JEFFERSON – A lowering sky and a new parade step-off time did little to depress attendance in the Fairgrounds grandstands Tuesday morning, Aug. 11, as the Jr. Fair Parade launched the festivities for the 2026 Ashtabula County Fair.
The parade, which stepped off at 9 a.m. instead of in the afternoon as it has in the past, had fewer floats and clubs than last year, but the grandstands crowd shouted their encouragement all the louder as 4-H clubs, festival royalty and court candidates passed in review.
Probably the showstopper event of the parade was the winning performance of “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson by the Jefferson High School Marching Band under the direction of Fred Burazer.
The parade closed with the crowning of the 2026 Royal Court: Princess Caroline Janowski, Prince Eli Hanusosky, King Benjamin Zaebst, First Attendant Khloe DiFazio and Queen Rylee Rogers.
Rogers, a Grand Valley High School senior from Roaming Shores, is a member of the City Slickers 4-H Club and is bringing a market lamb and a rabbit as project animals this year.
The new queen was poised in her victory, describing her feelings as “really, really good.”
“I’m really excited because, growing up with the Fair and seeing the queens, I’ve known it’s a big part of the community,” she said.
She said she’s most looking forward to the community service aspect of her reign as Fair Queen.
“Living in Ashtabula County, giving back to the community that I grew up in? I’m really excited to do that,” Rogers said.
The Ashtabula County Fair took place through Sunday, Aug. 16.
