A Sweet Update on That Oregon Couple Who Stepped Up at the Great American State Fair
Aimee Herd : Jul 6, 2026
Breaking Christian News
Once July 4th arrived, the couple prepared for the promised flyovers and the big show that would culminate with the incredible fireworks display, but a storm rolled in, causing a delay in the official schedule of events. That hiccup turned into a great opportunity which Derek seized upon...
[Breaking Christian News] On Friday's Breaking Christian News, we introduced you to an Oregon couple who was attending the Great American State Fair (GASF) in Washington, DC over this past Independence Day weekend. (Image: Courtesy-Derek LeBlanc)
They knew in advance that their state's extreme-left governor had refused to participate in the Fair for "partisan" reasons (although the GASF was put on by an independent, non-partisan organization), but when they saw the Oregon booth sitting mostly empty with just the bare-bones display the organization had provided, they took action.
Derek LeBlanc and Carlin Reents of Eugene, began sprucing up the booth with images of Oregon's exceptional beauty, and stayed there to speak with visitors, telling them about the Pacific Northwest state and stamping their Fair passports.
Making the story even better, Derek gives God the glory in his Facebook posts, for all that he and Carlin have experienced:
"If you are new to my page, you may not know that I was recently born again and baptized in May. It has been a life altering experience for me and is now guiding me on my journey. Faith is what is bringing all of us Oregonians together. Next up was Jennifer Lingard who coordinated with Carlin Reents and I to put together some imagery for our booth. She did a great job putting together the pics that showcase a diverse collage about some of the many highlights of our state!..."
Once July 4th arrived, the couple prepared for the promised flyovers and the big show that would culminate with the incredible fireworks display, but a storm rolled in, causing a delay in the official schedule of events.
That hiccup turned into a great opportunity which Derek seized upon, as he got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend, Carlin; the moment captured, and later captioned in a post: (Image: Courtesy-Derek LeBlanc)
"Called on account of the weather! So we did a thing. I can't wait to spend every Independence Day with you for the rest of our lives and for eternity!"
In her own Facebook post, Carlin said of Derek:
"Thank You God for sending me Derek LeBlanc. It has been an honor to see God completely transform him into exactly the man I needed. Words can't describe the peace I have, knowing that this man will take care of me and protect me for the rest of my life here on earth, until we go to our Heavenly Father who will take care of us all. My heart is full, and I can finally, for the first time in my life, feel complete. I love you so much D, am so proud of you, and cannot wait to call you my husband."
The couple even extended their time at the GASF, to man the Oregon and Washington booths and share with more people about the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
May God richly bless this benevolent and patriotic couple in the days and years ahead, as they together pursue what the Lord has for them, reaching their community, and state with a love for our great country. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here