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SMITHFIELD - "Hats Off to Super Heroes - Our Volunteers" is the theme of the 2009 Jefferson County Fair, and that theme was carried out in recognition given Monday evening to those who help make the fair a success each year.

Debbie Hukill, fair board treasurer, paid tribute to the veterans who assisted with the flag raising and introduction ceremony held Monday at the fairgrounds at Friendship Park.

Others who are assisting with the annual fair include Jefferson County Veterans Association Commander William Smythe; Jefferson County commissioners; Sheriff Fred Abdalla and staff; Jefferson County Probate/Juvenile Judge Sam Kerr; Friendship Park Board members; and junior fair coordinators, advisers and parents.

Hukill noted the Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Foundation donated toward this year's fair, and she recognized David McElwain for volunteering his time and for receiving the state fair supporter of the year award.

She also noted local artist Dave Barnhouse will be the grand marshal in the fair's grand parade set for 10 a.m. Saturday.

The fair officially kicked off today and will continue through Sunday.

Junior Fair activities Monday included the selection of the fair king, queen, prince and princess.

The royalty named their heroes and many walked with the candidate and escort to the stage for presentation.

Katie Moore, 18, daughter of Mark Moore of Rayland and Tonya Shaffer, an 11-year 4-H member in the Backwoods Gang club, was crowned queen. She has been a camp counselor and held many 4-H offices, as well as junior fair board member. He hero is her father, she noted.

James Wood, 17, son of Cliff and Emilee Wood of Bloomingdale, 13 year 4-H member with the Purple Circle Club, was named fair king. He has attended Buckeye Boys State and represented FFA on the state and national level in the FFA choir. He is involved in music through school and FFA. He said his hero is Thomas Jefferson.

Brittiany Feher, 15, daughter of Michael and Diane Feher of Adena, a five-year member of Windy Ridge 4-H Club, was crowned princess. She has shown dogs and poultry in fair projects. She noted her hero is a 102-year-old neighbor.

Thomas Smallwood, 12, son of Daniel and Nikki Smallwood of Harrisville, was crowned prince. He is a member of the Windy Ridge 4-H Club. has been selected for state fair awards and attends 4-H camp. His hero is his mother.

The royal court consisted of Winnie Shell, daughter of Rich and Raelene Shell of Steubenville and member of Country Classics; Hanna Means, daughter of Jim and Vickie Means of Mingo Junction; Taylor Johnson, daughter of D'Wayne and Leslie Johnson of Rayland; Sommer Svoboda, daughter of Robert and Kimberly Svoboda of Dillonvale; and Jeff Blumenauer, son of Jeff Blumenauer and Theresa Kurtz of Tiltonsville.

Keri Ott sang the national anthem and "God Bless America" and a ribbon cutting was conducted by Ray Hilderbrand, board president; Larry Mercer, board vice president; Tom Gentile, commissioner; and Barnhouse.

(McCoy can be contacted at emccoy@heraldstaronline.com.)