Event proves to be family a-fair

SANDPOINT — In 1970, Veta McKinney was crowned ambassador of the Benewah County Fair.

Following in her grandmother’s footsteps, 15-year-old Hannah Craig, of Sagle, was named to the Bonner County Fair court Monday evening. Craig was selected as princess, with Courtney Parnell named fair queen and Logan Johnson named fair king.

"I just think it's really cool that 46 years later my granddaughter is involved in the 4-H program and a part of the community," McKinney said. "It's a different county but it's the same community involvement — she loves 4-H and she loves the animals."

Hannah also used the words "really cool" to describe the legacy.

"It's great to have someone who kind of knows what it's like," Hannah said. "It's really inspired me."

"Maker's Long Acres," a farm in Sagle, belongs to Hannah and her family. Hannah's mom and McKinney's daughter, Trina Johnson, said their family has an agriculture education outreach booth at the fair. They have an interactive farm in the barn where they "try to bring the farm to town."

McKinney, who now lives in the Sandpoint area, said she grew up on a farm in St. Maries. She said watching her family's farm develop and seeing her granddaughter so involved is "precious" to her. About 200 animals currently live on the farm as well.

Hannah started 4-H two years ago, learning of the fair royalty opportunity about the same time. From that moment she wanted to learn more about it, she said. Hannah said some of her favorite things are riding horses and being with the animals. She also enjoys hunting, fishing and basketball.

Johnson said Hannah wanted to be a veteranarian since she was 3 years-old. Hannah was a regular volunteer at Panhandle Animal Shelter from the time she was 7 until last year.

"I really liked it when I was able to do it a lot," Hannah said about volunteering at the shelter. "It's my happy place — being with animals. But now that I have the farm I have to help my own animals."

The fair board chooses the royalty, and Johnson said Hannah went through an interview process and gave a speech. She said they also have a lot of responsibility and have to be respectful because the board looks at the "whole character."

"For Hannah it was just natural," Johnson said. "She is just completely passionate about anything agriculture related."

Hannah is also on the Junior Fair Advisory Board, Johnson said, so she works events like the rodeo and is sometimes out late, but she still comes home and milks the goats and throws some hay for the animals — then gets up at 5 a.m. and does it again.

"We don't have to remind her, she just does it," Johnson said. "She is pretty incredible."

McKinney said being fair royalty in 1970 was different than it is today, partly because it didn't require a one-year commitment. She wore her crown — which she still has — and her sash throughout the weekend and emceed the final awards ceremony for 4-H after the fair.

"There wasn't a whole lot of additional responsibility," she said.

McKinney said she thought she was busy being royalty and a teen leader at the time, but she said Hannah has put even more time and effort than she did.

"She's worked so hard and she continues to work hard," McKinney said. "I'm so proud of her achievement and her whole attitude toward life is just amazing."