Mikayla Bodey had something special to celebrate on her 17th birthday Sunday night as she was named the 2012 Fair Queen for the Champaign County Fair.

“This is certainly the best 17th birthday present a girl could ever ask for,” the Graham High School senior said as she thanked a large crowd that filled most of the grandstand.

Bodey’s family already has several fond memories of their time at the Champaign County Fair over the years, and Sunday’s announcement will add to the list. Bodey’s grandparents had their first date at the fairgrounds 57 years ago, and her family was always active in local agricultural activities, she said. Growing up, Bodey had often thought about becoming fair queen, but she still had trouble believing her dream had come true.

“It’s something that you dream about ever since you were a little girl,” Bodey said.

Although she grew up riding horses and has extensive experience in 4-H, she said she was surprised when her name was announced because her competitors were so qualified.

Now, Bodey is looking forward to representing the county at events throughout the state for the next year.

“I promise you I will never let you down,” she told the crowd.”

Addie Dixon, who served as junior fair queen in 2011, said she has attended 30 fairs statewide and traveled more that 3,000 miles since she won the honor last year. As she prepared to turn her crown over to Bodey, Dixon said the honor changed her life.

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many amazing and inspiring people from all over the state,” Dixon said.

Kelly Weddell, a senior at Graham High School, was named first runner-up, while Maggie Neer, a senior at Mechanicsburg, was named second runner-up.

Despite the festivities, the celebration also included more somber moments. Bart Ward, fair board president, asked for a moment of silence to honor the memories of Herb Topp and James Stimmel. Topp was a long-time veterinarian who had served the fair board for 37 years. Stimmel had served 39 years on the fair board and helped bring the tractor pull to the fair. Both men died in the past year, and Ward said their contributions will not be forgotten.

“The fair would not be what it is today without the hard work and dedication of these two fine individuals,” Ward said.