The 2026 Logan County Fair is officially underway in Bellefontaine.
Sunday’s opening ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by the Logan County Honor Guard, followed by a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Benjamin Logan student Audrey Warren.
Logan County Agricultural Society President Rick Thomas then welcomed visitors to another year of celebrating the county’s agricultural heritage, community, and traditions.
“The Logan County Fair has always been much more than rides, food, and entertainment,” Thomas said. “It is a showcase of our agricultural heritage and a reflection of the values that have shaped this county for generations.”
He also praised the county’s farmers, 4-H and FFA members, volunteers, sponsors, emergency responders, fair staff, and countless others who make the annual event possible.
“This year is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary,” Thomas said. “County fairs have long been part of that story, bringing neighbors together to celebrate agriculture, innovation and community spirit.”
Thomas concluded by officially declaring the 2026 Logan County Fair open.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s liaison, Brian Metzbower, presented an official proclamation recognizing the opening of the 2026 Logan County Fair on behalf of the State of Ohio.
In the declaration, LaRose noted that county fairs give residents the opportunity to experience the best their communities have to offer through agriculture, entertainment, local food and friendly competition.
He also commended the fair’s vendors, supporters, staff and volunteers for their dedication in making the annual event a success.
Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram then offered the opening prayer before the crowd made its way to the Show Barn for one of the fair’s most anticipated traditions—the 2026 Logan County Fair Royalty Contest.
The contest featured two King candidates, five Queen candidates, and three Princess candidates, all competing to serve as ambassadors for the Logan County Fair during the coming year.
“Our Fair Royalty Contest is one of my favorite traditions because it allows our youth to share their passion for our fair and the community it represents,” said Fair Royalty Coordinator Mandi Wood. “We are excited to continue providing opportunities for our youth to represent our fair and to celebrate the values of leadership, service, agriculture and community involvement. Each candidate brings a unique story about what the county fair means to them.”
Candidates completed interviews with judges on June 23 before returning Sunday to answer an on-stage question and share their involvement in school, their communities and the Logan County Fair.
Judging this year’s contest were Kathryn Sherer, Sarah Warren and Shannon Reese.
The event was emceed by 98.3 WPKO Morning Show host Ken Keller and streamed live on PeakofOhioTV and Roku.
Watch the replay of the ceremony HERE.
When the competition concluded, Courtney Altstaetter was crowned the 2026 Logan County Fair Queen. Courtney is the daughter of Phil and Brandi Altstaetter and will be a senior at Indian Lake High School. She is active in the Cool Clovers 4-H Club and Indian Lake Ohio Hi-Point FFA, where she exhibits market goats, pygmy goats, dairy steers and dairy beef feeders. Courtney said she hopes to represent Logan County with professionalism, respect and year-round community service while building relationships with fair royalty across Ohio.
Moments after being crowned, Altstaetter said this:
Emily LeVan was named Queen Runner-Up. Emily is the daughter of Scott and Carmen LeVan and will be a senior at Benjamin Logan High School. A member of the Mix & Match 4-H Club and Benjamin Logan FFA, she exhibits horses and hopes to mentor younger 4-H members while encouraging youth involvement and representing Logan County with integrity and humility.
Wyatt Gordon was crowned the 2026 Logan County Fair King. Wyatt is the son of Eric and Summer Gordon and will be a senior at Benjamin Logan High School. He is a member of the Logan County Livestock 4-H Club and Benjamin Logan FFA, exhibiting dairy beef feeders, dairy steers, dairy heifers, and dairy cows. Wyatt said he plans to represent Logan County with a professional demeanor while emphasizing community involvement.
Gordon says he is honored to serve:
Jay Young was named King Runner-Up. Jay is the son of Scott and MaryAnn Young and will be a junior at West Liberty-Salem High School. He is a member of the Showin and Growin 4-H Club and West Liberty-Salem FFA, where he exhibits beef steers and swine. Jay said he hopes to proudly promote Logan County at fairs across Ohio, community events, and in his school.
Alivia James was crowned the 2026 Logan County Fair Princess. Alivia is the daughter of Justin and Lora James and will be a sophomore at Benjamin Logan High School. A member of Benjamin Logan FFA, she exhibits market goats, breeding goats, market turkeys and market barrows. She said she hopes to attend as many shows as possible while helping exhibitors and representing the Logan County Fair royalty program throughout the year.
The 2026 Cloverbud Royalty includes Ella Davidson, Kyndall Ross, Lexi Penhorwood, Sawyer Blair and Margaret Jacque.
The newly crowned royalty will spend the next year representing the Logan County Fair at community events, neighboring county fairs, agricultural activities and the 2027 Ohio Fair Managers Association Queen Contest.
