Ford crowned fair queen

Erin Ford grew up looking up to her older siblings and their friends showing at the Adair County Fair. Now she’s one of them, being looked up to as a veteran exhibitor and as the 2022 Adair County Fair Queen.

Ford was crowned queen during the gazebo presentations on the opening night of the fair in a ceremony emceed by David Huff.

Winning first runner-up was Madison Carstens and Miss Congeniality was Sabrina Becker of Stuart.

“This is a great feeling. I’ve been to the fair since I was a kid,” Ford said. “This is my last year showing, so be fair queen is pretty sweet.”

Ford has been a member of 4-H for nine years in the Washington Stars 4-H Club and FFA for three years at Nodaway Valley High School, where she graduated from in May.

“At the county fair, I show cattle and have some static exhibits, which are usually food and nutrition,” Ford said. “I also drive in the demolition derby. I’m the only girl usually and I was one of the youngest last year too. It’s a fun feeling and is an adrenaline rush for me.”

The daughter of Craig and Audra Ford, Erin plans to study for her Associate’s Degree at Southwestern Community College this fall.

Winning Little Miss during the fair was Emery Thompson, and Little Mister was Ace Pickrell.

Mr. Personality was Nash Williams and Runner-Up Little Mister was Cooper Kramer. Miss Congeniality in the Little Miss Contest was Tatum Geidel and Runner-up was Charlotte Owens.

Brenda Meisenheimer, secretary for the Adair County Fair Board, reports that the fair went very well from the fair board’s perspective.

On the first night of the event, an estimated 600 people were served at a barbecue, while Jesse and the Medicine Man played live music, then the fair royalty was crowned and various awards were given. Arvid Evans received an Adair Soil and Water Conservation District Award and Kathy Rohrig was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Senior 4-H members were also recognized in front of the crowd, then fireworks were enjoyed.

Thursday’s action included the horse show, swine show, stuffed pet show, poultry show, truck and tractor pulls, and a lot more. Friday highlights were the sheep show, bucket/bottle calf show, beard and mullet contest and demolition derby. On Saturday the beef show took center ring in the show arena and several other fun contests were held, like the baby contest, kiddie tractor pull, and more. In the grandstand Saturday night was the demolition derby, which brought out a large crowd. Sunday included the pie contest, barbecue contest, car and tractor show, an archery tournament, young 4-Hers livestock show and the rodeo.

Meisenheimer said the fair board met briefly at the conclusion of the fair and will immediately begin planning for next year.

“Overall we had a great fair. We appreciate each and every person who attended, participated, supported, volunteered or contributed in any way to this year’s fair,” Meisenheimer said. “We think attendance was pretty steady with last year, but maybe down just a little bit on the heated days. We will move forward with next year’s planning.”