Kicking off this year’s County Fair season was a crowning for its king and queen.
Noah Peterson and Katlynn Kroll received the honors at the June 27 Oakland County Fair Royalty Banquet at Springfield Oaks fairgrounds, along with other fair royalty.
“It’s a very cool experience ? it’s great to be a part of making the fair happen,” said Peterson.
“I’m so excited to be named fair queen,” said Kroll.
The fair and 4H club also honored king and queen candidates Tom Purves and Courtney Klee; Fair Board scholarship recipients Serenity Tyll and Tara Wilson; Alpaca Royalty candidates Micah Angus, Quinn Angus, and Norvia Brandt; Canine Royalty Leah Goralczyk, Grace Zentmeyer, and Jacquelyn Zettner; Horse Court Margaret Dellinger, Natalie DeLisle, Samantha Dutton, Brooke Eaton, Kelsey Layman, Katie Main, Mary Grade Schmid, Rosie Sheppard, and Hannah Suddeth; Livestock Royalty Brandon Dutton and Abby Glad; Poultry Royalty Aneesa Berryer and Allie Purves; and Rabbit Royalty Alexandra Klassa.
All the candidates took a written test as well as interview and showmanship of the animal, said Maryann Floyed, Oakland County Fair director.
The king and queen candidates also presented a speech at the banquet to judges Eileen Callahan, Jamie Schutt, and Judy Schornak.
Kroll said 4H gave her experience with leadership, art, time management, and responsibility.
“It’s given me a wealth of opportunity I’d not be able to experience otherwise,” she said.
Peterson explored entrepreneurship with the club.
“It’s given me the opportunity to work with some of the kindest, encouraging and most helpful people,” he said. “It’s given me the knowledge and confidence to pursue my dreams.”
For Purves, the club helped him explore a future career as a veterinarian.
“It’s given me opportunity to learn many things about the animals I love, a strong foundation to build on in high school and college,” he said.
The banquet, hosted by 2013 county fair Queen Jessica Bowser and King Ian Bruning, was the first event of the fair, which kicks off for the public on July 4.
Daily activities include project displays in the Ellis Barn by the 4-H Club, open 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; animal exhibits; a Safari Petting Zoo; horse shows; an antique tractor display and commercial exhibits. Some activities will be held several times each day, including pig races; Globe of Death Motorcycle Show; and circus shows.
Oakland County Fair ‘Idol? Contest is Monday-Tuesday, July 7-8, 6-9 p.m., with finals on Sunday, July 13, from 12-2 p.m.
Singers ages 8 and up can perform in solos, duets, or trios, with instruments, instrumental music CD, or a capella. Music must be age appropriate, and free of profanity and immoral themes. Contest fee is $10, along with $10 parking fee per vehicle. The judge will be singer and music teacher Trish Shandor. Registrations are due by July 5. Call 248-345-7576.