By Andi Anderson
Rebekah Hardacre, Ohio's reigning Fairs’ Queen for 2023, is a true embodiment of versatility. As a junior at the University of Findlay, she hails from Clark County with deep-rooted farming traditions. Her journey from farm girl to pre-veterinarian-in-training and military plumber is nothing short of remarkable.
Growing up on a farm, surrounded by cattle and grain fields, Rebekah developed a passion for agriculture. She actively engaged in 4-H and FFA at the Global Impact STEM Academy. Her projects ranged from animal care to sewing, cooking, baking, and even poetry. These experiences instilled valuable life skills such as leadership, public speaking, and project management.
Rebekah's dream is to become a large animal veterinarian, a goal that comes with a hefty price tag. To fund her education, she made a bold move by joining the Ohio Army National Guard as a plumber. While plumbing may seem far from veterinary medicine, Rebekah views it as an enriching experience, expanding her skillset and adding valuable layers to her life.
The ability to solder and handle plumbing tasks may not be her long-term career choice, but it's a skill set she's keen to have in her toolbox. Rebekah believes in seizing diverse opportunities and experiences in life. Her military service has not only provided financial support but has also shaped her in unexpected ways, introducing her to new skills and fostering her love for learning.
Balancing her roles as a pre-vet student at the University of Findlay and a plumber in the Ohio Army National Guard stationed in Norwalk, Rebekah decided to take on the highly competitive challenge of becoming the Ohio Fairs’ Queen. Her determination paid off when she was crowned at the Ohio Fair Managers Association Convention in Columbus in January 2023.
Despite her busy schedule, Rebekah managed to attend 48 fairs during the year, advocating for agriculture and emphasizing its importance to youth and communities. Her duties as the Ohio Fairs’ Queen extend beyond appearances; they involve attending meetings, fundraisers, working with sponsors, and serving as a living testament to the profound impact of agriculture.
Rebekah's passion for agriculture transcends her role as the Fairs’ Queen and even influences her military service. Conversations about farming and animals often find their way into her National Guard unit. She enjoys enlightening her fellow soldiers about the intricacies of agriculture, dispelling common misconceptions.
She notes that many people either underestimate the hard work involved in farming or oversimplify it, believing it's an easy endeavor. Rebekah encourages those interested in agriculture to challenge themselves and learn more, whether it's starting a small garden or seeking advice from farming families.
Rebekah's journey as Ohio Fairs’ Queen has been a whirlwind of fairs, conversations, and memorable moments. From the Hartford Independent Fair to the Bellville Street Fair and many others, she's made her mark as a passionate advocate for agriculture. Her summer was filled with farm-fresh experiences and, of course, savoring her fair food favorite, apple dumplings.
In her unique roles as a farm girl, pre-vet student, and military plumber, Rebekah Hardacre continues to inspire and educate, debunking myths about agriculture and proving that one can wear many hats and excel in each.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-richard-7
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle