New royalty will represent Holmes County at fairs across Ohio
The newly appointed 2026-27 Holmes County Fair royalty included attendants Derek Coleman, left, and Sara Berger, Queen Reagan Mackey and King Shane Lorentz, who were joined by outgoing Queen Madison Ringwalt.
Dave Mast
The annual Holmes County Fair queen and king contest took place Aug. 10 in the large arena at Harvest Ridge, where six teens challenged themselves to represent Holmes County by traveling around the state to different fairs.
The four young ladies vying for the queen’s crown included Sara Berger, Alesha Felix, Reagan Mackey and Makenzie Mast, and the two young men seeking the king’s title were Derek Coleman and Shane Lorentz.
The selection committee had its work cut out for it, with all six being strong candidates, each having committed much of their lives to serving their respective communities and Holmes County through 4-H.
When the final announcement came, it would be Mackey honored as the newest Holmes County Fair queen while Lorentz was tabbed as this year’s king. Berger and Coleman were selected as attendants.
The emcees for the event were former royalty members Jenna Sheldon and Garrett Fowler. The 2025-26 Queen Madison Ringwalt spoke about her past year and represented her king counterpart Logan Van Dalen, who is currently midway through basic training in the Armed Forces.
2026-27 Holmes County Fair Queen Reagan Mackey and King Shane Lorentz are eager to perform their duties of representing Holmes County statewide as they prepare to travel to fairs throughout the state.
Dave Mast
She said of the experience representing Holmes County Fair as king and queen with Van Dalen, “I’m glad we got to share this experience, and I know this is a year we will both look back on and laugh about for a long time.”
She then had the opportunity to lay tiara and sash on her replacement Mackey.
Mackey said she was initially hesitant to run for queen because she knew it was a huge commitment but soon realized it was something she wanted to do.
“It was a great opportunity, and I’m glad I took it,” Mackey said. “I’m looking forward to meeting all these new people and the activities and experience of seeing new fairs in the queen’s shoes.”
Mackey, a junior at West Holmes and member of both Holmes County 4-H and WHHS FFA, said both have prepared her for the task of speaking in front of large crowds at other fairs.
“All of these activities have really prepared me,” Mackey said.
As for the nerves of competing for queen, Mackey said every ounce of her was nervous coming into the contest and preparing for the event.
“It’s been on my mind 24/7,” Mackey said. “I just wanted to know the results. I’ve been a nervous wreck lately, but I’m really excited now.”
She said knowing the new court so well only adds to the adventures ahead as they travel and represent Holmes County.
Lorentz said he hasn’t gotten a ton of sleep worrying about the entire process, but he said being a representative of the Holmes County Fair and its people is something he’ll cherish.
“I feel that responsibility on my shoulders, but it feels great knowing the work I’ve put in the past month,” Lorentz said.
He said the experience of growing up in 4-H and FFA has prepared him for this opportunity, noting he believes it all has come together for this purpose.
“It’s all led up to (this),” Lorentz said. “If you would talk to 8-year-old me, I would have never thought I’d be fair king. The experience between FFA and 4-H has helped me a lot because now I’m more extroverted than what I used to be and not afraid to make mistakes.”
Berger was equally excited and honored to be tabbed to serve.
“I was very excited. It was a stress-reliever that I did get in, and getting to hear my friend Reagan’s name after,” Berger said.
Berger was thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the fair and her county and said she is eager to meet new royalty and visit other fairs.
Sara Berger takes her turn at the microphone during the queen and king contest Aug. 10.
Dave Mast
She said the process provided real-world experience that will serve each of the contestants down the road as they look toward their futures.
Coleman had a friend from Ashland County who ran and felt it would be a good experience to follow.
He said the fair and 4-H have always been a huge part of his life, and getting to serve in this capacity is a challenge he is ready to face.
He also had sage advice for anyone wanting to run for the role in the future: “Don’t be afraid to talk to people in the past who were king and queen. Ask them what they did and don’t just do it yourself.”
He said he is anticipating going to other fairs to represent Holmes County.
Mackey and Lorentz received a crown, sash, camping chair and a $1,000 scholarship they will be awarded at the end of their reign. Coleman and Berger received a crown and sash.
Special thanks go out to the royalty sponsors: Sweet Breeze Farms, Millersburg Electric, Bonna’s Beautiful Beginnings, Hummel Insurance, Tara and Brent Sheldon family, Keaton and Ella Lorentz family, and Lisa Lang and Mary Kay.