Pictured, in front from left, are: Kyrsten Ruch; reigning fair queen Jayna Vicary; and Madison Niebauer. In the back are: Rebecca Liddle; Sarah Simcox; Karter Bell; and Sydney Spencer. (Photo by GANT News Editor Jessica Shirey)
CLEARFIELD – The six young women who will contend for the crown at the 31st annual Clearfield County Fair Queen competition were introduced at a dinner banquet Sunday at the fairgrounds.
Reigning Fair Queen Jayna Vicary will crown the next queen Sunday, July 28. The competition will take place at 4 p.m. at the grandstand stage at the 159th Clearfield County Fair.
Contestants include:
- Kyrsten Ruch, 2019 DuBois Central Catholic graduate;
- Madison Niebauer, Glendale Junior-Senior High School student;
- Rebecca Liddle, 2018 DuBois Central Catholic graduate;
- Sarah Simcox, 2019 Curwensville High School graduate;
- Karter Bell, 2019 Curwensville High School graduate; and
- Sydney Spencer, Curwensville Area High School student.
Rachel Carr Davidson, fair queen committee member, gave an overview of the fair queen competition. It closely resembles the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Competition, at which the newly-crowned queen will represent the Clearfield County Fair.
According to her, contestants have already completed the first segment of the competition, a personal essay on what the fair means to their community.
The day-of the competition, they will appear for a personal interview with the panel of judges. Judges will ask contestants about topics related to the fair and agriculture as well as current events and the contents of their personal biography.
And then on-stage, contestants will compete in a timed, three- to five-minute speech on why people should come to their fair and an evening gown/personal introduction.
Due to having a small pool of contestants this year, Davidson said all six will answer an impromptu question. Judges will then tally the scores and select a fair queen and her first- and second- runners up.
Greg Hallstrom, fair manager, promised the contestants they’d entered the best fair queen program in the state, and would have the encouragement and support of a committee of past queens.
“You will not be out there alone,” he said with Davidson adding that, “this is a fair family here … you’ve probably heard ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Well, it takes a fair family to raise a queen.” Both said the young woman who wins the competition will have her life changed forever.
Vicary reminded the contestants that the fair queen program is open to eligible young women across Clearfield County. “And, it’s only the six of you; you’re doing something all the others couldn’t … let go of your nerves and let this competition be yours.”
Leah Albright welcomed guests and introduced the master of ceremonies Galla from Dan and Galla, a duo who provides on-stage music for the fair queen competition.
Galla took a moment to remember long-time MC, Bob E. Day, who passed away in October. She said though it was sad he wasn’t there to share in this wonderful event, she was sure he was looking down on everyone with great enjoyment.
Albright gave the invocation and benediction, and the guest of honor was Ben Kline. The banquet was also attended by former Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Sam Hayes, County Commissioner John A. Sobel and State Rep. Matt Gabler.