The Somerset County Fair Queen Contest is an annual event that we are proud to have opening the fair each year. The contest has grown and many changes have taken place through the years.
The contestants have an informal meeting with the judges. After changing to beautiful gowns, they are interviewed and asked questions while facing the crowd of family and well wishers. The new queen is presented with a crown, sash, locket and a bouquet of flowers for her to have as a lasting memory of her reign.
       Beginning in 1987, a State Queen Contest was started with queens from each fair in the state competing for the title of Pennsylvania State Fair Queen. Somerset County has proven that we have some of the fairest young ladies in the state as Miss Jill Romesberg was the first State Queen. Miss Wendy Will won the contest in 1991, Miss Jennifer Randall was the 1995 State Queen, Miss Julie Sechler of Somerset County was named 1999 State Fair Queen, and Miss Cassie Hay is the 2003 State Fair Queen.
       In 1992, a scholarship program was started for the fair queen. The scholarship is provided by Somerset Trust Company.
In 1993, a scholarship award was added for the first runner-up, provided by Animal Medical Center of Somerset County Inc. Since 1998, Swank’s Steel City Shows also helped sponsor awards.
      We would like to thank them for their generous donations to help these young ladies further their education. They have graciously donated scholarships again this year for the  Somerset County Fair Queen.
      We hope to see a large group of entries in the  Somerset County Fair Queen Contest.

Please Click here for a list of our past Fair Queens

Pa. State Association of County Fairs

1. The girls will be judged on: Poise, Appearance – Two casual outfits – Neatness, Ability to Communicate (speaking ability), and Knowledge of the fair industry.
    

2.  A written essay will be required to be submitted on: “What My Fair Means To Me” (300 words or less).
    

3.  Must present at the state competition a 3 to 5 minute speech on “Why You Should Come To My Fair.”
    

4. Will compete in the state competition which will be held in January.
    

5.  All contestants will receive an individual gift and the winner and the alternate will each receive cash awards. The honor of reigning as the Pennsylvania Fair Queen will be for a period of one year. The cash awards will be in the form of higher education scholarships and will be presented upon verification of enrollment from the higher education institution.
    

6. All contestants must apply through their local fair.
   It is a requirement that local fairs follow the rules set forth by the State Queen Committee in order to have a contestant in the state competition. It is the responsibility of the fair or the individual contestant to pay for the expense involved in attending the state competition in January.
    

State Queen Contest entry forms will be available from the secretary-treasurer of the PSACF by mid-August. All entries are due by September 1st
Contestants must meet these requirements:
– Never married young ladies between the ages of 16 as of June 1, and 20 inclusive.
– Residents of Somerset County.
– Have farm, 4-H, FFA or FHA background.
– Must be available to reside over activities during Fair Week.
If interested get in touch with Amy Buterbaugh, 3683 Whistler Rd., Stoystown, PA 15563, 442-0508  893-5684
A packet of information will be sent to you.