2024 Madison County Fair Book

Madison County Fair 

July 6-13, 2024

Page 2 - Madison Messenger County Fair Edition - 2024 

www.madisonmessengernews.com

www.madisonmessengernews.com 2024 - Madison Messenger County Fair Edition - Page 3 

740-852-2266 

www.knsins.com


Saturday, July 6 

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Grange entries - 

Coughlin Community Center 

10 a.m. Beef Open Show - Eby Arena 

12 p.m. Official opening of the fair - 

Flag pole 

2 p.m. Grange Project Judging - 


2:30 p.m. Dairy Open Show - Eby Arena 

3:30 p.m. Visiting Royalty Ice Cream 

Social and Tour - Della Selsor 

5 p.m. Junior Fair Royalty Selection 

and Talent Show - Della Selsor 

6 p.m. Guys & Gals Lead - Eby Arena 

6 p.m. OSTPA Truck & Tractor Pull - 

Infield 

Sunday, July 7 

9 a.m. Rabbit Open Show - Sheep Arena 

10 a.m. Sheep Open Show - Eby Arena 

10 a.m. Pole bending - Coughlin Arena 

12 p.m. OMTPA Truck & Tractor Pull - 

Infield 

12 p.m. Cloverbud Interview Judging - 

Della Selsor Building 

2 p.m. Goat Open Show - Eby Arena 

4 p.m. Cloverbud Showcase - Della 

5 p.m. 2nd Annual Rib Cookoff - 

Coughlin Entertainment Pavilion 

5 p.m. Pig Scramble - Infield 

6 p.m. Alpaca Show - Eby Arena 

www.madisonmessengernews.com 

135th Annual 


July 6-13, 2024 

Jr. & Sr. Fair Schedule of Events 

Madison County Fairgrounds, 205 Elm St., London, Ohio 

Monday, July 8 

(Senior Citizens/Military Day) 

10 a.m. Jr. Fair Dairy Show & Dairy 

Showmanship - Eby Arena 

10 a.m. Jr. Fair Poultry Show - 

Poultry Pavilion 

10 a.m. Jr. Fair Horse Show 

(showmanship and English 

classes) - Coughlin Arena 

3-10 p.m. Rides open - Midway 

6 p.m. Jr. Fair Beef Show - Eby Arena 

7 p.m. Special Interest Awards - Della 

7 p.m. KOI Dirt Drags - Infield 

Tuesday, July 9 

8 a.m. Jr. Fair Sheep Showmanship - 

Eby Arena 

9 a.m. Jr. Fair Rabbit Show - 

Poultry Pavilion 

10 a.m. Jr. Fair Goat Showmanship - 

Eby Arena 

10 a.m. Jr. Fair Equine Western 

Riding - Coughlin Arena 

12 p.m. Jr. Fair Beef Showmanship - 

Eby Arena 


6 p.m. Jr. Fair Swine Showmanship - 

Eby Arena 

6 p.m. Equine Barrel Challenge - 

Coughlin Arena 

7 p.m. Rodeo - Infield 

After rodeo Aaron Buckley concert - 

Coughlin Entertainment Pavilion


135th Annual 


Jr. & Sr. Fair Schedule of Events 

Wednesday, July 10 

(Kids’ Day) 

9 a.m. Jr. Fair Rabbit Showmanship - 

Sheep Arena 

10 a.m. Jr. Fair Sheep Show - Eby Arena 

10 a.m. Jr. Fair Donkey Show (first half) 

- Coughlin Arena 

10:30 a.m. Passport to the Madison 

County Fair - Della Selsor 

11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cake Decorating 

Contest - Della Selsor 

1 p.m. Jr. Fair Goat Show - 

Eby Arena 

3-10 p.m. Rides open (Kids’ Day ride 

special) - Midway 

5 p.m. Jr. Fair Equine Freestyle - 


6 p.m. Jr. Fair Swine Show - 

Eby Arena 

7 p.m. Clothing & Nutrition Awards 

& Style Review - Della Selsor 

7 p.m. Micro Wrestling - Infield 

ursday, July 11 

9 a.m. Livestock Judging - Eby Arena 

10 a.m. Donkey Show (second half) - 


10 a.m. Jr. Fair Small Animal Show - 

Small Animal Barn 

12 p.m. Swine County Born & Raised 

Show - Eby Arena 

2 p.m. Swine Open Show - Eby Arena 


4 p.m. Fitting Contest: Cattle, Sheep & 

Goats (in respective barns) 

5 p.m. Special Interest Auction - Della 

6 p.m. Equine Barrel Challenge - 


7 p.m. Cornhole Tournament (kids 

and adults) - Coughlin Arena 

7 p.m. Bourbon Tasting - Coughlin 

Entertainment Pavilion 

7 p.m. Mason Cordell Memorial 

Motocross race - Infield 

Friday, July 12 

8 a.m. Jr. Fair Dog Show - Della 

10 a.m. Livestock 101 - Eby Arena 

11 a.m. Jr. Fair Equine Versatility & 

Dressage - Coughlin Arena 

2 p.m. Ag Olympics - Sheep Arena 


5 p.m. Grand Showman of Showmen 

- Eby Arena 

7 p.m. Euchre Tournament - Della 

7 p.m. Autocross - Infield 


9 a.m. Livestock Sale - Eby Arena 

10 a.m. Equine Fun Show - 


1-5 p.m. Ag Society Election - 



3 p.m. Pedal Tractor Pulls - Infield 

3 p.m. Rabbit Dress-Up - Sheep Arena 

3-6 p.m. 4-H Dance/Cornhole - Della 

5 p.m. Ladies Skillet Toss - Infield 

7 p.m. Demolition Derby - Infield



www.madisonmessengernews.com 2024 - Madison Messenger County Fair Edition - Page 7



New ride company hired 

rf field 

Ave Entrance 

Fairgrounds Map 

In Field 

A ride company with a long history is 

bringing its expertise to the Madison County 

Fair for the first time. 

Bates Brothers Amusements is in its 59th 

season of entertaining fair, festival, and 

event goers. The business is headquartered 

in Wintersville, Ohio, on the far east side of 

the state near the Pennsylvania border. 

For its debut at the Madison County Fair, 

the company is bringing a combination of 

rides, game trailers, and food concessions. 

They will be at the fair July 8-13. Ride hours 

are: Monday-Thursday (July 8-11), 3-10 

p.m.; Friday (July 12), 1-11 p.m.; and Saturday 

(July 13), 12-10 p.m. 

Ride tickets can be purchased in advance 

at https://batesbros.com/tickets. Discounts 

are available for tickets purchased online by 

July 7 at midnight. Ride tickets also can be 

purchased in person at the fairgrounds during 

fair week. Discounted wristbands will be 

available on Wednesday, July 10 for Kids’ 

Day starting at 3 p.m. 

“We carry a variety of rides to hit all 

ages—kiddie, family, and major rides,” said 

Michelle Bates-Dallman who, with her sister, 

Amy, represents the second generation 

to work for the family-owned business. 

Brothers Eric and Geary Bates founded 

Bates Brothers Amusements in 1965 and 

worked together for nearly 30 years before 

splitting the business into two separate companies 

as their respective families grew. 

They often came together to work bigger 

events. Geary retired eight years ago. Eric 

still remains active with Bates Brothers 

Amusements, as well as ARM U.S. Manufacturing, 

a company he founded in 1998 that 

makes amusement rides. 

The folks at Bates Brothers pride themselves 

on professionalism, innovation, and 

rider safety. At their facility in Wintersville, 

a staff of experienced mechanics and other 

personnel service the equipment throughout 

the year. 

“Their rides are spectacular. They’re a 

well-known company,” said Paul Melampy, 

a member of the Madison County Fair 

Board’s entertainment committee. “The fair 

board has tried to get them in the past, but 

it never worked out timing-wise. They were 

able to fit us in this year. We are excited.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restrooms 

Games & Rides 

Shee 

p & Goat 

Arena 

ella Selsor 

Concession 

Vendor 

Shows Restroom 

Locations 

Tents 

Green Building 

Franklin 

Jr Fairboard 

Off 

fice 

EBY Arena 

 

 

Coughlin 

Buildin 

ing


For Your Information.... 

