If you're female, single and between the ages of 16 and 20 (as of June 1), you could be royalty.

The Elizabethtown Fair is seeking candidates for its fair queen competition, which will be held on Monday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. on the Kiwanis Stage on the fairgrounds, 900 E. High St.

To run for fair queen, additional qualifications include residence in Lancaster, Lebanon or Dauphin counties; parental or guardian consent; and no previous history of serving as a local fair queen or former state contestant.

"These requirements ensure fairness, consistency and eligibility for the statewide competition," said Alyssa Neff, co-coordinator of the Elizabethtown Fair Queen competition.

A great candidate for the competition typically has strong communication skills; genuine interest in agriculture, fairs, youth programs or community service; professionalism and reliability; warmth and approachability; and leadership qualities that make her comfortable speaking to groups, meeting officials and advocating for agriculture, Neff said.

"You don't need to be a farm kid or have a 4-H or FFA background," she explained. "Just (be) someone who cares about the fair and its mission."

The fair queen has a variety of responsibilities, including representing the fair at community events, ceremonies, parades and agricultural functions; participating in the state fair queen competition in Hershey each January; engaging with fairgoers during fair week by presenting awards, greeting visitors, supporting youth exhibitors and promoting agricultural education; and advocating for agriculture and the importance of fairs in Pennsylvania.

"The fair queen serves as the public face and ambassador of the fair for one full year," Neff explained. "In short, she is the spokesperson, cheerleader and representative for both the Elizabethtown Fair and agriculture in Elizabethtown."

At the competition during the fair, the candidates must present a prepared speech, often about the importance of fairs or agriculture. They also participate in an interview with a panel of judges and answer an impromptu question to test their poise and communication skills. The application includes a written essay as well.

Above all, successful fair queens must exhibit strong stage presence and professionalism, Neff said.

"There is no talent portion in the traditional sense," she said. "This is an ambassador role, not a talent pageant."

The winner and alternate will both receive college scholarship money.

Neff emphasized that the fair queen plays a role beyond the weeklong Elizabethtown Fair.

She promotes agricultural literacy, helping the public understand where food comes from. She supports youth exhibitors in 4-H, FFA and other programs, and she serves as a bridge between the agricultural community and the general public. She also represents Pennsylvania agriculture statewide, especially at the state queen competition, and she encourages community involvement and highlights the value of local fairs.

"She helps keep agricultural traditions alive while inspiring the next generation," Neff said.

Anyone interested in running for fair queen should visit the Elizabethtown Fair website at https://etownfair.com/contests for an application and additional details. The application deadline is Friday, July 10. This year's Elizabethtown Fair will run from Aug. 24 through Saturday, Aug. 29.