When the judges’ final decision was read, the recent Global Impact STEM Academy graduate added to the legacy, taking the Fair Queen title for 2018 and joining her mom, Jennifer Hardacre, who was Clark County Fair Queen in 1991.
“Knowing my mom was queen pushed me to apply but it also made me extra nervous being around these other great girls,” Emma said after being crowned.
She’s been active in the Fair over the years, showing dairy heifers, dairy feeders, rabbits, sheep, chickens and pigs, and has been involved in various other projects.
Goals for her term include going to as many shows and events as she can, competing in the Ohio Fairs’ Queen Contest and introducing agriculture awareness programs into local school programs.
Hardacre will attend Waynesburg State to study marine biology in the fall. She earned a $500 scholarship with the title.
If Emma was nervous, her mom confessed to being even more so.
“I wanted this to be about her. I just wanted Emma to be her own person and to support her,” Jennifer Hardacre said.
The Hardacres are the second set of mother-daughter fair queens in Clark County Fair history. Emma Hardacre replaces outgoing Clark County Fair Queen Taylor Schilling.
Finishing first runner-up this year was Southeastern High School student Mozie VanRaaij, who earned a $300 scholarship, and Rebecca Helt, a Global Impact STEM Academy graduate was second runner-up and got a $200 scholarship.
VanRaaij was also presented the Community Service Award.
Happening today at the Clark County Fair
Sunday, July 22— Junior Fair Board Day
8 a.m.: Junior Fair Breeding & Market Turkey show (Cattle Arena) with Turkey Showmanship to follow then Junior Fair Breeding & Market Duck Show followed by Duck Showmanship
9:15 a.m.: Junior Fair Dressage & Jumping Groom & Clean (Outdoor Horse Arena)
10:30 a.m.: Dog Showmanship (Dog Barn)
Noon: Clark County Lamb Cook-off (Sheep Arena) followed by Shepherds & Ladies Lead Class and Sheep Decorating Contest
2:30-3:30 p.m.: Two Bengals Cheerleaders at Bengal Tiger Exhibit
3 p.m.: Kiddie Tractor Pull (Champion Center), Sponsored by Clark County Farm Bureau and Koenig Equipment
5 p.m. First Christian Church @the Fair – Live Christian Music (Big Tent)
6 p.m.: 16th Annual Farm Bureau Social Hour (Farm Bureau Building)
6:30 p.m.: Dish of the Day Judging -Cheese Dish & Woeber Product Dish (Arts & Crafts Building) Register at 6 p.m.
7 p.m. Demolition Derby (Grandstand)
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