Tickets 

Weekly Pass $49.00 

Daily Pass $10.00 for all ages 

Ag Society Membership $5.00 

Fair Gates Open 


thru 


Senior Citizen Daily Pass 

Monday is Senior Citizens and Veteran’s Day and allows them to come 

in for $8.00. Veterans need to show their Military Card. 

Children 4 and Younger FREE (rides not included) 

Rides are provided by Bates Brothers Amusement 

Enjoy the “BEER GARDEN” every evening from 

5 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. 

Located under Coughlin Pavilion 

2024 

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE 

IN FIELD 


Sunday, July 7 

Monday, July 8 

Tuesday, July 9 

Wednesday, July 10 

Thursday, July11 

Friday, July 12 


OSTPA Truck and Tractor Pull 

PIG SCRAMBLE 

RIB COOKOFF - 5:00 PM 

OMTPA Truck and Tractor Pull 

KOI DIRT DRAGS 

ABAR Rodeo and Performance by Aaron Buckley 

Micro Wrestling 

MASON CORDELL MEMORIAL MOTOCROSS 

Bourbon Tasting and Karaoke to follow 

AUTOCROSS 

PEDAL PULLS 

DEMOLITION DERBY



Time to clean up 

Taylor Treen (left) and Lily Thompson give “Kate,” a yearling doe, a thorough washing. 

Taylor and Lily are London residents and members of the Madison County Show Offs 

4-H Club. 

The Madison County Fair Edition is 

published by the Madison Messenger: 

5 E. First St., London, Ohio 43140 

(740) 852-0809 

madison@columbusmessenger.com 


Stop by the fair office at the 

fairgrounds or the Messenger office 

for extra copies. 

ON THE COVER 

Mount Sterling residents Ellie Marshall (left) 

and Gracie Sparks participated in the junior 

class dairy show as first-year exhibitors at 

last year’s Madison County Fair. 

Sno-cone fun 

Case Cordell of South Solon shows off 

his blue tongue after eating a sno-cone.


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A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for July 6 at 5 p.m. for the newly built Coughlin 

Entertainment pavilion located near the infield on the Madison County Fairgrounds. 

Pavilion new to grounds 

New to the Madison County Fairgrounds 

this year is the Coughlin Entertainment 

Pavilion, a newly built permanent structure 

located near the infield. 

Open on all sides with a service bar on 

one side, the pavilion is the new hub for 

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evening entertainment at the fair. It is serving 

as the beer garden for the week, as well 

as the site of a rib cookoff, concert, bourbon 

tasting, and karaoke. It’s also a great place 

to watch the infield events, from truck and 

tractor pulls to the demolition derby. 

Outside of fair week, the pavilion is available 

for rental and other events. 

Tom Coughlin, owner of Coughlin Automotive, 

covered the cost of the new structure 

and coordinated its construction. 

“We didn’t ask Tom to do something for 

us. He came to us and asked what he could 

do to help build on the improvements already 

at the fairgrounds,” said Paul Gross, 

Madison County Fair Board president. “We 

told Tom that the pavilion had been on our 

wish list. He took care of the whole thing.” 

The pavilion is designed after a similar 

structure at the Holmes County fairgrounds. 

It features hand-hewn timbers, measures 

roughly 40x60 feet, and is outfitted with picnic 

tables. Kaufman Lawn Furniture, an 

Amish-owned company out of Holmes 

County, performed the construction. 

For the past several years, the fair board 

has rented a tent to serve as the beer garden 

and entertainment hub. The new pavilion 

provides a permanent solution. 

A ribbon-cutting for the pavilion is scheduled 

for July 6 at 5 p.m. Fairgoers are welcome 

to attend. 

Coughlin Automotive is the sponsor for 

the Ohio State Tractor Pullers Association 

truck and tractor pulls that take place later 

that evening.


Ribs, music, & bourbon 

The new Coughlin 

Entertainment Paviliion, 

located near the infield, 

is the site for 

several special events 

during fair week. The 

pavilion also will serve 

as a beer garden each 

night of the fair. 

Rib Cook-off 

The 2nd Annual 


Rib Cook-off is scheduled 

for July 7 at 5 p.m. 

at the pavilion. The cost 

to enter is $10. Each 

entry must include two 

racks of ribs. Registration 

is due by July 6 at 6 

p.m. at the fair office on 

the fairgrounds. 

A judging panel will 

determine the winner. The winner will go 

home with all of the entry fee money and a 

traveling trophy. 

A people’s choice award will be offered, 

as well. The public is invited to do a tasting 

and vote; the cost is $15. The tasting fees 

will go to the winner. 

Concert 

Aaron Buckley, a musician from the 

Grove City area, will perform at the pavil- 

Judges taste test ribs entered in the Madison County Fair’s 

First Annual Rib Cook-Off held last year. This year’s contest is 

set for July 7. 

ion on the evening of July 9 following the 

rodeo. Buckley has been playing music for 

over 20 years. His wheelhouse is country, 

and his show features both cover tunes and 

original songs. The cover tunes run the likes 

of Gary Allan, Jon Pardi, and Tyler 

Childers. 

Bourbon Tasting 

New this year, fair organizers are offering 

a bourbon tasting event at the pavilion 

on July 11 at 7 p.m. The tasting features selections 

from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Tickets 

are $40 and can be purchased on the fair 

website, www.madisoncountyfairoh.com, 

anytime up to the time of the event. 

Karaoke 

Want to give it a go on the microphone? 

Visit the pavilion on July 11 following the 

motocross races in the evening for some fun 

with karaoke. 

Country music musician Aaron Buckley 

will perform on the evening of July 9 following 

the rodeo. 

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Pulling for a second night 

What’s better than 

one truck and tractor 

pull? How about two? 

The Ohio Modified 

Tractor/Truck Pulling 

Association (OMTPA) 

is making its first appearance 

at the Madison 

County Fair, 

taking to the track on 

July 7 at noon. The 

Ohio State Tractor 

Pullers Association 

(OSTPA), back for a 

second year at the 

fair, will delight 

crowds the night before. 

“We went with a 

second pull because 

the OSTPA pull turned out so well last year, 

and the (fair) board as a whole felt like we 

should have another pull,” said Paul 

Melampy, a member of the fair board’s entertainment 

committee. 

Founded in 2008, OMTPA is based in 

Wilmington, Ohio, and puts on 25 to 30 

events each year across the state. For their 

Madison County debut, the group is offering 

four classes: multi-engine modified tractors, 

single-engine modified tractors, light limited 

super stock tractors, and gas super stock 4x4 

trucks. 

For anyone unfamiliar with truck and 

tractor pulls, here are the basics: They’re a 

motorsport competition that works off of engine 

performance and the skill of the driver 

to make a good pass. The vehicles pull what 

is called a transfer sled which is a moving 

weight. The farther the vehicle goes down 

the track, the heaver the sled gets, and 

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Walt Biggs rolls down the track in “The Driller.” 

that’s what eventually brings the vehicle to 

a stop. The distance traveled determines the 

winner. Each division pulls a different 

weight. 

Walt Biggs, OMTPA president, encourages 

people both familiar and unfamiliar 

with truck and tractor pulls to come out and 

experience the excitement. The event offers 

opportunities to not only watch the action 

from the sidelines, but also to get an upclose 

look at the vehicles and talk to the 

owners. 

“People can come right up next to the 

equipment when we are in the pit area. 

They’re welcome to walk right up to us and 

ask questions,” Biggs said. “We’re a bunch 

of good ol’ boys, just a good blue collar group. 

So, it’s an opportunity to meet good people 

and see some things in person you might 

have only seen on TV.” 

Because OMTPA is a sanctioning body, 

pull entrants must be members of the association 

and meet the association’s rules and 

safety requirements. Non-members who pay 

a one-time hook fee and meet all rules and 

safety requirements are considered onetime 

members and, as such, are covered 

under the association’s insurance for that 

event. For details, visit https://omtpa.com. 

