GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair continued its celebration of local talent, agriculture, and skilled competition on Thursday, October 8, as participants showcased their abilities in the Talent Contest, Open Horse Show, Tractor Operators Contest, and HVAC Contest.
From impressive vocal and dance performances to outstanding horsemanship and technical skills, Thursday’s competitions highlighted the dedication and accomplishments of participants throughout Wayne County and surrounding communities.
Talent Contest Winners
Students representing several area schools took center stage during the fair’s Talent Contest, competing in vocal, instrumental, dance, and novelty act categories.
Vocal Solo – First Place
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Grades 6–8: Olivia Henry, Eastern Wayne Middle School
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Grades 9–12: Sarah Heath, Wayne Early Middle College High School
Instrumental Solo – First Place
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Grades 6–8: Jonah Elia, Wayne Christian
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Grades 9–12: Harper Butche, Spring Creek High School
Dance Solo – First Place
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Grades 6–8: Ivy VanderVelden, Wayne School of Technical Arts
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Grades 9–12: Layla Hughes, Wayne School of Engineering
Vocal Group – First Place
– Grades 6–8: Dania Escalante, Spring Creek Middle School
Instrumental Group – First Place
Grades 9–12: A group representing Southern Wayne High School earned top honors. Members included Treyvion Roddick, Brendan Pemberton Jr., Anthony Gurley, Jayden Richardson, Makye Koonce, and Kamryn Baker.
Group Dance – First Place
Grades 9–12: Spring Creek High School captured first place with a performance featuring Emily De La Rosa, Llarelin Velasquez, Katty Mendez, Nancy Vazquez, Yessenia Ramirez, Lilibeth Vail, Natalie Juarez, Alison Jimenez, and Taitiana Solis.
Novelty Act – Solo – First Place
– Grades 9–12: Kaniya Leary, Wayne Early Middle College High School
Open Horse Show Winners
The fair’s Open Horse Show recognized outstanding participants for their horsemanship and the quality of their animals.
Junior Showmanship
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Ages 7–13: Kendyll Shinn
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Ages 14–19: Rylie Owens
Horse Champions
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Grand Champion Horse: Annie Grace Manning
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Reserve Champion Horse: Jessica Manning
Open Pony, Mule and Draft Horse Show
Competitors also earned recognition in several equine divisions, with grand and reserve champions named in the following categories:
| Category | Grand Champion | Reserve Champion |
|---|---|---|
| Miniature Horse | Amy Barker | Maggie Lancaster |
| Pony | Josalynne Hutson | Maggie Lancaster |
| Large Mule | Dane Parker | Derek Avery |
| Mini Mule | Maggie Lancaster | Amy Barker |
| Jack/Jennie | Kathy Weissinger | Dane Parker |
No grand or reserve champion was listed for the Draft Horse division.
Tractor Operators Contest
Participants demonstrated their tractor operation skills during Thursday’s competition, with winners recognized in junior and senior divisions.
Junior Division
– First Place: Spate Sanderson, Wayne County 4-H
Senior Division
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First Place: Leyton Taylor, Charles B. Aycock High School
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Second Place: Mason Blankenship, Eastern Wayne High School
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Third Place: Joshua Jannette, Eastern Wayne High School
HVAC Contest
The fair also recognized competitors in the HVAC Contest, highlighting technical skills in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning field.
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First Place: Miguel Montalvo
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Second Place: Jose Bernardo Mendez
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Third Place: Edwin Castillo Figueroa
Celebrating Community Achievement
For more than 75 years, the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair has provided an opportunity for residents to showcase their talents, agricultural knowledge, and technical abilities.
Thursday’s winners continued that tradition, representing the hard work, creativity, and dedication that make the fair an important part of the Wayne County community.
The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair continues its celebration of “The Best Ten Days of Fall,” offering livestock competitions, exhibits, entertainment, midway rides, and family-friendly activities.
For additional information and daily fair schedules, visit WayneFair.com.
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