Sunday night at the Champaign County Fair, in front of a full grandstand, Olivia MacKendrick was crowned the 2026 Champaign County Fair Queen.
MacKendrick, a junior at Urbana High School, was selected for her leadership, dedication to her community, and involvement in 4-H, academics, athletics, and school activities.
MacKendrick has a wide range of interests, including sports, physical fitness, nutrition, leadership, academics, and goats. She has served as president of her 4-H club 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, MacKendrick 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, MacKendrick has developed a passion for encouraging others. 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.
First runner-up Lorelei Wilhelm is an 11th-grade student at Greenon High School. Her interests include volleyball, livestock, gardening, mentoring children, crafting, baking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Wilhelm has been active in 4-H for nine years through the Champaign County Showmen 4-H Club, where she has shown 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, Wilhelm has developed confidence, leadership skills, and a strong appreciation for community. She hopes to remind people that the fair is about more than competition — it is about connection, belonging, and creating opportunities for everyone.
Third runner-up 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.
Volp 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.
As a Fair Queen candidate, Volp hoped 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.
Also recognized during Sunday night’s festivities were the 4-H Boy and Girl of the Year and FFA Boy and Girl of the Year.
The 4-H Boy/Girl of the Year honors went to Audrianna Evilsizor and Liam Sweeney, while the FFA Boy/Girl of the Year honors were presented to Darby Ayers and Sam Wilhelm.
You can watch the replay of the ceremony on PeakofOhioTV or on the PeakofOhioTV app on Roku.
