Grange Fair Queen: ‘Beyond an honor’ to wear the crown, promote agriculture throughout Centre County
The Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair — a home away from home, a community, and a place where countless memories have been made.
This year I have had the privilege of being the 2019-20 Centre County Grange Fair Queen. It has been beyond an honor to represent and promote such an amazing fair as well as educate the public on the importance of agriculture in our lives. Before I go any further, I would like to offer a huge thank you to all of the farmers and other essential workers who are working so hard right now to continue providing for us. Without them, we would be in big trouble.
Speaking of those in the agricultural community, did you know that you also play a vital role? As you look around your house, I am certain that you will find hundreds of different ways that agriculture has impacted you, even if you haven’t realized it before. From the food you eat to the clothes you wear, the furniture that you sit on, your house itself, and more, each of these would not be possible without agriculture. It takes the hard work of farmers, manufacturers, truck drivers, lumberjacks, and so many others to produce these items.
We as consumers also impact the agricultural industry with the purchases that we make each day. For instance, when we buy PA Preferred products, we are able to give back to our local farmers and businesses directly. Whether you have realized it yet or not, we each have an important part to play in helping Pennsylvania’s number one industry, agriculture, to thrive!
The Centre County Grange Fair is a perfect mesh of those who have realized their role in the agricultural community and those who have not yet realized. Our fair draws people from all across the nation, and once there, exposes them to the wonderful world of agriculture that we each are a part. Where else, but the fair, do you walk through livestock barns full of animals and exhibit buildings full of fruits and vegetables, only to eat a burger, chicken on stick, or ice cream a few moments later. It truly is a farm-to-table experience.
As the Fair Queen, my role to educate others on the importance of agriculture has become my passion. It has been a joy to reach out to our community and assist others in making their own personal connections to agriculture. Some of my favorite experiences from my reign are those where I was able to do just that. This includes visiting classes (even if they are all through Zoom now), speaking at various community events throughout Centre County and attending Grange meetings. I have loved getting to personally connect with members of our community and bond over our Great Grange Fair.
Being the Centre County Grange Fair Queen has been life-changing in every way. I encourage every young woman between the ages of 16 to 20 to run for the title of the 2020-21 Centre County Grange Fair Queen. I promise you that it will be an experience that is unmatched and one you will never forget. If you are interested, please contact ashleydfurman@yahoo.com for an application and return it to her by July 1st. The contest and coronation is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 19th. While I will be sad to hand off my crown, I could not be happier for the next young woman who will represent our fair!
I am so humbled to be the Centre County Grange Fair Queen. Even with the cancellation of many events due to COVID-19 such as parades, children’s carnivals and classroom visits, I could not have asked for a better year. I intend to continue thinking of creative ways to reach out to our community throughout these last few months as your queen. If you would like to see what I have been up to during my journey as Fair Queen, you can follow me on Facebook at “Grange Fair Queen” or Instagram @myfairqueenjourney.
Last but not least, always remember to stay hopeful and stay positive even during these challenging times! We will get through this together!