First Posted: 7/21/2014

The search is on for the 2014 Luzerne County Fair Queen.

More than just a measure of beauty or personality, the title will also afford its recipient a $1,000 Carrie L. Martin Memorial Endowment Scholarship. First runner-up will receive a $250 cash prize.

Amy Salansky, Specialist Luzerne Conservation District, describes the competition as “an excellent opportunity for a young woman.”

Salansky, herself a Maryland fair queen, said the experience provided her the opportunity to meet many members of the community and to better her understanding of farming.

“The title is also a wonderful entry on a resume,” she said. “It reflects the recipient’s poise and intellect in fulfilling her duties.”

The 52nd annual event incorporates a festive spirit, complete with rides and plenty of fun foods, with an opportunity to educate attendees about agriculture.

The fair queen and her runner-up will share a love for agriculture during their year-long reign. They will participate in several parades and make guest appearances throughout the county.

Salansky said the fair queen contest has been a tradition “as long as I can remember” and incorporates a sense of history into the fair, which has always welcomed new sources of entertainment and exhibits, while retaining its original commitment to community and agriculture.

To enter, a young lady must submit a 300 word or less essay entitled, “What the Fair Means to My Community.” She will also give a 3-5 minute speech on, “Why You Should Come to My Fair.” The process of selecting a queen will also include an interview by three judges.

The fair will provide a fitting backdrop for the young lady chosen its queen. Such events as a Scarecrow Contest, Angel Food Cake contest, Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest, Tractor Obstacle Rodeo, and Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull will provide a spirit of fun and family.

Agriculturally, the event will provide competition and exhibits involving small animals, rabbits, sheep, goats, rabbits, cattle and other live stock.

Young ladies between the ages of 16 and 20 as of June 1, willing to be a year-long certified representative of the Luzerne County Fair, should call 570-615-FAIR (3247) for information. The deadline for application is Aug. 2.

The winner will participate in the January 2015 State Fair event in Hershey for the opportunity to represent our area on a statewide level.

For information on the Luzerne County Fair, scheduled for Sept. 3- 7 at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds, Route 118, Dallas, residents can access the organizaion’s website at http://www.luzernecountyfair.com/home.html.