On Aug. 10, the 2025 Fair Equestrian Court’s Queen Hannah Grant, Princess Alyson Ruffalo and Princess Sarah Payne handed over the reins to the new reigning royalty, Queen Heidi Williamson and Princess River Walker Williamson
RIDGEFIELD – Planning for the 2026 Clark County Fair is already underway, with the naming of the 2026 Equestrian Court as the new Fair ambassadors, sponsored by Riverview Bank.
On Sunday, August 10, the 2025 Fair Equestrian Court’s Queen Hannah Grant, Princess Alyson Ruffalo and Princess Sarah Payne handed over the reins to the new reigning royalty, Queen Heidi Williamson and Princess River Walker Williamson.
The Fair Equestrian Court comprises a longstanding tradition of raising up leaders who excel in academic study, community engagement and horse training and showing. They are the young Fair ambassadors for the coming year to represent the Fair’s outreach to showcase and celebrate the commercial and agricultural excellence of Clark County and its citizens.
Queen Heidi said, “This year, I’m committed to giving back through community events and being a role model for the younger generation and inspiring them to dream big and stay involved.”
Princess River shared, “I’m super excited to serve as an ambassador for the best 10 days of summer! I’m ready to give back to our community through hard work and events while honoring the traditions that bring us together.”
“We welcome the new Fair Court with excitement for the Williamson sisters who both were born and raised in Vancouver. Although they are three years apart in age, they are strong and close in community building and youth leadership activities,” said Fair Manager and CEO, John Morrison.
Queen Heidi Williamson, the 18-year-old daughter of Starry Williams and Austin Williamson, was born and raised in Vancouver, graduating from Skyview High School. Heidi has been involved in 4-H for the past 9 years and in membership of the Royal Riders 4-H club. 4-H is a youth development organization in the United States, part of the Cooperative Extension System and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It focuses on hands-on learning experiences for young people aged 5-19 in various areas like science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement.
Queen Heidi’s riding companion is Howie, a 20-year-old paint gelding. In addition to riding, Heidi works as a server for a local Mexican restaurant. Heidi’s hobbies include motocross and participating in DECA, where she has developed leadership and business skills. Heidi is attending Lower Columbia College (LLC) where she is pursuing a degree in nursing. Her passion for helping others, especially women and children drives Heidi in everything she does. She is excited to continue her journey toward a fulfilling career in healthcare with her goal to becoming a midwife so she can help women through their journey of childbirth and deliver healthy babies with care and compassion.
Princess River Walker Williamson was born and raised in Vancouver and the 21-year-old daughter of Starry Williams and Austin Williamson. She graduated from Skyview High School and received her associate degree through the Running Start Program from Clark College in 2022.
Princess River loves to ride and groom her horse Blake, a 10-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, who has been by her side for 6 years. Currently, River works as a surgical specialist Certified Nursing Assistant at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. In her spare time, River’s hobbies are reading and trying new food places. River’s passion for helping her community is what has driven her to plan to attend Lower Columbia College’s Nursing program this coming winter in preparation to become a surgical nurse.
The 2026 Clark County Fair will be in its 158th year and is the county’s largest, most comprehensive event held each year. The Fair will be held August 7-16, 2026 at the Clark County Events Center and Fairgrounds at 17402 N.E. Delfel Road in Ridgefield, Washington.
About the Clark County Fair
Celebrating its 157th year as the region’s classic summer community event, the Clark County Fair took place Aug. 1 – 10, delivering concerts, carnival rides, stage entertainment, great eats, contests, family-friendly fun, agricultural and educational exhibits, livestock, and award-winning home and textile showings.
Also read:
- CCRW to host dinner event featuring Charter Review Commission members
The Clark County Republican Women will host a Feb. 12 dinner event focused on the work of the County Charter Review Commission, featuring multiple commission members. - Letter: ‘Hockinson is worth investing in, and this levy is part of that commitment’
James Landon argues that supporting the Hockinson Schools levy is a necessary investment in the community, its schools, and the next generation. - Letter: PDX activists flood Clark County Council over anti-ICE resolution
Rob Anderson argues that organized Portland-based activist groups dominated public comment at a Clark County Council meeting to pressure councilors over an anti-ICE resolution. - Opinion: Moving the ball down the field
Nancy Churchill argues that while HB 2221 will not advance this session, the public hearing marked meaningful progress by opening dialogue, building relationships, and advancing science-based wildlife management discussions in Olympia. - Vancouver Fire responds to fatal structure fire
Vancouver Fire crews responded to a structure fire on East 6th Street where one person and one dog were found deceased and the cause remains under investigation. - A sub-district vote could be a way to go to pay O&M costs associated with light rail
Clark County Council members heard details on how a voter-approved C-TRAN sub-district could be created to fund long-term operations and maintenance costs for light rail tied to a new Interstate Bridge. - Speculation on Seahawks’ sale heats up following proposed WA ‘jock tax’
Speculation about a potential Seahawks sale has intensified amid debate over a proposed Washington income tax that would apply to high-earning athletes and performers.