Spectators can purchase pit passes for an 

up-close experience at the OMTPA pulls. The 

cost is $10. Passes can be purchased anytime 

after the morning of the event at the Garfield 

Avenue entrance to the fairgrounds or at a 

special booth at the infield. The passes do not 

include admission to the fair.


Teamwork 

Nevaeh Tackett helps her cousin, K.J. Downing, scoop up shavings around a pig pen. 

Both are from Mount Sterling. Tackett is a member of the Darby Riders 4-H Club and 

has been showing pigs for several years.



Affectionate 

The aptly named “Kisses” tries to give 

Korrine Mitchell a smooch during last 

year’s rabbit showmanship junior division 

class for 10-year-olds. 

Funny guys 

Hayes Robinson and his donkey, 

“Clark,” took first place in last year’s 

donkey and mule costume contest. The 

sign reads: “Donkey for Sale. Great with 

Kids.” 

DEEANN BLAKE CIC 

TINA PACE 

TY BLAKE 

104 Lafayette St., London, Ohio 43140 

At the mic 

Nick Shuler, a London resident and former 

4-Her who competed in a lot of equine 

events, served as announcer at equine 

arena events last year.


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Harts appreciate art 

Lauren Hart (front) and her mother, Tina Hart, check out the art entries in the Coughlin 

Community Center. Lauren took a special interest project titled “Careers in Music” and 

showed rabbits at last year’s fair. 

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Creativity up for auction 

First aid kits, quilts, flower bouquets, 

a wooden box, and a cake shaped to look 

like an archery target were among the 

items up for bid in last year’s special interest 

auction. What will be on the auction 

block this year? 

Hosted by the Madison County 4-H 

Committee, the special interest auction is 

dedicated to youths whose projects are 

not sold in the Junior Fair livestock sale. 

New this year, youths with equine projects 

also are creating items for the special 

interest auction. 

“It’s fun to see how creative these kids 

get,” said Daphne Hedgecock, auction coordinator. 

Participants in the auction must submit 

items related to their fair projects. 

Each youth can enter one item for bidding. 

They must create at least 60 percent 

of the item themselves; nothing can 

be completely pre-made. 

The 4-H Committee has compiled a 

list of this year’s entries. Starting the 

first day of the fair, copies of the list can 

be picked up at the Madison County 4-H 

Office located at the front of the Della Selsor 

Building. 

This year’s auction will take place July 

11 at 5 p.m. Bidders are invited to register 

for a bid number and peruse the items 

between 4:15 and 4:45 p.m. that day. Tim 

Beathard, Jay Krutz, and Grant Phipps 

are donating their services as auctioneers. 

Last year’s auction brought in a total 

of $8,410.90. Twenty-three exhibitors 

submitted items to the sale. Approximately 

40 individuals picked up bidding 

numbers. 

As for how the sale works, some buyers 

bid on an item, some contribute an 

extra flat amount on top of another 

buyer’s bid to boost that item’s final total, 

and some donate flat amounts to make 

sure every participant makes a certain 

minimum amount. Some buyers take a 

combination of approaches. In 2022, the 

minimum amount participants made was 

$200. Last year, that number was $300. 

Appreciation plays a big part in the 

special interest auction experience. The 

4-H Committee makes thank-you cards 

featuring photos of the exhibitors holding 

their auction items. The youths write 

notes in the cards and send them to the 

winning bidders. 

Kyle Clemmons, a member of the Country 

Bunch 4-H Club, displays the string art flower he 

created for last year’s special interest auction. 

Ila Hathaway, a member of the Town and 

Country Kids 4-H Club, took a “Sew Fun” 

project to last year’s fair. She made two hot 

mitts for the special interest auction.



Ready for the show ring 

Bronsyn Ball is ready to show his summer yearling heifer, “Luann,” at the Junior Fair 

beef show. Ball is a student at St. Patrick School in London and a member of the 

Speedy Spurs 4-H Club. 

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Proud to represent county 

Being the 2023 Madison 

County Junior Fair 

queen has been an absolute 

honor. It was an 

experience I had looked 

forward to since I was a 

young child. 

I was born and raised 

on my family’s farm here 

in Madison County, so 

every summer, my highlight 

was going to the 

fair, showing my projects, 

and hanging out 

with my friends. Over 

time, these experiences 

looked different with taking 

different projects, exploring 

different 

opportunities with the 

fair, and just navigating 

the changes of growing 

up. I started by showing swine, then took 

sheep, dairy, and my favorite projects—special 

interest. 

I was familiar with the Madison County 

Royalty and Ambassador program when I 

wanted to run last year. I was the dairy ambassador 

in 2021 and the sheep ambassador 

in 2022. I was very well exposed to what it 

meant to be the fair queen, but nothing 

would have adequately prepared me for 

what my reign would entail. 

I am incredibly proud of all I have been 

able to do and accomplish this year. Since 

being crowned in early July, I have attended 

13 fairs, been in four parades, participated in 

Madison County’s Trunk or Treat, attended 

the Circleville Pumpkin Show, competed in 

the Ohio Fair Managers Association queen 

contest in January, hosted a Mother’s day 

bouquet-making event, and, my personal favorite, 

walked the runway at the NC4K (Nellies 

Champions for Kids) fashion show to 

support kids and teens fighting cancer. 

Through my experiences this past year, I 

have made friendships with other royalty 

from all over Ohio. Who knew there were so 

many queens? There were many moments of 

laughter, fear of whether I was doing the 

right thing, and maybe even tears. Being the 

Madison County Junior Fair queen has been 

the most eye-opening experience of my life, 

even the moments when I forced myself to 

put on dresses and get out of my jeans. 

Throughout my reign, I have tried to 

share this motto: “You’re meant to stand out 

Emily LeGault, 2023 Madison 

County Junior Fair queen 

in this crazy world one 

step at a time.” I have 

tried to focus on the 

uniqueness of who I 

meet, no matter their 

age. The younger kids 

might be drawn to talk to 

me about my sparkly 

crown, but I want to ask 

them about their projects. 

The fair has made me 

who I am today, and it 

can do that for the 

younger 

generation, too. It teaches 

responsibility and individuality 

and changes the 

core of who we all are. 

I am proud to share my 

deep love for the agriculturally 

based community 

here in Madison County. 

It has been an absolute honor to be the Madison 

County Junior Fair queen and represent 

the Madison County community. 

~~~ 

Good Luck 

to all 

Madison 

County Fair 

Participants! 

~~~ 

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Infield action: Motocross 

Early on the morning of July 11, the Fast 

Traxx crew will hit the Madison County 

Fairgrounds infield to design and create the 

track for the Mason Cordell Memorial Motocross 

races. 

“The crew will incorporate jumps and 

tabletops into the course. The main thing is 

that they keep it rider friendly and safe for 

all riders, no matter what age or skill level 

they are,” said Shawna Bickley who owns 

Fast Traxx with her husband, Norm. 

Registration runs from 4 to 6 p.m. that afternoon, 

followed by practice at 6, and the 

races sometime around 7. The cost to enter 

is $25 per class for youth and amateurs and 

$30 per class for professionals. The top three 

finishers in each class win plaques. Professional 

riders earn cash. 

Fast Traxx is hosting races at 25 fairs 

this summer. All are part of the Kenda Tire 

Southeastern Ohio Super Series which also 

includes nine races at Fast Traxx’s home 

track in Nelsonville, Ohio. Those involved in 

the series earn points toward final placements 

at the end of the series. 

Anyone is welcome to enter the Madison 

County race, whether they are involved in 

the series or not. No American Motorcycle 

Association or other membership cards are 

required. All entrants must wear a helmet, 

goggles, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and 

boots that come up over their ankles. For a 

full list of rules and classes, visit http://fasttraxxracing.com/. 

“We offer classes for all ages and skill levels, 

from 4-year-olds and up. We have a total 

of 75 classes. We have a lot of riders who 

race in three or four classes in the same 

night,” Bickley said. 

Among the options are classes for riders 

who are new to the sport, including the truebeginner 

learning class. This non-competitive 

class gives youths a chance to give it a 

try in a no-pressure situation. Each participant 

receives a plaque. There also is a class 

for first-year adults and older youths. 

