GREENVILLE – More than 450 Junior Fair supporters, youth, parents, and volunteers attended the Celebration of Achievement on Thursday, August 27th at the cattle arena sponsored by the Darke County Junior Fair. Highlights of the evening included selling the 2026 grand and reserve grand champions, as well as recognizing youth from across the fairgrounds. More than $ 566,739.00 was raised to support the youth of Darke County.
The grand champion market lamb was exhibited by Jasper Marker, the son of Alicia Marker and Bryce Burns and Jared Marker, and was purchased by SISCO and Dave Knapp Ford for $ 2000.00
The reserve grand champion market lamb was also exhibited by Colton Langston, the son of Steve and Shannon Langston and was purchased by SISCO, Phelan Insurance and FedCrop Insurance Services for $4,750.00
The grand champion boer goat was exhibited by Lilia Deem the daughter of Bethany Kremer and was purchased by Dave Knapp Ford for $1000.00.
The reserve grand champion boer goat was exhibited by Scarlett Cole the daughter of Kevin and Holly Cole and was purchased by Graves Fearon Insurance Agency for $1500.00.
The grand champion dairy wether was exhibited by Videssa Troutwine, the daughter of Cody and Jessica Troutwine and was purchased by Zechar Bailey Funeral Home and and Dave Knapp Ford for $2000.00.
The reserve grand champion dairy wether was exhibited by Iris Schneider, the daughter of Ben and Crystal Schneider and was purchased by Dave Knapp Tire warehouse for $1,250.00.
The grand champion single rabbit was exhibited by Levi Grillot, the son of Rich and Emily Grillot was purchased by Dave Knapp Ford and Phelan Insurances for $1,500.00.
The reserve champion single rabbit was exhibited by Claire Livingston, the daughter of Brandon and Clarie Livingston and purchased by Dave Knapp Ford and Phelan Insurance for $1500.00.
The grand champion pen of three rabbits was exhibited by Leah Clark the daughter of Rick and Emily Clark and was purchased by SISCO and Keystone Cooperative for $3000.00.
The reserve grand champion pen of three rabbits was exhibited by William Aultman, the son of Matt and Morgan Aultman, and was purchased by SISCO, Dave Knapp Ford and Graves-Fearon Agency for $3000.00.
The grand champion overall meat poultry project was exhibited by Evan Addis the son of Larry and Amy Addis and was purchased by Dave Knapp Ford and Zechar Bailey Funeral Home for $2000.00.
The reserve grand champion overall meat entry was exhibited by Penn Bubeck, the son of Travis and Jessica Bubeck and was purchased by Phelan Insurance for $500.00.
The grand champion commercial egg layers entry was exhibited by Elliott Seubert, the son of Justin and Tricia Seubert, and was purchased by Phelan Insurance, Bruns Animal Clinic and Dave Knapp Ford for $1500.00.
The grand champion market hog was exhibited by Kenna Wilcox, the daughter of Kirby and Beth Wilcox and was purchased by Dave Knapp Ford for $2500.00.
The reserve grand champion market hog was shown by Mylie Austerman, the daughter Rob and Ashley Austerman and was purchased by Dave Knapp Tire warehouse and Zechar Bailey Funeral Home for $2000.00.
The grand champion dairy steer was exhibited by Adam Langenkamp, the son of Dan and Jennifer Langenkamp, and was purchased by Dave Knapp Ford and Bruns Animal Clinic for $2000.00.
The reserve grand champion dairy steer was exhibited by Sadie Heitkamp the daughter of Matt and Kendra Heitkamp, and was purchased by Sunrise Cooperative, Versailles Feed Mill, Bruns Animal Clinic and Third Base Bar, Inc for $3000.00.
The supreme champion dairy cow was exhibited by Cale Henry, the son of Charlie and Beth Henry, and was purchased by SISCO, Dave Knapp Ford and FedCrop Insurance Services for $3000.00.
The grand champion beef steer was exhibited by Adalee Printz, the daughter of Trent Printz, and was purchased by Printz Farms, Printz Veterinary Services/Pink Ribbon, Sheri Hanes Endowment Fund and Greenlee Pet Aquamation for $10,000.00.
