Gavin Dandurand of Niles and Ava Totzke of Stevensville are representing the Berrien County Youth Fair as the king and queen at this week’s fair in Berrien Springs. The new royalty were chosen Friday night during a contest in the grandstand at the fair. First runner up to the queen is Corinne Martindale of St. Joseph.
The 2026 Berrien County Youth Fair runs through August 17 – August 22 with the patriotic theme “Happy Birthday America!”
The new royalty will have a busy week serving as public relations representatives of the fair, handing out ribbons and trophies, and attending ceremonies and concerts throughout the week, in addition to showing their exhibits.
Ava is an 18-year-old student at Michigan State University. She is pursuing a degree in animal science with a plans to become a large animal veterinarian. She will be entering a variety of exhibits including swine, poultry, home economics, crafts and horticulture at the Fair this year. She is the daughter of Brett and Kris Totzke.
Gavin is a 17-year-old student at Lake Michigan College. He is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. He will be showing in the swine and flower departments this year. He is the son of Heidi Dandurand.
Corinne is a 16-year-old student at St. Joseph High School. She plans to join the military after high school. She shows in the horticulture, flower, home economics and crafts departments. She is the daughter of Tonya Parish.
Just before the king and queen contest, the Berrien County Youth Fair held its fourteenth annual Prince and Princess Contest. The contestants were aged anywhere between 9 and 12 years old and were required to be a current BCYF exhibitor. Vivvian Zizkovsky of Stevensville and Nolan Baker of St. Joseph will serve as this year’s BCYF Princess and Prince.
