The 2026 Champaign County Fair will kick off Friday, August 7, continuing one of its most cherished traditions with the annual Fair Queen Contest, which highlights the leadership, dedication, and community involvement of this year’s candidates. The Fair Queen Royalty Contest will take place Sunday evening, August 9, as part of the fair’s opening weekend festivities.
The contest will feature nine young women competing for the opportunity to serve as the 2026 Champaign County Fair Queen and represent the fair throughout the coming year.
Candidates have dedicated countless hours to 4-H, FFA, school organizations, athletics, community service, and leadership programs. Each contestant brings a unique perspective and a strong passion for the Champaign County Fair and the community it represents.
Candidates completed interviews with judges prior to the contest and will participate in the final competition, where they will answer questions and share their experiences, accomplishments, and vision for the future of the Champaign County Fair.
The selected 2026 Champaign County Fair Queen will serve as an ambassador for the fair throughout the year, attending community events, neighboring county fairs, agricultural activities, and representing Champaign County at statewide fair events.
2026 Queen Candidates
Delaney Borders
Delaney Borders is a sophomore at West Liberty-Salem High School and has been involved in 4-H since she was four years old. She participates in 4-H, travel softball, and jackpot livestock shows while continuing to build her leadership skills.
Delaney has served as president and vice president of her 4-H club, gaining experience working with others and supporting her fellow members. She credits her fair experiences with helping her develop confidence, responsibility, friendships, and a stronger connection to her community.
If selected as Fair Queen, Delaney hopes to encourage young people to become involved in 4-H, FFA, and fair programs while recognizing the volunteers and community members who make the fair successful.
Audrianna Evilsizor
Audrianna Evilsizor is a junior at West Liberty-Salem High School and attends Edison State Community College. She has a wide range of interests including sewing, woodworking, sports, baking, reading, and creative activities.
Audrianna has been involved in 4-H for 12 years and has held several leadership positions, including Youth Board secretary, club president, health and safety officer, historian, and community service officer. She is also active in FFA, HOSA, National Honor Society, and other school activities.
Through her experiences, Audrianna has earned recognition in state-level competitions and developed a passion for helping others. If selected as Fair Queen, she hopes to promote youth involvement, agricultural awareness, and the many opportunities available through fair programs.
Riley Haser
Riley Haser is a senior at Triad High School and plans to attend Columbus State Community College to pursue a nursing degree. She is involved in 4-H, FFA, athletics, National Honor Society, Student Congress, HOSA, and Student Leadership Champaign County.
Riley has served as Triad FFA Sentinel, Treasurer, and Vice President and has earned the Ohio FFA State Degree. Her agricultural background includes raising livestock and helping with her family’s farm, experiences that have strengthened her leadership skills and work ethic.
If selected as Fair Queen, Riley hopes to increase youth involvement, expand leadership opportunities, and create stronger connections between the fair, schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Jessica Lininger
Jessica Lininger is a 2026 graduate of Treca Digital Academy and has dedicated much of her time to 4-H, Junior Horse Council, Youth Fair Board, Junior Fair Board, and community service activities. She has served as both vice president and president of Junior Horse Council, helping organize horse clinics, school visits, and youth events.
Jessica’s interests include equine care, showing, mentoring young children, outdoor activities, and leadership. Through her experiences, she has developed a passion for promoting the horse industry and helping others grow their horsemanship skills.
If selected as the 2026 Champaign County Fair Queen, Jessica hopes to promote agriculture, encourage youth participation, and represent the fair as a positive ambassador throughout the community.
Olivia MacKendrick
Olivia MacKendrick is a junior at Urbana High School with interests in sports, physical fitness, nutrition, leadership, academics, and goats. She has served as her 4-H club president for three years and has been involved in 4-H camp, National Honor Society, student council, PBIS, and Buckeye Girls State.
A dedicated student-athlete, Olivia is a varsity athlete and team captain in soccer, basketball, cross country, and track. She has also earned recognition through DECA, becoming a state champion in Financial Literacy.
