Young women are encouraged to apply for the Elizabethtown Fair Queen program.

To be eligible, contestants must live in Lancaster, Lebanon, or Dauphin county; be at least age 16 and not over the age of 20 by Jun 1; have her parents' or guardians' consent; be single and never married and have had no children and must not marry or get pregnant during her reign; not be a former local fair queen winner or state contestant; and not hold any other state title for any other commodity groups or pageant during her reign.

Components of the competition include a written essay of 300 words or fewer on the topic "What My Fair Means to My Community," a personal interview, and a three- to five-minute speech on the topic of "Why You Should Come to My Fair"; contenstants must also answer an impromptu question. Traditionally, part of the competition takes place on the opening night of the Elizabethtown Fair in August.

Premiums for the Fair Queen and the alternate will be awarded as scholarships for higher education. The Fair Queen will receive $1,000, and the alternate will receive $500.

The Fair Queen will reign for one year. During her reign, she will participate in the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Competition, to be held in Hershey the following January. The Fair Queen will also participate in fair activities throughout the fair week and represent the fair at various functions during her reign. School scheduling will be taken into consideration for events to the best of the program's ability.

Wednesday, June 30, is the deadline to submit biographical information and a signed photograph release form. The deadline to submit a typed digital copy of the contestant's essay and application to the Fair Queen program coordinator is Sunday, Aug 1.

Applications must be submitted fully online using Google Forms. For more information, including an application and updates, readers may search for "Elizabethtown Fair Queen Program" on Facebook or email etownfairqueen@gmail.com.