LISBON — The Columbiana County Fairgrounds was the setting of a marriage proposal on May 25, 2022 by Eli Duke to Kira Austin, both of Salem.

Interestingly, the couple were born on the same day, December 20, 2000 at Salem Regional Medical Center. Their paths didn’t cross again for 19 years.

Eli, a Specialist in the Army National Guard was working the Army tent during the fair when the two met in 2019.

Plans for the proposal were months in the making, with Mr. Duke requesting permission from the board of the fairgrounds for the surprise proposal.

All went as planned, with an answer of “yes”!