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:
- Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit. - Opinion: ‘The Democrats’ part of the bargain’
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a New Year’s Eve encounter and a Bill Maher commentary to assess what he sees as cultural and political changes from the past year. - Free fares on New Year’s Eve is a big hit with C-TRAN riders
C-TRAN’s New Year’s Eve free-fare program provided extended late-night service and a safe transportation option for riders across Clark County just after midnight.