Other fun classes include micro ATV, 

micro bike, and Stacyc—featuring bikes sized 

and designed for the youngest of riders. 

The Madison County race is named after 

Mason Cordell, the son of Matt and Amanda 

Cordell. Mason was a Madison-Plains High 

School student who loved motocross, football, 

hunting, snowmobiling, 4-H, FFA, and more. 

He passed away in 2019 as the result of a fall 

from his motocross bike. 


Matthew Sutton of Millfield, Ohio, gets 

some air in the motocross event. 

up-close experience at the motocross. The 


after 3 p.m. the day of the event at the 

Garfield Avenue entrance to the fairgrounds 

or at a special booth at the infield. The 

passes do not include admission to the fair. 

All Scapes, All Seals, and the Dumpster 

Guys are sponsoring the motocross event. 

The Cordell family–(from left) Kallie, Case, 

Amanda, and Matt–announce winners of 

the Mason Cordell scholarship awards 

prior to the start of the Mason Cordell Memorial 

Motocross race at the fair.


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Hot-diggity-dog! 

Ciara Williams (left) purchases a footlong hotdog from the London Kiwanis hotdog 

stand. Avery Davison, whose brother, Satch, is a Kiwanis member, served as a volunteer 

at the stand.


Barrels-and-bulls rodeo 

A Bar Rodeo Productions 

out of Bluffton, Ohio, 

is making its Madison 

County Fair debut this 

year. The show is set for 

July 9 at 7 p.m. 

A barrels-and-bulls 

outfit, A Bar Rodeo focuses 

solely on barrel racing 

and bull riding. 

Spectators can expect a 

fast-paced show that lasts 

between two and two-anda-half 

hours. 

“It’s exciting. We don’t 

do intermission; we just 

keep things running,” said 

owner Patrick Ayers. 

Ayers, 70, has lived a 

cowboy’s life, so it only 

makes sense that he runs 

a rodeo show. He grew up 

on a cattle and sheep farm 

in North Baltimore, Ohio. His family also 

farmed 2,400 acres of land back in the day. 

Ayers started riding bareback broncs in the 

1970s and kept at it for about 13 years. 

After he decided to retire from riding, he 

and his late wife got the idea to start a rodeo 

company. 

“I made my own bucking shoots; I made 

everything. And everything just popped; 

everything just went into place,” Ayers said. 

Barrel racing is part of the fast-paced action at A 

Bar Rodeo Productions shows. 

A cowboy does what he can to stay aboard a bucking bull 

during an A Bar Rodeo Productions event. The rodeo company 

is making its Madison County debut this year. 

That was 1994, and he’s still going 

strong. This year, A Bar Rodeo will host 21 

shows, nearly all of them at county fairs in 

Ohio. The company has been a fixture at the 

Franklin, Union, and Marion county fairs, 

among others, for years. 

A Bar Rodeo is part of the Great Lakes 

Championship Bull Riding Association. 

Members of the association and non-members 

alike are welcome to compete at A Bar 

Rodeo shows. 

“We have a good following of 

cowboys and barrel racers,” Ayers 

said. 

In addition to a fast-paced show, 

spectators can expect a familyfriendly 

show. Mike the Spike, a 

rodeo clown, keeps the crowd entertained 

and laughing, even venturing 

into the stands. The 

competition itself is good, clean fun 

to watch. 

“Seeing a little kid come down 

out of the stands with a big smile 

on their face—that’s the best thing,” 

Ayers said. 

For information about the Madison 

County Fair rodeo, visit “A Bar 

Rodeo Productions” on Facebook. 

Murry & Edwards Marathon 

Products and Red Hot Propane are 

sponsoring the rodeo.



Paws-itive 

Noah Clawson and his 2-year-old 

vizsla, “Frankie,” compete in the 

dog showman of showmanship 

class. Clawson is a London resident 

and member of the Eager 

Achievers 4-H Club. 

Just chilling 

Alexa Breeden hangs out in the shade with her 

pet guinea pig, “Lord Farquaad.” They were 

waiting to compete in the cavy board class of 

the small animal show. Breeden is a member 

of the Madison Kountry Kids 4-H Club and a 

resident of London.


Species ambassadors 

The 2023 Junior Fair species ambassadors included: (from left) Will Koenig, swine; 

Emme Rife, rabbit; Addyson Tabor, dog; Mackenzie Martin, equine; Elly Wilkins, small 

animal; Sophia Hick, special interest; Adelyn Rupejko, goat; and Abbi Butin, beef. Not 

pictured: Madison Estep, poultry; Addison Reeves, swine; and Tucker Phipps, alpaca. 

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Sef Smith of Morgan County takes the win against Noah Tharpe of Kettering in the open 

outlaw class of last year’s KOI dirt drag races. 

is event is such a drag 

You never know what you’re going to see 

roll up to the starting line at a KOI Drag Racing 

event. 

“We’ve had people race in Amish buggies, 

garbage trucks, tractors. We’ve had two Bobcats 

go up against each other,” said KOI 

owner Lewis Cleaver. 

The 2024 Madison County Fair dirt drags 

are set for July 8 at 7 p.m. on in the infield. 

Registration and open practice run from 5 to 

Good Luck to All 4-H & FFA 

Participants! 

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7 p.m. Races start at 7. Entrants race headto-head 

down a 200-foot long track. 

Anyone is welcome to enter with just 

about any kind of vehicle. Those younger 

than 18 years old must have signed permission 

from their parents. 

A total of 42 classes are offered, including 

13 for full-size vehicles, 26 for ATVs, and 

three for diesel vehicles. The entry fee is $20 

for diesel, hot gas, and open classes. The fee 

for all other classes is $10. 

“It’s a 100 percent payback in all classes. 

We pay the top two or three places, depending 

on the class,” Cleaver said. 

To keep things interesting for spectators, 

KOI mixes up the classes. You could be 

watching dirt bikes one minute and trucks 

the next. They don’t run all of the same type 

of vehicles in consecutive races. 

Cleaver noted that Madison County tends 

to draw a lot of entrants with diesel trucks. 

He also noted KOI has a good following with 

lots of racers competing in multiple events 

on the KOI schedule. 

Based in Owenton in northern Kentucky, 

KOI has been in business for 13 years. This 

year, they are doing over 120 shows in nine 

different states. Cleaver owns the business 

with his wife, Heather. 

Visit www.koidragracing.com or find 

“KOI Drag Racing” on Facebook for more information 

about classes, safety rules, and 

schedules. 


up-close experience at the dirt drags. The 






Andrix & Herman Insurance is sponsoring 

the dirt drags.


Pig scramble & pedal pulls 

Tri-Green Interstate Equipment 

is once again sponsoring a pig scramble 

and pedal pulls at the fair. Both 

contests are open to children and 

adults. 

Pig Scramble 

This year’s pig scramble is set for 

July 7 at 5 p.m. in the infield area. 

Registration starts at approximately 

1 p.m. at the Tri-Green tent located 

next to the cattle barn. There is no 

cost to enter. 

A total of 14 classes are planned, 

one for each age from 5 years old to 

17 years old, plus one category for 

ages 18 and older. Everyone who enters 

will receive a goodie bag. The 

winner in each age category receives 

a custom-made belt buckle. 

The basic idea of a pig scramble is 

that pigs are let loose in a fenced-in area, 

and entrants scramble to grab ribbons tied 

to the pigs’ tails. The first person in each age 

category to successfully grab a ribbon is declared 

that category’s winner. 

Last year was the first year back for the 

pig scramble after a long hiatus from the 

fair. Organizers Judy Green and Connie Ballah 

said it went really well. 

“We had at least 200 kids participate. 

People really liked it,” Green said. 

Pedal Pulls 

The Buckeye State Sanctioned Pedal 

Tractor Pullers will hold pedal pulls for children 

and adults on July 13. Registration 

starts at 2 p.m. The kiddie pulls start at 3 

p.m. The adult pulls follow. 

The kiddie pulls are open to ages 4-11. 

The top three pullers for each age get trophies 

and are invited to the Ohio pull that 

takes place at the Hartford Independent 

Fair in Croton on Aug. 10. Top pullers at 

state can move on to the national pull at the 

Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, in 

September. 

