Grange Fair’s queen program is adding something new for local teens this year
The search is on for the next Grange Fair queen, and this year will bring something new.
The fair queen committee has added a junior ambassador program for girls ages 13-15. Chair Ashley Furman said junior ambassadors will fill a need in the queen program.
“Within the last few years, our fair queen and our court which includes the alternate and other contestants who have helped out at the fair as queen ambassadors, have been asked to do so much,” Furman said in emailed comments. “Everyone wants to see the queens everywhere.”
The committee hopes to pair junior ambassadors with the queen court (the queen, alternate and queen ambassadors) for mentorship and to build interest in running for queen when they’re old enough. Ideally, the junior ambassadors would gain confidence and public speaking skills, Furman said.
What does the fair queen do?
Those interested in running for fair queen must be between the ages of 16 and 20. The queen and an alternate will be chosen at the fair on Aug. 16.
The queen is responsible for promoting the fair along with agriculture and tourism in Centre County and Pennsylvania, Furman said. During Grange Fair week, the queen, the alternate and her court are busy meeting people and helping with events, whether handing out ribbons at livestock events or assisting with relay races and the little king/queen contest. The Grange Fair queen also competes for the title of state fair queen in January in Hershey.
“Throughout the year, our queen will speak to various groups, ride in parades, attend many craft and children’s fairs,” Furman said. “We are open to having our queen and court attend any type of activity in the Centre County community when someone reaches out to our program.”
How to apply
For the full criteria for fair queen or junior ambassador and to apply for either program, click on the Forms tab at grangefair.net. Applications must be submitted by July 1.
A meet and greet will be held for those wishing to learn more about the programs. Contact the committee for more information via Facebook, Instagram or RSVP at 814-360-2265.
The reigning queen is Ella Smith, of Centre Hall. This year’s fair runs Aug. 18-26 in Centre Hall.