‘One of the most rewarding experiences.’ Grange Fair queen reflects as reign comes to a close

I always had the idea of running for the Centre County Grange Fair Queen title, but it wasn’t until I came across the 2019 queen, Morgan Bair, that I was certain it was what I wanted to pursue.

In August 2020, right after the Grange Fair was canceled for only the second time in history, I had this realization that I’d be of age to run for fair queen at the 2021 Grange Fair. While I had very little knowledge or experience in the agricultural field, I was certain it was something that I wanted to do. I picked up some agricultural education courses at State College Area High School and even joined the Little Lions FFA. After a year of preparations, a seminar, luncheon, interview and a speech, I was crowned the 2021 Centre County Grange Fair Queen.

During the 147th Grange Fair, I was all over the 264 acres of Grange Park all day, every day. I did a variety of things like attend livestock shows, rode on one of the six-horse hitches and introduced grandstand entertainers. I was interviewed on numerous TV and radio stations, crowned the Little King and Queen, and chicken danced with some of Grange Fairs youngest attendees.

After the fair ended, I realized that my community in State College struggled with understanding the importance of the Centre County Grange Fair. I made it my goal to help as many people as possible better understand why so many families take the Grange Fair so seriously.

I always tell people, think of the Grange Fair as a family reunion with the opportunity for the public to be exposed to new ideas or hobbies. Many believe that all Grange Fair-goers do is eat and sit in their tents or campers all day, when the reality is, there are hundreds of exhibitors ranging from all ages and showcasing many different talents. A large portion of those exhibitors are youth who have livestock, ranging from ages 8 to 21.

The youth at the Grange Fair put in countless hours raising and preparing their animals to be shown at the fair and by the end of the week, a livestock auction allows community members to bid on those animals, and then directly support youth with their future projects or education. There are many opportunities for youth to showcase their talents, earn premiums for their hard work, advance to the state level, and build their resume.

The fair queen program is another example of this. By just running for fair queen, young women are able to practice their interviewing skills and public speaking ability. By being the fair queen you constantly work on public speaking ability, improving your interviewing skills, ability to network, community outreach, and so much more. There are so many opportunities for youth to succeed outside of a classroom at the Grange Fair, and some do not realize that.

Being the Grange Fair Queen has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had and it is surely one I will never forget!

Please join us for the 148th annual Centre County Grange Encampment & Fair, from Aug. 19-27, and remember, when you enter one of the gates at Grange Park, you are not only entering the only remaining tenting and encampment fair in the nation, you are entering one big family!

A new Grange Fair queen will be crowned at 6 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Southside Stage. All are welcome to attend.