There is no cost to enter the kiddie pull at 

the Madison County Fair. Each child who 

participates gets a ribbon. 

The adult pulls are open to ages 12 and 

older. Entrants compete in age categories. 

Ribbons go to the top pullers in each category. 

The registration fee is $10; half of those 

fees go back to the fair. 

“For the adults, we basically take the engine 

out of a garden tractor and put pedals 

on it,” said Gary Daiber, owner of Buckeye 

State Pedal Tractor Pullers. 

Custom-made belt buckles will go to the winners 

in each age class of this year’s pig scramble. The 

competition is open to anyone, ages 5 and older. 

The Buckeye State Sanctioned Pedal 

Tractor Pullers is endorsed by the National 

Pedal Pullers Association. For details, visit 

www.buckeyepedalpullers.net. 

Ashlynn Troxell of South Charleston pedals 

her way to first place in her age group at 

last year’s kiddie pedal pull.



Fairgrounds tours for kids 

The long-running Passport to the Madison 

County Fair offers guided tours of the 

fairgrounds to give young children an idea of 

what the fair is all about and educate them 

on the different types of projects shown at 

the fair. 

“Our target ages are 5 to 8 years old. We 

take them around to different barns and 

buildings on the grounds. They get to see 

and learn about the different animals, and 

we always have an activity for them to do,” 

said Annette Rinesmith, a volunteer with 

the Passport program for more than 20 

years. 

The program is organized by the Madison 

County 4-H Advisory Committee, Madison 

County Farm Bureau, and London FFA. The 

Farm Bureau provides participants with 

goodie bags. London FFA members serve as 

tour guides and arrange for fellow exhibitors 

to share their knowledge at different stops 

along the tour. 

“These three groups come together to provide 

a fun program for young kids to do while 

at the fair,” said Rinesmith, a member of the 

4-H Advisory Committee and Farm Bureau. 

This year’s Passport tours are scheduled 

for July 10 at 10:30 a.m., starting at the 

Della Selsor Building. Participation is limited 

to the first 40 children who sign up. 

Each tour group will be made up of six to 

eight participants. Participants must be accompanied 

by a parent or guardian throughout 

the tour which lasts about an hour. 

The tentative plan for this year’s tours is 

a loop with stops to see cattle, alpacas, 

sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry. Tour 

guides also will talk about special interest 

projects while at the Della Selsor Building 

and make a stop at the FFA Barn for a look 

at FFA projects. Along the way, participants 

will learn facts about the various animals, 

like how alpaca fleece is used for socks, 

coats, and other apparel. They also will learn 

safety tips, such as not walking behind a cow 

to prevent getting kicked. 

“It’s always fun seeing the ‘Wow!’ look on 

the kids’ faces when they learn new things,” 

Rinesmith said. 

The guaranteed stops on every Passport 

tour are the Sheriff’s Office and Emergency 

Medical Services facilities on the fairgrounds. 

“We want the kids to know where they 

can go if they get lost or need help while they 

are at the fair. And we want them to know 

the officers in uniform are their friends,” Rinesmith 

said. 

Eyes on the judge 

Winston Koenig, a member of the Green Range 4-H Club, competes in the junior showmanship 

class of last year’s dairy show. He took fifth place.


We want to wish all fairgoers a great 

experience at the 2024 Madison County Fair. 

Best of luck to 4-H and FFA participants. 

The staff at Quick Lane wants to 

wish all fair attendees 

a great time at the 

Madison County Fair's 

135 

th 

celebration.



Welcome! 

Melinda Lee (left), a member of the Madison 

County Farm Bureau, stamps Brady 

Cahill’s arm as he enters the fairgrounds. 

Looking on is Farm Bureau member Blayne 

Ferguson. Volunteer groups take turns 

manning the entry points to the fairgrounds 

during fair week. Cahill visited the fair to 

watch his sister, Brooklyn, show rabbits. 

Jump to it 

Mark Covert, a member of the Fairfield 

Rascals 4-H Club, leads 

“Reese” over a jump in the alpaca 

obstacle course. Covert placed first. 

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Pro wrestlers to perform 

The Madison County 

Senior Fair Board is 

bringing micro-wrestling 

to the Madison County 

Fair for the first time. 

The Micro Wrestling 

Federation (MWF), based 

in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 

will put on a show 

on July 10 at 7 p.m. in the 

infield area. In case of 

rain, the show will take 

place in the Coughlin 

Equine Arena. 

The performance features 

professional 

wrestlers, all of whom are 

under five feet tall. MWF 

and some of its members 

were the focus of “Big Little 

Brawlers,” a reality television show that 

aired on the Discovery Channel earlier this 

year. 

“With them being on the Discovery 

Channel and the show having wide viewership, 

we think they will draw a crowd,” said 

Ryan Kimbler, a member of the fair board’s 

entertainment and executive committees. 

Founded in 2000, MWF puts on over 400 

shows a year, including four shows a week 

at their Microtorium in Pigeon Forge and 

approximately 200 shows on the road across 

the country. The federation employs 30 

wrestlers who perform in groups of 10—one 

group at the Microtorium and two groups on 

the road. Last year, the road groups performed 

at 42 county fairs and are on track 

to do the same this year, along with 40 to 60 

road shows outside of fair season. 

“People can expect to see a full-scale, 

WWE-type of event at our shows,” said 

Jack Darrell, MWF CEO, adding that the 

shows are family-friendly and appropriate 

for all ages. High-flying wrestling moves 

and unforgettable characters are the name 

of the game, he said. 

The show lasts two hours with an intermission. 

In addition to four wrestling 

matches, the show includes variety acts, including 

a Michael Jackson impersonator and 

a couple of rock-and-roll singers. The performers 

will be available after the show for 

a meet-and-greet, photos, and autographs. 

Tickets to the show are $10 and can be 

purchased online only. Information and a 

link can be found on the fair website’s home 

The Micro Wrestling Federation will put on a show at the 

Madison County Fair on July 10. 

page at https://madisoncountyfairoh.com/. 

Tickets to the show do not include admission 

to the fair. 

D&D Underground Utilities is sponsoring 

the micro-wrestling event. 

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Just ducky 

Plain City resident Garrett Vance 

of the Clovers Clippers 4-H Club 

tends to his market ducks. 

‘Butter’ wins 

Morgyn Craney of the Double L II 4-H Club talks 

to the small animal show judge about her pet 

corn snake, “Butter.” Craney placed first in her 

class. She is from Plain City. She said “Butter” 

does a little dance when he gets food. 

Barrows strut their stuff 

Youths compete in the crossbred market barrow show.








As tradition would have it, the demolition derby closes out fair week. Check it out July 13. 

Living the derby lifestyle 

The demolition derby at this year’s Madison 

County Fair is offering six classes. 

There’s something for all ages who like to 

smash and crash, from 2-year-olds on up. 

As is tradition, the derby is the last event 

of fair week. The spectacle gets rolling at 7 

p.m. on July 13. The inspection line-up starts 

earlier in the day, around 2:30 p.m. 

The classes and payouts are as follows: 

• Powerwheels—For youths ages 2 to 10 

years old. A variety of prizes go to the top 

placers. 

• Youth (mini cars)—For ages 10 to 16 

years old. Prizes are $1,000 for first, $300 for 

second, and $200 for third. 

• Minivans—$1,000, $300, and $200. 

• Street stock minis—$1,000, $300, and 

$200. 

• Street stock full-size—$1,000, $300, and 

$200. 

• Motor swap—$3,000, $300, and $200. 

Anyone is welcome to compete in the 

derby. The entry fee for powerwheels is $10. 

The entry fee for all other classes is $60. 

The motor swap class features cars with 

big horsepower engines. The Madison 

County Fair Board kicked in extra prize 

money for the class to attract a lot of heavyhitters 

to the competition. 

As part of the nationwide Unified Points 

Series, the Madison County Fair derby is 

likely to bring in drivers across all divisions 

who are chasing points. 