The reserve champion market beef was exhibited by Russell Winner the son of Brian and Lisa Winner, and was purchased by Golden Harvest Seeds and Midwest Crop Care for $10,000.00.
The Celebration of Achievement started with a welcome from the master of ceremonies, Sam Custer, followed by the singing of the National anthem by Kaitlyn Tollefson, Ansonia FFA member. Bryce Watson, the 2026 Darke County Fair King, Shawna Schmitmeyer, the 2026 Darke County Fair Queen, and Danicka Michael, the 2026 President of the Darke County Junior Fairboard, welcomed everyone to the event and thanked all the Junior Fair exhibitors for their hours of dedication to get this this level. Vickie Willcox of the Jr Fair Sale Committee explained the format of the live auction and online sale process.
Also at the Celebration of Achievement, each one of the barns recognized their scholarship winners and outstanding exhibitors. In the junior fair dog department, they recognized their outstanding exhibitors. Isabelle Westfall was recognized for placing 1st overall. Second overall,Lydia Aguilar and 3rd overall, Chole Alexander.
The junior fair horse committee recognized Kaylie Miller as the overall high point award winner and Bailey Foster as the reserve overall high point award winner.
The Darke County Jr Fair Sheep Committee scholarship recipients included: Paige Gehret, London Reichert and Camryn Winner. The Darke County Jr Fair Sheep Committee also recognized their outstanding exhibitors and the overall outstanding market and breeding exhibitors in the sheep barn. Junior finalists for outstanding market exhibitors included: Alexis Winner, Tripp Schroder and Jasper Marker, and Jasper Marker was named the overall outstanding junior market exhibitor. Intermediate finalists for outstanding market exhibitors included: Elouise Schroder, Hadley Hanes, Clarie Sachs and Aubrey Light. Elouise Schroder was named the overall outstanding intermediate market exhibitor. Senior finalists for outstanding market exhibitors included: Hunter Bruns, London Reichert, Hannah Savoy and London Reichert was named the overall outstanding senior market exhibitor.
Junior finalists in sheep breeding exhibitors included: Alexis Winner, Annie Evans and Urban Schwiterman and Alexis Winner was named the overall outstanding breeding sheep market exhibitor. Intermediate finalists for outstanding breeding sheep exhibitors included: Devin Sachs,Claire Sachs and Aubrey Light, and Clarie Sachs and Devin Sachs were named the overall outstanding intermediate breeding exhibitor.
Darke County OSU Extension 4-H Educator, Mercedes McFarland, introduced the Outstanding 4-H Boy and Girl. Congratulations to Alex Westgerdes, the son of Mike and Mary Westgerdes, who was announced as the 2026 Darke County 4-H Outstanding Boy, and Brookyln Miller, the daughter of Greg and Cynthia Miller who was announced as the 2026 Darke County 4-H Outstanding Girl. Thanks to Kyle Homan of Homan Insurance, who sponsored these two awards at the Celebration of Achievement. In addition, Mercedes awarded Charlie Weiss, the son of Casey and Krista Weiss and Micah Arbogast, the son of Brian and Hannah Arbogast, the Darke County 4-H Scholarships.
Gail and Josh Overholser of SISCO presented the Ben Overholser Memorial Scholarships to Patrick McGlinch. Patrick is a senior at Versailles High School and is the son of Greg and Janet McGlinch. Ava Hummel is a senior at Mississinawa Valley High School and is the daughter of Jared and Christy Hummel. Patrick and Ava each received a $5000.00 scholarship. Thank you to the Ben Overholser Memorial Scholarship for this opportunity and continued support of the youth of Darke County.
The Darke County FFA Chapters recognized the outstanding shop, crop, and horticulture projects. The Grand Champion Horticulture project was exhibited by Evan Addis of the Franklin Monroe FFA Chapter, and the trophy was sponsored by Betsy Petitjean and a belt buckle sponsored by Darke County Rural Electric Co-op.
The Reserve Grand Champion Horticulture project was exhibited by Eva Yohey of the Greenville FFA Chapter and the trophy was sponsored by Richard Baker.
The Grand Champion Crop project was exhibited by Drew Geisendorff of the Versailles FFA Chapter, and the trophy was sponsored by Atlanta Moore and belt buckle sponsored by Darke County Rural Electric Co-op. The Reserve Grand Champion Crop project was exhibited by Jason Godown of the Tri-Village MVCTC FFA Chapter, and the trophy was sponsored by Jed Smith Farms.
