COLUMBUS—The Ohio State Fair officials have announced the 2023 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board (JFB). Comprised of 20 young Ohioans from 12 counties, the JFB members represent thousands of youth across Ohio who participate in 4-H, Boy Scouts, Farm Bureau, FFA, Girl Scouts, and Tech Ed.

The selected students have demonstrated leadership and commitment to their community, serving their organizations with countless hours of involvement. Virgil Strickler, General Manager of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, said that the goal of the JFB program is to have youth involved in these organizations be present to speak on behalf of the Junior Fair and show the importance of helping young people who are involved in the Fair grow their futures.

During the 12 days of the Fair from July 26 – Aug. 6, 2023, JFB members will assist with various activities, including providing supplies at the monster mural outside the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, helping with youth fishing in Natural Resources Park, welcoming guests to shows at the Main Street and Gazebo Stages, and ushering patrons to their seats in the WCOL Celeste Center, among other duties.

This year’s JFB is comprised of 20 individuals aged 16 to 20, from various counties across the state, including 12 second-year members returning from 2022. Each member will have the opportunity to connect with working professionals from around the state to learn more about pursuing a career in Ohio, present to the Ohio Expositions Commission about the importance of the Junior Fair, and form friendships that will last beyond the Fair.

The members of the 2023 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board are as follows:

  • Zak Beaver, 4-H, First Year, Delaware County
  • Josie Burke, FFA, Second Year, Washington County
  • Elizabeth Fannin, PR Officer, 4-H, Second Year, Jackson County
  • Madelyn Fannin, FFA, First Year, Jackson County
  • Carter Freeman, Boy Scouts, Second Year, Franklin County
  • Olivia Haines, FFA, First Year, Wayne County
  • GraceLynn Harter, 4-H, First Year, Darke County
  • Marissa Johnston, Girl Scouts, Second Year, Delaware County
  • Julia Joos, Tech Ed, Second Year, Franklin County
  • Elsa Lapierre, Farm Bureau, First Year, Franklin County
  • Melina Matics, 4-H, Second Year, Washington County
  • Adrianna Meyer, Farm Bureau, Second Year, Henry County
  • Wyatt Morrow, At-Large, First Year, Highland County
  • Sara Newsome, President, 4-H, Second Year, Highland County
  • Erica Patterson, At-Large, Second Year, Hancock County
  • Jayden Porter, Farm Bureau, First Year, Franklin County
  • Grace Robertson, At-Large, First Year, Adams County
  • Zach Romero, 4-H, Second Year, Hancock County
  • Emily Scaff, Secretary, At-Large, Second Year, Scioto County
  • Landon Shelpman, Vice President, FFA, Second Year, Clark County

The JFB members will serve as ambassadors of the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair, showcasing their leadership skills and dedication to their communities.