2012 Cherokee County Fair

Queens Banquet - On Sunday July 8th, the Queens Banquet was held at The Gathering Place, and this year's Cherokee County Fair Queen candidates each gave a public presentation on why they feel they would make a good Cherokee County Fair Queen. This was an important event for this year's candidates, as judging for this year's Cherokee County Fair Queen was also done at this event. This year's Cherokee County Fair Queen will be announced and crowned on Sunday July 15th at 5 p.m. in the Activity Building at the Cherokee County Fair. (Photo contributed)

Family Crafts - On Wednesday July 11th, the Family Crafts Building was buzzing with activity, as folks flocked to get their entries in on time for this year's Cherokee County Fair.

4-H Coffee sign-up - Joe Peters and Maddie Phillips, right, were busy on Thursday July 12th working the 4-H booth in the South 4-H Building at the Cherokee County Fair. Pictured, left to right, are Baden Letsche, Kaelee Letsche, Madison Treinen, and Jocee Roberts who are signing up to win some coffee from Cherokee County Work Services.

Under the Big Top - The 4-H Swine Show was held under a big top tent this year due to a fire that destroyed the building. Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, this year's 4-H Swine Show went off without a hitch.

Fair fun - Hayden Graybill, Shelby Dolphin and Josie Kindwall are pictured taking a short break from all the work that they've done at the Cherokee County Fair Livestock Building on Thursday.

Craft showcase - The Family Crafts Building at the Cherokee County Fair is one of the most unique features at the fair. Local artists, craftsmen, bakers and horticulturists displayed the fruit of their labors in hopes of earning a ribbon or two at the fair.

Cut above - Chainsaw artist Jeff Klatt was a popular attraction on Thursday, as a group of young fair goers were delighted in watching the master woodcarver make short work of a piece of wood.

Hangin' at the fair - Hanna Henson, left, and Kelly Seablom, two of this year's Cherokee County Fair Queen Candidates, are pictured hanging out at the Family Crafts Building on Thursday. The pair was looking forward to all the activities that were happening on the Opening Day at the Cherokee County Fair.

Swine time - The 4-H Swine Show drew a large audience on Thursday at the Cherokee County Fair. The crowd showed its support as local 4-H'ers showed off their hard work in raising their swine for the competition.

Kachunga & The Alligator Show - The "Kachunga & The Alligator Show" delighted this year's Cherokee County Fair goers with daily shows. The family oriented show featured several American Alligators of all sizes and showcased wildlife education.

Sheep show- Larger than ever sheep show at the recent Cherokee County Fair as participants line up to show their sheep. (Photo contributed)

Reserve Grand Champion- Pictured is the Reserve Grand Champion steer at this year's Cherokee County Fair. The steer was exhibited by Joe Peters of Cleghorn, son of Sandy and Chuck Peters. (Photo contributed)

Grand Champion - This year's Grand Champion steer of the 2012 Cherokee County Fair was exhibited by Austin Whited, son of Becky and Dave Whited of Marcus. (Photo contributed)

Photography Department - Bethany Urban of Quimby won a Judges Choice Ribbon in the Cherokee County Fair Family Crafts Photography Department for her photo of "River Walk." (Photo contributed)

Little Miss Cherokee County Making a special appearance at the crowning of the 2012 Cherokee County Fair Queen Coronation was Rebecca Cowan 2012 Little Miss Cherokee. Cowan was crowned Saturday at the Fair and is the first girl to carry the title of Little Miss Cherokee County.

Queen Crowning Ceremony - The 2012 Cherokee County Queen Crowning Ceremony was held on Sunday at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds. There were 15 young ladies from all over Cherokee County who participated in this year's Cherokee County Fair Queen Pageant.

Queen Organizers - Queen and Pageant Organizers Demi Dunn (left) and Deb Dunn welcomed the large crowd that attended the crowning of this year's Cherokee County Fair Queen at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds.