Through her leadership and activities, Olivia has developed a passion for encouraging others. If selected as Fair Queen, she hopes to be a positive role model, promote opportunities through 4-H and FFA, and inspire youth to become active in their communities.
Malia Quesenberry
Malia Quesenberry is a 2026 graduate of Graham High School and plans to attend The Ohio State University to major in zoology. Her interests include animals, livestock, photography, gardening, and competition.
Malia has been involved in 4-H since she was nine years old, showing pigs at the Champaign County Fair, Ohio State Fair, jackpot shows, and national events. She has earned numerous awards and has served as a 4-H news reporter and cloverbud leader.
She is also active in FFA and FCCLA, participating in career development events and leadership programs. If selected as Fair Queen, Malia hopes to promote biosecurity education, strengthen community connections, and highlight opportunities through the fair, 4-H, and FFA.
Brooklyn Randall
Brooklyn Randall is a 2026 graduate of Urbana High School and plans to attend Clark State Community College while pursuing a degree in agronomy. She has been involved in 4-H and FFA, serving as a camp counselor, club president, and vice president.
Her interests include agriculture, showing animals, nature, baking, gardening, and spending time outdoors. Through her involvement in agricultural programs, Brooklyn discovered her passion for agronomy and developed confidence through leadership and public speaking opportunities.
She credits 4-H and FFA with helping her find her voice and step outside her comfort zone. If selected as Fair Queen, Brooklyn hopes to highlight the traditions, programs, and people that make the Champaign County Fair special.
Lola Rice
Lola Rice is a junior at Urbana High School with interests in basketball, softball, soccer, 4-H, and FFA. She has been involved in 4-H for 10 years, serving as club secretary and president while showing livestock at county and state levels.
Lola has earned Grand Champion Born Bred Market Goat honors, first place in the Champaign County Fair Skillathon, and recognition at the Ohio State Fair Skillathon. She is also active in FFA, where she has earned her Greenhand, Chapter, and State FFA Degrees.
If selected as Fair Queen, Lola hopes to serve as a positive role model, encourage youth involvement, and promote the many opportunities available through the Champaign County Fair.
Hannah Volp
Hannah Volp is a senior at Graham High School and plans to attend Ohio Northern University to study civil engineering. Her interests include marching band, swimming, and designing blueprints and house plans.
Hannah has been involved in the Triple S Swine 4-H Club, serving in several leadership roles including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and activities coordinator. She is also active in marching band, swimming, and SkillsUSA leadership programs, where she has gained valuable leadership and teamwork experience.
If selected as Fair Queen, Hannah hopes to bring back a livestock trailer driving course to help youth and families learn trailer safety, maneuvering skills, and proper equipment use for agricultural activities. She hopes the program would provide a helpful learning opportunity for exhibitors and volunteers.
Lorelei Wilhelm
Lorelei Wilhelm is an 11th-grade student at Greenon High School with interests including volleyball, livestock, gardening, mentoring children, crafting, baking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
She has been active in 4-H for nine years through the Champaign County Showmen 4-H Club, showing pigs, goats, and dairy feeders. She is also involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, varsity volleyball, Junior Fair Board, and FFA.
Through her experiences, Lorelei has developed confidence, leadership skills, and a strong appreciation for community. If selected as Fair Queen, she hopes to remind people that the fair is about more than competition — it is about connection, belonging, and creating opportunities for everyone.
All of the photos above were submitted by the candidates.
The 2026 Champaign County Fair Queen candidates represent the dedication, leadership, and community spirit that make the fair a valued tradition in Champaign County. Through their involvement in 4-H, FFA, academics, athletics, and service, each candidate has demonstrated a commitment to growth and helping others.
As the competition approaches, these young women will have the opportunity to share their experiences, accomplishments, and goals for the future of the fair. No matter who is selected, the 2026 candidates reflect the passion and pride that continue to strengthen the Champaign County Fair and the community it brings together.