The Grand Champion Shop project was exhibited by Carson Tobe of the Ansonia FFA Chapter and the trophy was sponsored by Chuck and Vickie Wilcox and a belt buckle sponsored by Darke County Rural electric co-op. The Reserve Grand Champion Shop project was exhibited by Maverick Keller of the Versailles FFA Chapter and the trophy was sponsored by Jed Smith Farms.
During the fair, the local FFA chapters hosted dairy judging and general livestock judging contests, and those individuals and teams were recognized at the Celebration of Achievement. Farm Credit Mid-America, represented by Ryan Langenkamp and Kierra Reichert, was the major sponsor of both events.
The dairy judges that were recognized included the 1st place team for the senior division was Dairyman represented by Charlie Weiss, Adam Langenkamp and Tiffany Langenkamp. They were all presented a trophy from Versailles FFA and Versailles FFA Alumni.
The 1st place individual in senior dairy judging was Charlie Weiss, and he was presented with an engraved Western Belt Buckle sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and a trophy sponsored by Jeff and Dena Wuebker. The 2nd place individual in senior dairy judging was Theresa Schmitmeyer, and she received a trophy sponsored by Wuebker Farms. The 3rd place individual in senior dairy judging was Adam Langenkamp, and he received a trophy sponsored by Alan and Sarah Wuebker.
The 1st place team winning the Jr Division of dairy judging was Returning Champs and was represented by Nolan Henry, Samuel Henry, Max Henry, and Abram Dirksen. They were all presented with gifts from Farm Credit Mid-America and a trophy from Don and Diane Delphane.
The 1st place individual in junior dairy judging was Samuel Henry, and he was presented with an engraved Western Belt Buckle sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America, and the 1st place trophy sponsored by Kevin Flory Landscaping and Lawncare. The 2nd place individual in junior dairy judging was Abram Dirksen and the 3rd place individual in junior dairy judging was Max Henry. They both received a plaque sponsored by Thomas Shaw and Family.
In addition to dairy judging, more than 100 youth from Darke County participated in General Livestock judging on Friday. We were pleased to have Farm Credit Mid-America as a major sponsor for this event who was represented by Ryan Langenkamp and Kierra Reichert.
The 1st place team for the Senior Division general livestock judging was Tri-Village FFA. They were represented by Jasen Godown, Alexa Light and Aubrey Light. They received a trophy sponsored by the Darke County Township Association.
The 1st place individual in senior general livestock was Lincoln Winner. Lincoln was presented an engraved Western Belt Buckle sponsored by Farm Credit Service Mid America and a trophy sponsored by Kevin Flory Landscaping and Lawn Care. The 2nd place individual in senior general livestock was Hunter Bruns. He was presented with a trophy from Park National Bank. The 3rd place individual in senior general livestock was Alexa Light and she was presented with a trophy from Ansonia FFA Alumni.
The 1st place team for the Jr. Division of general livestock judging was Darke County Cattle Girls. They were represented by Sarah Bergman, Ruth Bergman, Adalee Printz and Allison Horst. They were presented with a trophy sponsored by Ansonia FFA Alumni.
The 1st place individual in junior general livestock was Grant Pohlmam. Grant was presented an engraved Western Belt Buckle sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and a trophy sponsored by Darke County Farm Bureau. The 2nd place individual in junior general livestock was Sarah Bergman. She received a trophy sponsored by Ansonia FFA Alumni. The 3rd place individual in junior general livestock was Colton Langston. He received a trophy sponsored by Betsy Petitjean.
