Local Fair Queen embraces leadership, agriculture, and faith
A Legacy of Agriculture and Leadership
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – For 18-year-old Kelsey Johnson, serving as the 2024 Walker County Fair Queen is more than just a title—it’s a way to give back to the fair association and community that helped shape her. Johnson, a senior at Alpha Omega Academy (AOA), has deep roots in Walker County, where she grew up surrounded by agriculture, livestock, and faith.
“I’ve gone to AOA since kindergarten, and I’ve loved it there,” Johnson said. “I’ve also grown up in the fair association. I’ve shown goats, chickens, turkeys, and lambs, both at county fairs and major shows across Texas.”
Her journey into agriculture began with her father, who showed pigs in high school. That family tradition continued when her older brother started showing goats in third grade. Inspired, Johnson eagerly followed in his footsteps even before she was old enough to compete.
“My dad’s the kind of person that when he starts something, he goes all the way,” Johnson said. “We knew nothing about goats at first, but now, I know quite a bit.”
Her passion for livestock has influenced her future goals—she plans to study animal science at Texas A&M University.
The Role of Walker County Fair Queen
As Fair Queen, Johnson serves as an ambassador for the Walker County Fair Association. Her responsibilities extend beyond the fairgrounds, where she engages with the community throughout the year.
“The Fair Queen isn’t just a title—it’s about representing the fair and sharing what it has done for me,” Johnson said. “Fair week is packed with events from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., but it’s such a rewarding experience.”
In addition to attending every fair event, Johnson participates in parades, community outreach, and charity initiatives. She has been actively involved with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) events, including the Kids Expo, as well as the annual Christmas parade.
“I remember always looking up to the Fair Queen as a role model,” she said. “Even though I never thought I’d run for Fair Queen, I wanted to be someone younger kids could look up to.”
A Heart for Faith and Service
Beyond agriculture and leadership, Johnson is deeply committed to her faith. She has attended University Heights Baptist Church (UHBC) since birth and remains active in its student ministry.
“I accepted Christ at a very young age and have loved the Lord ever since,” Johnson shared. “One of the highlights of my time in the UHBC student ministry has been serving in Honduras.”
For the past two years, Johnson has participated in mission trips to Honduras, where she and fellow students serve at a children’s home. Their work has included building tool sheds and fences, as well as spending time with the children.
“Our student pastor always says we speak the language of play,” Johnson explained. “Even though I don’t speak Spanish fluently, the kids know we love them just by playing with them.”
Becoming Fair Queen: The Process
For those interested in becoming Fair Queen, the process is rigorous. Applicants must be involved in the fair and submit an application detailing their participation. They must also attend workshops, complete a project presentation, and participate in interviews.
“The contest day starts early—you can arrive at 6 a.m. to set up your project presentation,” Johnson said. “We have breakfast and lunch with the judges, then present our projects and go through an interview process that includes all sorts of questions—political, faith, and life-related.”
Her project focused on internal parasites in goats, a subject she has studied extensively in FFA competitions and will continue to present at major livestock shows.
After contest day, the week leading up to crowning is packed with events, including a press interview, the committee men’s barbecue, and fair parade participation. Once crowned, the new Fair Queen immediately steps into her duties with media interviews, rodeo events, and a full schedule of fair activities.
“It’s one of the most stressful but rewarding weeks of my life,” Johnson admitted. “I didn’t win my first year, but I came back because I knew how much I had grown.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Johnson’s leadership extends beyond fair week. She has made it her mission to engage with younger students and serve as a role model for future fair participants.
“One of my favorite memories from fair week was spending time with the Little Girl Princess, Kaylee Joe,” Johnson recalled. “She would run up to me at every show, so excited to talk. That’s exactly why I wanted to be Fair Queen—to be someone that younger girls could look up to.”
Johnson hopes to continue inspiring young people, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their goals.
“Even if you don’t win the first time, keep going,” she said. “Do something hard, follow through, and finish strong.”
For more information about the Walker County Fair Queen contest, visit Walker County Fair Queen Website at https://www.walkercountyfair.com/p/getinvolved/competitions/fair-queen-contest.
