Introducing the 2023 Tuscarawas County Fair King
The 2023 Tuscarawas County Fair King, Jonathan Domer was basically born into the fair life. Multiple generations before him have been members of the 4-H program, including his great grandparents, grandparents and parents. At only 7 months old, Jonathan’s parents introduced him to the fair that holds so much space in the family’s hearts. He has not missed a season at the Tuscarawas County Fair ever since.
Getting a head start
With both of Jonathan’s parents being heavily involved in the county fair and 4-H program, as well as being advisors for the junior fairboard, he’s been helping with animal check ins from a very young age.
“In fact, my cousins and I called ourselves the Jr-Jr Fairboard”- Jonathan
Growing Involvement
Since his “Jr- Jr Fairboard” days, Jonathan’s involvement in the Tuscarawas County Fair has grown tenfold. Jonathan is a 4-year member of the Jr- Fairboard, Camp counselor, an Older Youth and a 2-year delegate to the county 4-H committee.
Mostly being involved in large livestock, Jonathan does not shy away from stepping in and helping wherever needed. “Even waking up at 3am to help load out poultry” Jonathan added.
Royal Responsibility
During fair week, you can find the fair king caring for his livestock, helping his peers and carrying out various “Fair King” duties. Including passing out ribbons at both Jr. and Sr. fair shows and helping with the livestock sales. Aside from his responsibilities, you can find him having fun!
“One of my favorite memories from last years fair was riding in the pace care during the horse races”- Jonathan
Once the excitement of the Tuscarawas County Fair has passed, Jonathan enjoys traveling to various fairs and festivals to promote our fair.
More than the responsibility
Of course being fair royalty comes with responsibility. Beyond the obvious duties, our fair king and queen are the faces that represent our counties youth and 4-h program. That’s a great responsibility.. This is how Jonathan sees it
“Being in 4-H and the Jr. Fairboard not only teaches you responsibility but you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when you’ve been a part of the fair. Being in 4-H is more than just raising and animal, it’s being a mentor to younger kids, it’s learning new life skills, and it’s about leaving a positive impact on the world around us” -Jonathan Domer, 2023 Tuscarawas County Fair King
Requirements For Royalty
- Candidates must be a member of a 4-H club or FFA Chapter and eligible to exhibit at the Tuscarawas County Fair. Applications are available on the Tuscarawas County Fair website and must be e-mailed to wendyvogel.fair@gmail.com by August 7 of the current year at 11:59 p.m..
- Applicants must be 16-19 years of age (as of January 1).
- The King and Queen will be selected through a combined application and interview process.
- The reigning King and Queen must be present to preside over the remaining days of the fair and be present at judging and contests.
- The reigning Queen at the Tuscarawas County Fair shall be eligible to compete in the Queen Contest at the 2025 Ohio Fair Managers Conference.
For more information, visit https://www.tusccountyfairgrounds.com/index.html
Reporting, Alyssa Harbold