The 2026 Darke County Junior Fair Showman of Showman for each livestock species was recognized and the announcement occurred at the Celebration of Achievement. The showman of showman included: Representing Beef-Carson Bergman, Representing Dogs-Chole Alexandar, Representing Dairy cattle-Charlie Weiss, Representing Dairy Beef-Leah Homan, Representing Dairy Goats-Kam Kaffebberger, Representing Boer Market Goats-Wriley Mullins Representing Horses-Nevan Miley, Representing Poultry-Cheyenne Swisher, Representing Rabbits-Isley DeMange, Representing Sheep-London Reichert and representing Swine-Adalyn Subler. The top 5 in the Showman of Showman contest included: 5th place Wriley Mullins, 4th place Leah Homan, 3rd place Charlie Weiss, 2nd place London Reichert and the overall 2026 Darke County Junior Fair Showman of Showman was Cheyenne Swisher. We would like to thank showman of showman contest sponsor Darke Rural Electric for donating the top 5 placings with an aluminum show box, additional sponsors included: Merchants Bank of America, Mikesell Show Pigs, Park National Bank, Derrick and Addie Mikesell, Jerry Hunt Concessions, Stewart Farms, Jordan Insurance Agency and Darke County Democratic Party.
The Darke County Jr Fair Goat Committee announced Iris Schneider of Union City as their scholarship recipient. The overall outstanding market exhibitor in the goat for the junior division was Zoe Sturgill. The reserve outstanding market exhibitor in the goat for the junior division was Kaisley McCann. The overall outstanding market exhibitor in the goat for the intermediate division was Scarlett Cole. The reserve outstanding market exhibitor in the goat for the intermediate division was Kam Kaffenberger. The overall outstanding market exhibitor in the goat for the senior division was McKenna Yant. The reserve outstanding market exhibitor in the goat for the senior division was Lexie Shoop.
The Darke County Jr Fair Rabbit Committee announced their outstanding exhibitors in market rabbits. First in the junior division of the rabbit department was Carmen Livingston. First in the intermediate division of the rabbit was Claire Livingston. The senior division 1st place was Leah Clark.
The Darke County Jr Fair Rabbit Committee announced their outstanding exhibitors in breeding rabbits. First in the junior division of the rabbit department was Carmen Livingston. First in the intermediate division of the rabbit was Eleanor Sutter. The senior division 1st place was Isley DeMange.
The Darke Jr Fair Poultry Barn presented two $1000.00 scholarships to Alivia Addis and Cheyenne Swisher. The market poultry outstanding exhibitors included: junior Jase Kendig, Grant Moore was the intermediate overall outstanding market exhibitor and Cheynee Swisher was the overall outstanding market exhibitor in the senior division. Cheynee Swisher and was named the overall outstanding exhibitor in the market poultry.
The fancy poultry outstanding exhibitor was Jase Kendig placing 1st overall in the junior division. Grant Moore was recognized as the intermediate overall outstanding fancy exhibitor. The overall outstanding fancy exhibitor in the senior division of the poultry barn was Evan Addis. Grant Moore was named the overall outstanding in the fancy poultry exhibitor.
The Darke County Jr Fair Swine Committee presented their swine barn scholarships to Aeronna Baker and Faith Wooten. The overall outstanding market exhibitor in the swine barn was Adalyn Subler, placing 2nd was Bostyn Miksell, placing 3rd was Briggs Stikeleather, 4th place was Cole Lavy and 5th place was Audree Sullivan.
The Darke County Jr Fair Dairy Committee presented their leadership award to Charlie Weiss and Shawna Schmitmeyer. The overall outstanding exhibitor for dairy was Charlie Weiss. The Rookie of the Year in the dairy barn was Max Henry.
The Darke County Jr Fair Beef Committee recognized their outstanding exhibitors. The winner of the Beginner Division was Paisley Snyder. The winner of the junior market division was Carter Briggs. The winner of the intermediate market division was Rylee Judy. The winner of the senior market division was Kaitlyn Barga. The beef department recognized the beef herdsman 1st place beef herdsman Cooper Hunt, 2nd place Carson Bergman and 3rd place Carter Briggs.
A hog was sold at the end of the auction in memory of Josh Armstrong and Carl Schlechty to benefit the Blue Collar Memorial Fund. Thank you to everyone that supported that fund.
The Darke County Jr Fair Sale Committee wishes to thank all the supporters and buyers of the live auction. Thank you to Bill Roll who served as the auctioneer, Brett Yingst, and Ryan Yingst who assisted Roll, and Sam Custer who served as the master of ceremonies. The sale committee would also like to recognize Dannon Yogurt, Steve Beam Dairy, Mary Bergman, Emily Clark of Crazy Train Creations and Megan Roell Photography for assisting with/donating to the Celebration of Achievement.
