While this year’s Crawford County Junior Fair Royalty Contest saw just two participants vying for the titles of prince and princess, and no queen and king contestants, the spirit of tradition and community pride still took center stage.
Fourteen-year-old Aria Sennett and Hayden Finney, 15, took home the titles of Junior Fair Princess and Prince for 2025 and proved it only takes a couple of shining stars to light up a celebration.
“I wanted to do something to represent our fair. I think it will be a fun year,” said Sennett, who has been a member of the Kilbourne Klovers 4-H Club for three years.
Finney said he wanted to be part of the junior fair royalty’s history.
No one entered queen, king contest – hoping for better next year
“It is a pretty cool thing to be a part of,” Finney said.
He has been a member of the North Robinson Blue Ribbons 4-H Club for nine years.
Outgoing Queen Brianna Farnsworth was sad, at first, that no one entered the contest to become the queen she would have crowned.
“I will miss that,” said Farnsworth. “I hope more kids participate in the royalty contest in the future. I learned so much and met some really awesome people.”
Before assisting outgoing Princess Trinity Spackey with crowning the new prince and princess, Farnsworth said her year as queen has been an amazing one.
She thanked her mom and several others for helping her travel to more than 20 fairs throughout the state.
“Saying goodbye is never easy,” Farnsworth said.
Title offers opportunity to meet ‘amazing people’
Spackey told the new prince and princess to treasure every moment of the next year.
“It goes by so fast,” said Spackey.
Farnsworth’s first attendant, Gracie Stirm said serving on the queen’s court has truly been an honor.
“I have met so many amazing people,” Stirm said.
Allison Cooper, 4-H Youth Development Educator, organizes the annual royalty contest that has seen a drop in participation over the past few years.
“People are busy and there is some traveling involved,” Cooper. said.
She is hopeful there will be more participation next year.
“It’s a great opportunity. I am excited for the next year with our new prince and princess. I know they will do a great job,” said Cooper as parents and other audience members congratulated Finney and Sennett on their new endeavor as the new Crawford County Junior prince and princess.
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Fewer contestants, but same heart: Junior Fair royalty contest looks to reignite interest
Reporting by Kim Gasarus/Special to Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum / Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum
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