“We know that Kam Penwell, a youth 

driver out of Fayette County who won the 

points series in the youth division last year, 

is coming to Madison County,” said Jordan 

Pryor, co-owner of Derby Dynamics, the outfit 

putting on this year’s derby. 

Jordan is joined by his brothers, Zach and 

Sheldon, in running the business. All three 

grew up in and around the demolition derby 

life. 

“We were around our grandpa’s derbies 

back in the 1970s and ‘80s, then my dad’s up 

to the early 2000s. Zach’s first derby was 

right around 1999 or 2000. I started competing 

in 2001, and Sheldon started in 2007. 

Our uncle put on derbies years ago,” Jordan 

said. “There’s a lifestyle to it. We compete 

year-round.” 

The brothers started organizing autocross 

events four years ago at the Highland 

County Fair. Shortly thereafter, they started 

organizing demolition derbies, as well. Their 

motor swap class has its own set of rules. All 

other classes follow the SmashIt Demolition 

Derby rules. 


up-close experience at the demolition derby. 

The cost is $20. Passes can be purchased 

anytime after 3 p.m. the day of the event at 

the Garfield Avenue entrance to the fairgrounds 

or at a special booth at the infield. 

The passes do not include admission to the 

fair. 

BST Trucking is sponsoring the demolition 

derby.



Hitch 

a ride 

Karla Knief Sill 

catches a ride 

with John Brown. 

The fair provides 

free shuttles to 

and from parking 

areas on the fairgrounds. 

Brown 

is a member of 

Lilly Chapel 

Methodist 

Church which 

provided volunteer 

shuttle drivers 

throughout 

last year’s fair. 

Knief was visiting 

from Florida 

to watch her 

grandchildren, 

Katie and Kelsey 

Call, show sheep 

and alpacas. 

The Director, Megan Barker Witteman, and the board of Directors 

at the Mt. Sterling Community Center 

would like to give a big thanks to: 

Rick & Robbie Abbott 

Ag Pro 

A&M Farms 

All Ohio Portable Toilets 

Tim & Luana Barker 

Phil & Kathy Endres 

Green & Sons, Heritage 

Madison County Farm Bureau 

Mason & Sons Dumpsters 

Patton Improvements 

The Barker Team Realtors – 

Keller Williams Consultants 

The Mercantile 

Walker Family Auto Parts 

Walker Family Tire 

Barkers Bins Dumpster 

Service 

Environmental Ease 

Becks 

Morrison Excavating 

These buyers stepped up the last three years, forming a collaboration that continues to bring 

meat to families at the Mt. Sterling Food Pantry. The buyers shared market price and processing 

fees for meat donated to our pantry. 

We hope to continue this collaboration by adding more animals yearly, as needed, to serve our 

families at the pantry. As of June 1, we've served 1432 families (visits) this year which includes 

4174 individuals and an increase of 480 families from last year by this time. 

Donations to the Food Pantry are accepted throughout the year. Those wishing to contribute 

please reach out to Mt. Sterling Community Center - 740-869-2453 or visit our website @ 

www.mountsterlingcc.org.


Prize-winning food drive 

Farm Credit Mid-America and the Madison 

County Fair announce the return of 

“Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer.” 

Presented by Farm Credit Mid-America 

and sponsored by Rural 1st, this friendly 

competition helps junior fairs raise food donations 

for local food banks across Ohio. Now 

in its fourth year, Fight the Hunger, Stock 

the Trailer is one of many ways Farm Credit 

Mid-America gives back to rural communities 

while supporting local agriculture. 

From July 6 through July 13, the public 

is invited to bring non-perishable food items 

to the Madison County Fair. Donations can 

be placed outside of the Eby Youth Arena 

across from Junior Fair Board office. At the 

end of the fair, the total weight of all donations 

will be calculated. 

Each participating fair receives $500 just 

for taking part in the food drive. The fairs 

that collect the most food earn additional 

prizes: first, $5,000; second, $3,500; and 

third, $1,500. 

“Our goal is to make first place this year. 

We were second last year and third two 

years ago,” said Laura Dillion, OSU Extension 

4-H educator for Madison County. 

All prize money supports local junior fair 

activities, including attending statewide junior 

fair conferences, investing in new technologies, 

and, in some cases, purchasing 

additional items for donation. 

“We are thrilled to once again partner with 

the Madison County Fair for Stock the 

Trailer,” said Rudi Pitzer Perry, regional vice 

president for Farm Credit Mid-America. “This 

initiative not only helps those in need within 

our communities but also fosters a sense of 

teamwork and giving back among our local 

junior fairs. We look forward to seeing the impact 

we can make together in 2024.” 

Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer is 

hosted on a regional basis. To learn more 

about which counties are participating in 

2024, reach out to Farm Credit Mid-America 

at (614) 349-3782. 

The Madison County Junior Fair Board celebrates the fair’s second-place finish in last 

year’s “Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer” food drive. 

Cornhole & euchre tourneys 

Do you have good aim? Do you know how 

to play your cards right? 

The Madison County Fair is holding a 

cornhole tournament on July 11 at 7 p.m. in 

the Coughlin Equine Arena. The cost is $5 

per person. A cash prize goes to the winning 

team. Children and adults are welcome to 

enter. Participants are asked to bring their 

own boards and bags. Sign up by 5 p.m. the 

same day at the fair office. 

On July 12 at 7 p.m., an adults-only euchre 

tournament will take place in the Della 

Selsor Building. The cost to enter is $5. A 

cash prize goes to the winning team. Sign up 

by 5 p.m. the same day at the fair office.



‘King’ 

getting 

prepped 

Kyle Vallery, a member 

of the Buckeye 

Rangers 4-H Club 

and a resident of 

South Solon, prepares 

his short horn 

plus, “King,” for beef 

showmanship. 

Vallery said he likes 

showmanship because 

the focus is 

on the exhibitor 

rather than the animal. 

This year’s Junior 

Fair Beef Show is 

July 8 at 6 p.m. The 

Junior Fair Beef 

Showmanship show 

is July 9 at noon. 

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Who to call 

for fair info 

The Madison County Fairgrounds are located 

at 205 Elm St. in London. Two entrances 

operate during fair week—one gate 

on Elm Street (pedestrians only) and a second 

gate on Garfield Avenue. 

The Madison County Fair’s virtual home 

is https://madisoncountyfairoh.com. Go 

there for a full copy of the schedule, entry 

rules for competitions, and contact information. 

The website also includes information 

about the fairboard, events going on at the 

fairgrounds throughout the year, and facility 

rental information. 

For quick answers the week of the fair, 

give the following a call: 

* Senior Fair Board/Fair Secretary—Responsible 

for open shows, exhibits, harness 

racing, food stands, entertainment and 

rides, (740) 852-1654; 

* Ohio State University Extension Office—Responsible 

for all 4-H and Junior Fair 

programs and special events, (740) 852- 

0975; 

* Sheriff’s Trailer—(740) 852-0211.


Sixth pulling class added 

The Ohio State Tractor 

Pullers Association (OSTPA) 

will roll into the Madison 

County Fair on July 6 to 

present first-rate pulling action. 

The fun starts at 6 p.m. 

in the infield. 


Fair is one of 38 shows the 

organization is putting on 

around the state this year. 

OSTPA’s season runs from 

May through September. Members compete 

for cash, points, and bragging rights over the 

course of the season. 

“Last year’s Madison County Fair event 

was so successful that the fair board decided 

to add another class of competition for this 

year,” said Stacie White, OSTPA executive 

secretary. 

The 2023 show featured five classes. This 

year, there are six with light-limited pro 

stock tractors being the new addition. The 

other competition categories are: limited pro 

diesel trucks, super stock tractors, two-wheel 

drive trucks, super modified four-wheel drive 

trucks, and modified tractors. 

“This year’s event has a 

nice variety of noise, 

smoke, trucks, and tractors. 

We have several 

pullers from the area ,and 

it is always fun to get to 

pull in front of your hometown 

crowd,” White said. 

OSTPA is comprised of 

seven clubs from around 

the state. The organization is a member of 

the Pro Pulling League and, as such, follows 

the league’s rules and regulations for sanctioned 

events. Visit www.ostpa.com. 


up-close experience at the OSTPA pulls. The 






Tom Coughlin of Coughlin Automotive is 

the sponsor of the day for July 6, including 

the OSTPA pulls. 

