tech Ed. The individuals from these organizations represent thousands of involved youth throughout Ohio.

An addition made in 2019 that will continue for years to come is the integration of members at large. Members at large are selected regardless of organization. This position affords all youth involved in the previously mentioned organizations an equal opportunity to be represented on the Ohio State Fair JFB.

The JFB’s contribution to the success of each Ohio State Fair is irreplaceable.

Virgil Strickler, general manager of the Ohio State Fair, recognizes the impact of these ambitious youth, saying, “The Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board is comprised of eager young leaders who have demonstrated their dedication to the state of Ohio through their respective organizations. This opportunity will help these youth expand upon their leadership skills and contribute to the success of this year’s Ohio State Fair.”

Throughout the 12 days of the Fair, July 27 – Aug. 7, 2022, the 19 JFB members can be spotted throughout the grounds in their blue polo shirts welcoming officials to livestock shows, performances, the daily parade presented by AAA Ohio Auto Club, and other exhibits. JFB members can also be found throughout the Fair helping with the Monster Mural, assisting with the Little Farmers exhibit, and selling Fair memorabilia. In addition to these tasks, the JFB adds an instrumental level of helpful customer service, friendly faces, enthusiastic personalities, and a fresh perspective to each day of the Fair.

This year’s Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board is comprised of 19 highly accomplished individuals ages 16 – 20 from across the state, including a handful of second-year members (listed alphabetically):

Whitney Bauman, Vice Pres. (FFA); 2nd Year; Otway (Scioto County)

Sia Bavish, Public Relations Officer (At-Large); 2nd Year; Westlake (Cuyahoga County)

Riley Bronnert, (Tech Ed); 2nd Year; Hamilton (Butler County)

Josie Burke, (FFA); Waterford (Washington County)

Grant Dunn, (Tech Ed); 2nd Year; Hamilton (Butler County)

Elizabeth Fannin, (4-H); Jackson; (Jackson County)

Carter Freeman, (Boy Scouts); Grove City (Franklin County)

Haven Hileman, President, (4-H); 2nd Year; Stout (Scioto County)

Marissa Johnston, (Girl Scouts); Lewis Center (Delaware County)

Julia Joos, (Tech Ed); Dublin (Franklin County)

Melina Matics, (4-H); Marietta (Washington County)

Adrianna Meyer, (Farm Bureau); Swanton (Fulton/Lucas County)

Sara Newsome, (4-H); Hillsboro (Highland County)

Erica Patterson (At-Large); Findlay (Hancock County)

Zach Romero, (4-H); McComb (Hancock County)

Emily Scaff, (At-Large); McDermott (Scioto County)

Landon Shelpman, (FFA); Springfield (Clark County)

Matthew Swearingen, Secretary, (At-Large); 2nd Year; West Union (Adams County)

Zachary Zweibel, (Farm Bureau), 2nd Year; Lima (Allen County)