Lydia Fuchs Named to 2026 Ohio State Junior Fair Board
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Fair has announced the 2026 Junior Fair Board members. In order to be selected for the prestigious Junior Fair Board, young Ohioans must be among some of our state’s brightest young leaders. Each year, members are hand-selected to help ensure the success of the Ohio State Fair. Members aged 16-20 come from a wide variety of youth and/or career technical organizations. Throughout the duration of the Fair, they come together to showcase their hard work, dedication and passion, serving the people of Ohio at the State Fair.
At its core, the Youth and Junior Fair is a direct reflection of the Fair Board and their leadership. Members have the opportunity to work directly with Fairgoers, welcome guests at livestock shows, develop and strengthen their public speaking skills, attend special events such as cabinet meetings, and gain hands-on experience by working in various departments across the Ohio State Fair.
“The Junior Fair Board represents everything the Ohio State Fair stands for — hard work, leadership, and a genuine love for our great state, community and agriculture,” said Ohio State Fair Executive Director Adam Heffron. “These young people put in countless hours behind the scenes, from greeting visitors to helping run activities, all while carrying forward traditions that have shaped our state’s fair for generations. Their energy and dedication remind us why the Ohio State Fair remains a place where the next generation of leaders gets its start. We’re incredibly proud of what they do, and grateful for their service.”
2026 Barnesville High School grad Lydia Fuchs is one of nine new first-year members of the board. In school Fuchs was active in the Future Farmers of America serving as chapter Vice President her senior year.
Lydia also represented her chapter at the Washington Leadership Conference and served as a National FFA “FFA in the USA” student reporter, where she shared stories highlighting the impact of agriculture and FFA across the country and state.
In May, Barnesville Area News reported Fuchs signed a letter of intent to attend The Ohio State University and study agricultural communication. In the fall, she will be a student in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership.
Second-Year Members include four officers and six other members. The total board consists of 19 members.
A love and passion for the Ohio State Fair runs deep among Junior Fair Board members. Many have grown up exhibiting projects, caring for livestock, attending meetings, participating in camps, and now stepping into this new leadership role. These past and present experiences have shaped their professional skills and personal growth.
The Ohio Expo Center is proud to host the Ohio State Fair. With big-name entertainment, educational activities, hundreds of exhibits, and one of the largest junior livestock shows in the nation, the 2026 Ohio State Fair will run July 29 – Aug. 9. For more information, visit ohiostatefair.com, call 1-888-OHO-EXPO or 1-614-644-FAIR.
The original press release by Leslie Cooksey of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Services, was expanded with additional biographical information on Fuchs.
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