West Virginia wesleyan Student Crowned 2026 State Fair & Festivals Queen
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A nursing student and current royalty has added another title to her name: Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10, solidifying her position as a leading ambassador for the state’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Jones, a student at West Virginia Wesleyan College and the reigning 2025 West Virginia Strawberry Festival Queen, received the honor at the association’s annual convention in charleston. her year-long reign will see her championing West Virginia’s agricultural heritage and the meaning of its local fairs and festivals throughout 2026, culminating in her role presiding over the 101st West Virginia State Fair, scheduled for Aug.13-22.
A Dual Role: Queen of Strawberries and Statewide Ambassador
The newly crowned queen is no stranger to representing West Virginia. As the 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen,Jones actively promoted the West Virginia Strawberry Festival (WVSF) during its eight-day run and at events across the region.During the WVAFF convention, she presented on the festival’s impact and engaged with judges, highlighting its contribution to the local community.
“It is truly an honor to have been crowned the association queen,” Jones stated in a press release from WVWC. “This is a huge industry in our state, and bringing this depiction back to buckhannon and the Strawberry Festival means so much. this is something I’ve worked toward for so long and has so much meaning to my family. I am so excited to represent our state and promote what our association is all about.”
Balancing Academics, Service, and Pageantry
jones’ commitment extends beyond her royal duties and festival involvement. Originally from Elkins and now residing in Buckhannon, she is pursuing a career in nursing at West Virginia wesleyan College. She credits the college’s smaller environment with fostering her success, both inside and outside the classroom.
“Being a student at Wesleyan has truly helped so much, even in pageants,” Jones explained. “Attending a smaller college has connected me closely with our amazing faculty, who have supported me at every step – not just with this huge accomplishment. Having a faculty that supports big accomplishments outside of our college says a lot about how welcoming and amazing Wesleyan is.”
Along with her studies, jones is a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), serving three counties across West Virginia.
Supporting West Virginia’s Cultural and Economic Engines
The West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the state’s fairs and festivals. The institution recognizes these events as vital components of West Virginia’s identity, contributing to the preservation of history, the growth o
Why: Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 west Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen to serve as an ambassador for the state’s cultural and agricultural traditions.The association aims to highlight the importance of local fairs and festivals to West Virginia’s identity and economy.
Who: Kourtney Jones, a nursing student at West Virginia Wesleyan College and the 2025 West Virginia Strawberry Festival Queen, was crowned. The West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals (WVAF&F) organized the event. West Virginia wesleyan College faculty also played a supportive role.
What: Jones received the title of 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen at the association’s annual convention in Charleston on January 10th. Her reign will involve promoting West Virginia’s agricultural heritage and fairs/festivals, culminating in presiding