Hi, there! 

Bodhi Ewing says “hi” to Reagan Reed’s 

crossbred market gilt. Bodhi and his 

mother, Nicole, decided to visit the fair 

for a day of fun. 

Hi, there? 

Mya Moore of the Crazy 4 Clovers 4-H 

Club freshens up one of her goat pens 

while her sister’s goat checks out the 

photographer.



Expect lots of action at this year’s autocross races set for July 12. 

Slamming around track 

Autocross combines elements of motocross 

and demolition derby. Drivers race multiple 

laps around the track, slamming into each 

other as they try to pass. The result: something 

that’s really fun to watch. 

Derby Dynamics out of Highland County 

is putting on this year’s autocross event at 

the Madison County Fair. Go time is July 12 

at 7 p.m. The inspection lineup starts earlier 

in the day around 2:30 p.m. 

Three classes are planned: front-wheel 

Congratulations and 

Best Wishes 

2024 Madison County Fair 

MADISON COUNTY 

REPUBLICAN PARTY 

Nick Adkins 

Chairman 

Chris 

Wallace 

Vice-Chairman 

Michael Klamo 

Secretary 

Bryan 

Dhume 

Treasurer 

London, Ohio 43140 

Paid for by Madison County Republican Party, 

Bryan Dhume, Treasurer 

bryan.dhume@gmail.com 

drive, four-wheel drive, and rear-wheel 

drive. A first-place prize will be awarded in 

each class. The prize amount will depend, 

in part, on the amount of entry fees collected. 

For each class, drivers will race against 

each other for five to seven laps across multiple 

heats. The top three or four out of each 

heat will then compete in a consolation 

race, out of which two will go on to compete 

in the feature race. The feature race likely 

will have 15 to 20 drivers. 

While autocross is relatively new to the 

area, Jordan Pryor of Derby Dynamics said 

it has the ability to become a big draw. 

“We started doing autocross at the Highland 

County Fair four years ago. The first 

year was tough, but the next year the 

stands were sold out,” he said. “Once the 

crowd sees it, they like it.” 

Drivers who participate in the sport 

cover a wide spectrum, from those who put 

a lot of work into their cars so they hold up 

to the abuse to drivers who do it just for fun 

and for however long their car lasts. 

Anyone is welcome to give it a go. The 

entry fee for each class is $60. Rules and 

safety requirements can be found on the 

Derby Dynamics Facebook page. Generally 

speaking, the cars can have windshields 

but cannot have taillights, headlights, or 

any other glass that will make a mess on 

the track. 

Spectators can purchase pit passes for 

an up-close experience at the autocross. 

The cost is $10. Passes can be purchased 

anytime after 3 p.m. the day of the event at 

the Garfield Avenue entrance to the fairgrounds 

or at a special booth at the infield. 

The passes do not include admission to the 

fair. 

Allstate Exteriors is sponsoring the autocross 

event.


Unique way to cool off 

As they stroll around the fairgrounds, 

fair visitors might find themselves interacting 

with a pint-size fire engine or perhaps 

some of their favorite costumed characters. 

Fahrenheit Fire Co.’s “arctic engine” 

and chill station are new to the Madison 

County Fair. The arctic engine is a miniature 

fire truck equipped with cold air cannons 

that fire in all directions. Interactive 

features include smoke-filled bubbles for 

popping, personal misters for cooling off, 

and a busy board with knobs, switches, and 

some surprises to discover. 

The engine will roam the grounds Monday 

through Friday of fair week. The attraction 

also includes a stationery 

10x20-foot chill station that provides shade 

and is outfitted with misters. 

The whole idea is to provide a cool way 

to cool off during hot fair days. 

Fahrenheit Fire Co. is bringing its miniature 

fire engine and chill station to the fair Monday 

through Friday. 

Nice icing 

Reece Hansen concentrates as he adds 

adornments to his cake during the cake 

decorating event. The Plain City resident 

is a member of the Clover Clippers 

4-H Club.



Youths work well as team 


Junior Fair Board, which 

plans and oversees all 

Junior Fair shows at the 

Madison County Fair, has 

doubled in size since last 

year. Its roster now 

boasts 27 members. 

Jill Hiles is the new 

Junior Fair Board coordinator. 

She works in tandem 

with Laura Dillion, 

Madison County OSU Extension 

4-H educator. 

Tina Seaburn, the former 

coordinator, is lending 

support. Together with other fair volunteers, 

they have worked to grow the board’s ranks, 

recruiting more 4-Hers to complement the 

solid contingent of FFA representatives and 

more youths from different project areas. 

“We have a very fluid mix of kids,” Hiles 

said, referring to the diversity in not only 

group affiliations and project areas but also 

geographic locations. “With this group, they 

cover the county very well.” 

In addition to planning and overseeing the 

fair’s Junior Fair shows, the Junior Fair 

Board picks out awards and ribbons, provides 

input to adult supervisors on how the 

shows are run, and works in the Junior Fair 

Board office on the fairgrounds during fair 

week, supplying information on proper procedures 

and check-in processes and answering 

a wide variety of other questions. 

“They do a lot of ‘being the face’ of the Junior 

Fair,” Dillion said. 

They also pick the fair theme. This year’s 

Ethan Gillian is an at-large officer with the 

Madison County Junior Fair Board. 

This year’s Madison County Junior Fair Board officers include: 

(from left) Anna LeGault, recorder; Kyla McCoy, vice 

president; Ellen Moore, treasurer; Izzy Hiles, president; and 

Emily LeGault, secretary. 

theme is “Winter in July: Let It Show at 

the Madison County Fair.” 

The board meets monthly from December 

through July. To be on the board, a 

youth must complete an application and 

interview. Hiles and Dillion make the selections. 

“We’re looking for someone who wants 

to build their leadership skills and is eager 

to be a role model. We want someone who 

is willing to put in the hard work because 

running a Junior Fair isn’t easy. They 

need to be willing to help out and be a 

team member,” Dillion said. 

She went on to say that this year’s 

board members work well together. 

“They come from different school districts 

and project areas. A lot of them 

didn’t know each other starting out,” she 

said. “It’s so neat to see kids who haven’t 

grown up together come together and lead 

the fair.” 

The board’s officers are elected from 

within the group and each serve a one-year 

term. This year’s officers are: 

• President—Izzy Hiles, Country Bunch 

4-H Club and London FFA; 

• Vice president—Kyla McCoy, Fairfield 

Rascals 4-H Club and Madison-Plains 

FFA; 

• Secretary—Emily LeGault, Mud Run 

Hustlers 4-H Club; 

• Recorder—Anna LeGault, Mud Run 

Hustlers 4-H Club and Madison-Plains 

FFA; 

• Treasurer—Ellen Moore, Helping 

Hands Happy Hearts 4-H Club and London 

FFA; and 

• At-Large—Ethan Gillian, Mud Run 

Hustlers 4-H Club and Miami Trace FFA.


Ice cream and dancing 

Among the special events on this year’s 

fair schedule are an ice cream social for visiting 

fair royalty at the beginning of the week 

and a dance for 4-H members and friends at 

the end of the week. 

Sponsored by the Madison County Senior 

Fair Board, the ice cream social is scheduled 

for July 6 at 3:30 p.m. in the Della Selsor 

Building. It is open to queens and other royalty 

representatives from other fairs. 

Each year, the reigning Madison County 

Fair queen gets to choose the treat for the 

gathering. Last year, cupcakes took center 

stage. For this year’s event, Emily LeGault, 

the 2023 fair queen, chose a sundae bar. 

“We let the other county fairs know their 

royalty are welcome to come. Last year, we 

had a bunch come from Clark County, plus 

Franklin, Fayette, Union, and Champaign 

counties,” said Laura Dillion, 4-H educator for 

the Madison County OSU Extension office. 