Queen Crowning Ceremony - Sara Peters, 2011 Cherokee County Fair Queen, is pictured at this year's Cherokee County Fair Queen Crowning Ceremony on Sunday at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds just prior to the announcement of this year's Fair Queen. Peters shared her experiences as the Cherokee County Fair Queen over the past year with the audience.

Miss Congeniality - Shelby Bush of Cherokee was honored as the 2012 Miss Congeniality by her fellow Queen Candidates this past Sunday during the Queen Crowning Ceremony at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds.

Hirschman named Princess - Sara Peters, 2011 Cherokee County Fair Queen, crowned Samantha Hirschman of Cherokee as the 2012 Cherokee County Fair Princess on Sunday at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds. Hirschman earned the responsibility to take over the Queen's Duties if anything should prevent the Queen from fulfilling her obligations.

Hoefling crowned Fair Queen - On Sunday, Heather Hoefling of Marcus was crowned the 2012 Cherokee County Fair Queen by Sara Peters, the 2011 Cherokee County Fair Queen at the Queen Coronation Ceremony held at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds.

Fair Royalty - This year's 2012 Cherokee County Fair Royalty consisted of Samantha Hirschman, Cherokee County Fair Princess, Heather Hoefling, Cherokee County Fair Queen, and Shelby Bush, Cherokee County Miss Congeniality. Photo contributed

Potted Plant Flowers - Betty Egger of Cherokee earned a Best in Show for her Potted Plant Flowers at this year's Cherokee County Fair. (Photo contributed)

Bucket calf participants - Sara Peters, Cherokee County 2011 Fair Queen, is interviewing bucket calf participants at the Cherokee County Fair last week. John and Michael Schmillen of Marcus are in the middle, along with their cousin Tyler Pitts from Meriden. (Photo contributed)

Two ribbons - Debbie Gregg of Alta won Best of Show and Committee Choice in the Art Department at the Cherokee County Fair. (Photo contributed)

Senior Citizen Craft winner - Donna Tveitnes of Cherokee earned a Best of Show Ribbon in the Senior Citizen Craft Department at this year's Cherokee County Fair with her "Christmas Quilt." (Photo contributed)

Kids Crafts Judge's Choice - Hayley Frey, age five, of Cherokee won the Judge's Choice Ribbon in Kids Crafts with a Toy-"Diaper Wipe Box." (Photo contributed)

Children's Art - Jadyn Burch, age five, of Cherokee won a Judges Choice Ribbon in Children's Art for her "Chalk Turtle." (Photo contributed)

Junior Fruits and Vegetables - Jared Woltman, age 9, of Cherokee won Best of Show in the Cherokee County Fair Family Crafts Junior Fruit and Vegetable for his "Jalopeno Peppers." (Photo contributed)

Baked Goods - Kathlynn Burch, age 10, of Cherokee won a Best of Show Ribbon in Baked Goods for her cinnamon rolls and a Committee Choice Ribbon with her white Bread. She also won a Best of Show in Flowers with her "Lily." (Photo contributed)

Canning Department - Earning a Best in Show Ribbon in the Canning Department for her green beans was Marlys Gregg of Cherokee. (Photo contributed)

Woodcarving - Martin Zauhar of Cherokee won Best of Show in the Woodcarving Department at the Cherokee County Fair Family Craft. (Photo contributed)

Three ribbon winner - Rebecca Cowan of Cherokee, age 9, won three-Best of Show Ribbons at this year's Cherokee County Fair, one ribbon for her "License Plate" photo, one for her genealogy "Tractor Poster," and one in canning for her "Strawberry Rhubarb Jam." Rebecca was also named the first ever Little Miss Cherokee County at this year's Cherokee County Fair. (Photo contributed)

Kids Crafts - Rylee Bezoni of Cherokee won the Committee Choice ribbon in the Kids Crafts with her dog treat holder during this year's Cherokee County Fair. (Photo contributed)