4 • The Beacon October 5 , 2023
Opening ceremonies held at county fair
By Josie Sellers
The 2023 Coshocton County Fair kicked off with the crowning of the new fair king and queen .
Representing the fair for the next year will be River View High School ’ s Aliah Williamson and Gage Wesney . They both received their crowns at the ceremony held Sept . 29 in Hunter Arena .
“ I wanted to do something that got me out into the community and would be a little challenging ,” Wesney said . “ I hope everyone has a good week , has fun and is safe .”
He is looking forward to visiting other places and telling people about the Coshocton County Fair . Williamson is excited to serve the community and represent Coshocton .
“ I want to let people know that our fair will welcome you with open arms ,” Williamson said . “ There is so much for everyone to do .”
Wesney has been involved in FFA and 4-H and shown market steers , beef feeder calves and chickens and done other 4-H projects .
Williamson has participated in 4-H , been involved in numerous clubs at RVHS , teaches and competes at Miss Jennifer ’ s Dance Studio , and was a Coshocton Canal queen and Miss Teen Ohio second runner-up . Through the Miss Teen Ohio Program , she was able to start advocating for military veterans and participate in the Honor Flight .
“ You may think I ’ m pretty busy , and I am , but I believe a person should pursue every single thing they are passionate about ,” Williamson said .
Prior to passing on their crowns , 2022 King Drew Tumblin and Queen Josey Richard shared a little about their journeys .
“ You don ’ t really know what you have until you can compare it to something else ,” Tumblin said . “ Other fairs were cool and all , but there was just something missing . It was the fair culture here . The fair is all about bringing the community together .”
He also had a message for the children in the crowd .
“ If you aren ’ t involved yet , get involved now , and then when you can , apply for the fair royalty ,” Tumblin said .
Richard thanked everyone who plays a role in keeping the fair going , and she also thanked those who ran for fair king and queen .
“ Thank you for taking a big step out of your comfort zone ,”
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I ’ m so proud of each and every one of you and know you will all do a great job representing Coshocton .”
Josey Richard
Cristy Bower
Miss Ohio Madison Miller helped announce the opening ceremonies for the Coshocton County Fair .
Cristy Bower The 2022 Fair Queen Josey Richard smiles with the new Queen Aliah Williamson . she said . “ I appreciate you wanting to represent something bigger than yourself .”
While Wesney was the only one running for king , Brianna Karr , Piper Andrews , Jayden Rice , Georgia Haines and Leah Allen competed for queen , and each received attendant sashes .
“ I ’ m so proud of each and every one of you and know you will all do a great job representing Coshocton ,” Richard said .
Cristy Bower The 2022 Fair King Drew Tumblin addressed the crowd during opening ceremonies .