The 4-H dance scheduled for July 13 from 

3 to 6 p.m. in the Della Selsor Building is a 

new addition to the fair schedule. Coordinated 

by the Madison County 4-H Commit- 

Alison Sponseller (left), Fairfield County’s 

2022 fair queen, and Kirstin Eades, Madison 

County’s 2022 fair queen, pose for a 

photo at last year’s queens lunch. 

tee, the dance is open to 4-H members and 

their friends. Admission is free for 4-Hers. 

Guests are asked to pay $5 or donate a 

canned good for the Stock The Trailer food 

drive taking place during the fair. 

“We have a deejay donated. We’ll have 

pizza and snacks. We’ll have cornhole 

boards set up and other activities, too. The 

kids can come and go,” Dillion said. 

We applaud the efforts of all the young 

people & adults who have worked together 

to make this year’s Madison County Fair a 

success. Thanks for a job well done. 

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Hopping along 

Travis West (right), Junior Fair rabbit show judge, returns Cole Dover’s rabbit to him 

during the junior division of the senior buck class. Dover is a member of the Fairfield 

Rascals 4-H Club. 

Congratulations 

And 

Best Wishes 

To All 2024 Fair Participants


What it’s like to compete 

Youths who want to know what it’s like to 

show an animal at the fair can get their feet 

wet by signing up for Livestock 101. 

Now in its fourth year, Livestock 101 

takes place during the Madison County Fair 

and is open to youths ages 5 to 17 years old. 

This year’s Livestock 101 competition is 

scheduled for July 12 at 10 a.m. in the Eby 

Arena. The deadline to sign up was July 1. 

There is no cost to enter the competition. All 

entrants receive a t-shirt. 

Participants choose a species they’d like 

to show—cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, alpacas, 

poultry, or rabbits. They are matched 

with experienced 4-H and FFA exhibitors 

who show them the ropes then coach them 

through the show experience in front of a 

judge—all over the course of a few hours. 

“We’re trying to create a path where it 

makes it easy for kids to learn about the program,” 

said Paul Gross, Madison County 

Fair Board president. 

The idea is to get more youths interested 

in showing animals and participating in 4-H, 

FFA, and the fair. 

“Numbers have gone down, not just in 

Madison County, but across the state. We’re 

trying to get those numbers up,” Gross said. 

Participants compete for trophies and 

ribbons in their respective species categories. 

On top of that, top placers win certificates 

that go toward the purchase or lease of an 

animal to show at next year’s fair. New this 

year, winners can use their certificates with 

any breeder/provider they choose. 

Livestock 101 is welcoming two new 

judges this year, Maya McCoy and Seth 

Keplinger. Maya’s father, Mike, served as 

the event judge the past three years. Maya 

is going to college for livestock judging and 

has shown livestock successfully herself. 

Keplinger is a nationally acclaimed judge 

and hog breeder. 

For the second year in a row, Farm Credit 

Mid-America is the Livestock 101 sponsor. 

Gross said they and Laura Dillion, OSU Extension 

4-H educator for Madison County, 

are working to promote the Livestock 101 

concept beyond Madison County’s borders. 

“They would like to see it spread to other 

fairs,” Gross said. 

Last year, 151 youths took part in Livestock 

101 at the Madison County Fair. 


on the 

130 135 128 th th Madison County Fair 

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Ella Ballah (left) gives Ava Moore some 

last-minute pointers before Moore heads 

into the Livestock 101 show ring to show a 

lamb at last year’s fair. This was Ballah’s 

second year serving as a Livestock 101 

youth mentor. She is a member of the Fairfield 

Rascals 4-H Club and a resident of 

London. Moore is a member of the Crazy 4 

Clovers 4-H Club. 

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Improvements on grounds 

The Ladies Skillet Toss is 

a unique competition in 

which women ages 16 and 

older heave skillets for the 

chance at cash prizes. This 

year’s skillet toss is scheduled 

for July 13 at 5 p.m. in the infield. 

Entrants must register 

by 12 p.m. that day at the fair 

Among the improvements made to the Madison County 

Fairgrounds this spring are new restroom facilities 

equipped with showers. 

Among the new improvements 

at the Madison County 

Fairgrounds are bleacher seating 

and a restroom and shower 

facility. 

Thanks to a grant from the 

state, the fair board has purchased 

bleachers that can accommodate 

800 to 900 

spectators for infield events. 

The $106,000 in state funding 

covered nearly the entire cost. 

“Before, we were renting 

bleachers at a cost of $7,000 to 

$8,000 a year. Now, we’ve made an investment 

to own our own,” said Paul Gross, fair 

board president. 

A portion of the new bleachers are 

portable, so they can be used at other locations 

around the fairgrounds and even 

rented out to other entities. 

Funding from the Madison County commissioners 

helped to make the new restroom 

facility possible. Located between the equine 

arena and the horse barn, not far from the 

blacksmith shop, the facility includes showers. 

“We’ve routinely gotten requests for 

shower facilities from people who rent the 

grounds and camp here. It’s also helpful for 

kids during fair week,” Gross said. 

Skillet toss tests strength 

office. 

The cost to enter is $3. Age 

classes are: 16-29, 30-45, 46- 

64, and 65 and older. Each entrant 

gets two throws during 

class competition. The class 

winners then compete against 

one another in the finals where 

each gets another two throws. 

Throwing a skillet 26 feet, Barb Niemeyer represented the 65- 

and-older class well in the 2023 Ladies Skillet Toss toss-off. 

Calista Wallace placed 

second in the 18-to-29- 

year-olds class in last 

year’s Ladies Skillet Toss.


Sheer magic 

Alyssia Mullins, a member of Madison-Plains 

FFA, sheers her Suffolk lamb into show shape for 

the showmanship, born and bred, and breeding 

competitions. 

Yeehaw! 

Levi Valentine, a resident of 

Columbus, rides a mechanical 

bull at the 2023 fair rodeo. 

Ready from head to tail 

Kaitlyn Hollar sits atop “Gizmo,” an American saddle bred horse, while her 4-H advisor, 

Morgan Krebs, brushes out Gizmo’s tail and David Perrigo, stands by. Hollar was 

preparing to compete in the Western pleasure equine event for ages 14-18. She is a 

London resident and member of the LFS Riders 4-H Club.



Five seats up for election 

Five seats are up for 

election for the Madison 

County Agricultural Society’s 

board of directors. 

The election is set for 1 

to 5 p.m. July 13, the last 

day of the fair. Voting will 

take place in the Coughlin 

Community Center on the fairgrounds. 

To run for election, a person must be a 

Madison County resident and member of the 

Ag Society. The cost to become an Ag Society 

member is $5. The fair office is open prior to 

the fair for the sale of memberships. Call 

(740) 852-1654. 

Petitions are available at the fair office. 

Candidates must gather 10 or more signatures 

from other Ag Society members and return 

their completed petitions to the fair 

office by 1 p.m. July 6. 

To vote in the election, a person must be 

at least 18 years old, a Madison County resident, 

and an Ag Society member. On election 

day, they must show their driver’s 

license and their membership ticket. 

The five seats up for 

election are currently 

held by Brock Ballah, 

Brandon Estep, Quinton 

Keeran, Kyle Seaburn, 

and Brian Stonerock. 

Each of these seats come 

with a three-year term. 

Other members currently serving on the 

board are Jason Baker, Ryan Kimbler, 

William Koenig, Paul Melampy, and Tia Sexton, 

whose terms expire in 2025, and Seth 

Downing, Judy Green, Paul Gross, Joe 

Henry, and Jeff Tacket, whose terms expire 

in 2026. 

The Ag Society (also known as the senior 

fair board) is responsible for operating the 

fair, managing other events that take place 

on the fairgrounds, and maintaining the 

grounds. The board meets at 7 p.m. the first 

Wednesday of each month at The Butcher 

Block, 2280 State Route 56, London. 

For additional information about the election, 

call the fair office at (740) 852-1654. 


on the 

135 th 

Madison County Fair! 

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38 

WELCOMES YOU TO THE 

135 TH MADISON COUNTY FAIR 

JUST NORTH 

OF LONDON 

ON ST RT 56 

919 ST. RT. 56 SW, LONDON, OH 43143 

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2024 Madison County Fair Book

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