Fair king & queen Houin & Irwin can't wait to share their Holmes County roots with Ohio
MILLERSBURG − The honor of representing their community at fairs across Ohio is one of the highlights of being crowned king and queen of the 2022 Holmes County Fair.
So says Garrett Houin and Sarah Irwin, who were named king and queen, respectively, during a Monday evening ceremony.
"I'm looking forward to it because I get to see even more things that I don't normally get to see," Houin said. "One of the things I'm looking forward to the most is visiting other county fairs, because I don't normally get to go out and see a lot of them except when occasionally there is a rodeo at one. I'm going to enjoy going to all these other fairs I've never been to.
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"I've been wanting to do this for a long time because it is a good opportunity," Houin continued. "I think it's going to be a really good experience."
Irwin said she looks forward to traveling with court attendants Alysa Pringle and Brianna Vansickle, who both serve on the Junior Fair Board with her.
"... I'm happy to see what's going to happen to us as we travel together this year, going to other county fairs," she said. "I am so happy. Honestly, this is a dream come true. I really do enjoy Holmes County. I love my roots here, the community, and I'm really happy that I get to represent that on a higher scale all across Ohio."
Experience a key for new queen
Irwin was an attendant for outgoing Queen Ally Ogi. She believes her experience on the court helped her during the interview process before she was named queen.
For Ogi, holding the title of Holmes County Fair queen for the past year has been life-changing.
"I have met so many new people and seen so many different things, it's crazy just getting to experience that," she said. "... Getting to travel to all those fairs, I met some great friends, and I've made memories that will stay with me when I'm off to college and struggling, and need some help. I'll have those friends that I can reach out to."
Pringle said she is looking forward to serving as an attendant.
"I do a lot with 4-H and have talked with members throughout the state," she said. "One of the things that makes Holmes County special is our facilities at our fair, and how close and tightknit we are. That really makes it special."
Vansickle added she has always wanted to be part of the queen's court, and feels honored to be an attendant.
"I worked really hard for this. It is something I've always strived for," she said. "I'm really glad for this opportunity."
Reach Kevin at 234-249-5294 or klynch@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: 'A dream come true' for Irwin & Houin, Holmes County Fair queen & king
