Coshocton Canal queen was a childhood dream . As a young girl , I was in awe of the fancy , old-fashioned dresses and wanted to be just like that . I have held junior queen , princess attendant and princess while growing up .

Now 16 , I have held the highest title of queen since the 52nd annual Apple Butter Stirrin ’ Festival . But it was more than just a sparkling crown and sash stating my standing on the court . Being crowned queen has been a little girl ’ s wish come true .

Many of my best memories growing up have been circled around the Coshocton Canal Court . In total I have spent five years growing up on the court . However , my journey started long before that , when I tried out just before kindergarten for junior queen . I learned if I really wanted something , it might take a few tries . In 2017 I was awarded junior queen , and my Canal journey took off from there .

Some have joked that I am “ Legacy ” because I held all the head titles . I , however , think I am lucky to have experienced this world growing up . Coshocton Canal has held several different names through the years but still remains a time-honored tradition in the community . Many queens came before me . A few I hold dear to my heart , as they were my queens : Maddy Meiser , Sophie Meiser and Lynsey Stonebraker . They set the bar high for me .

Coshocton Canal Court has instilled a love for Historic Roscoe Village and my hometown of Coshocton . There is so much to appreciate . Our history as part of the Ohio Canal remains preserved for all to enjoy . Competing for Canal Court , I always enjoyed researching and discovering historical facts about our area . Who doesn ’ t love a

Bri Fink was your 2023 Coshocton Canal queen .

walk through the village or ride on the Monticello Canal Boat ?

In my time as queen , I have traveled to dozens and dozens of festivals . However , the Apple Butter Stirrin ’ Festival remains my all-time favorite . Nothing can come close to it . Take a tour , explore the Johnson- Humrickhouse Museum , ride the canal , dine at one of our fabulous restaurants or food trucks , check out the craft vendors , stop at the shops , and don ’ t forget to watch the Canal Court contests or Mayor ’ s Promenade .

I will forever hold my court dear to my heart , from the junior queens and princesses to my attendants . We have made so many memories together this year , supporting local businesses all while sharing time together . We went bowling , learned to sew

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a canal-era skirt , had ice cream at Earl ’ s , swam at KOA , painted ceramics at Rust Decor and enjoyed “ Inside Out 2 ” at Shelby Theaters . We strived to be involved in our community . Many of us attended parades , luncheons and festivals together , traveling many miles here , there and everywhere .

My Princess Kenzie was with me for the majority of my travels . We started out acquaintances but became the best of friends . She is a bonus sister at this point , from our long rides together to the inside jokes , my picture pal and so much more . I am grateful fate placed us together .

Through all my years , there has been Cheryl Matchett . She is best known as my “ fairy godmother .” She lent me dresses that belonged to her daughters and made me

many beautiful , one-of-akind dresses . I will cherish each and every one , especially the Christmas dress she made for my special moment as candlelighter at the Roscoe Village candlelighting . Her friendship and support mean so much .

Some special people that were part of my Canal Court journey that I would like to remember are former Coshocton Mayor Moody and Ava Winner . I was fortunate to meet Mayor Moody this spring when our group hosted a sock hop at Windsorwood . His support for the start of the Coshocton Canal programs is part of why we have it today . Ava and I were both on the 2019 Coshocton Canal Court together . I am grateful for the time we shared and brought her memory along with me this year , with an angel wing pin attached to my queen ’ s sash .

There would be no Coshocton Canal Court without our amazing committee . The biggest thanks to Amanda Meiser , Casey Brown , Maddy Meiser and Clarissa Roof . Thank you

Thanks Park National Bank , Greg and Jan Rice ,

and Bob Bigrigg for Coshocton County Commissioner

for purchasing my 2024 Market Chicken .

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to Historic Roscoe Village for allowing girls like me to represent Apple Butter Stirrin ’ Festival all over the state of Ohio . To the sponsors , our entire court appreciates your financial support of the contest and each of us . Thank you to the Coshocton Canal parents , especially the Roach family ( Jody and John ) for providing a float trailer at so many events and being my second family this year .

I couldn ’ t have done it without my parents Amanda and Denny Fink standing behind me throughout my entire royalty journey . Other honorable mentions include my grandparents Carl and Melody Bergerson , my siblings Zach , Jackson and Reagan Fink , Danay White , Amy Stonebraker , Barb Bergerson , Jacque Wagner , Luna and Kayla Norman , Shelby Matchett , Heather

and Rex Slaughter , Scott Matchett , Susie Mann , Jazlene Brown , Coshocton Key Club , and all my Ohio Royalty friends and their parents . I truly cannot say enough for all the support from around our community and state .

It is bittersweet to see this part of my life draw to a close . What once were dreams are now memories . But I will forever be a “ canal girl ” and your 2023 Coshocton Canal queen .

Bri Fink

Canal queen

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BRODY STEVENS ACTIVE ACHIEVERS 4-H CLUB