The Manheim Farm Show is looking for royalty. Young women between the ages of 16 and 21 are encouraged to apply for the fair queen competition. Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 8, and interviews will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

"We're looking for young ladies ... who are passionate about promoting agriculture, community and our Farm Show," explained Emily Witmer, who coordinates the queen competition with her mother, Jennifer Witmer. "We also have competitions for junior queens and princesses, which offer opportunities for younger girls who want to be involved or learn more." The junior queen competition is open to girls ages 12 to 15. A princess contest is open to girls ages 9 to 11, while a junior princess contest is open to girls ages 6 to 8.

The queen will be crowned at the Manheim Farm Show's opening ceremonies on Monday, Oct. 9. The Farm Show will run from Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 13.

The winner will receive a crown and sash, along with a $1,000 cash prize. "Each placing competitor following also receives a cash prize," Emily said. "There are also some fun perks, like free french fries."

At the Farm Show, the queen takes an active role in the week's activities. "The Manheim Farm Show queen is privileged to spend the week of the Farm Show interacting with her community, handing out ribbons, helping with the benefit auctions and participating in the many fun Farm Show activities," Emily shared.

After the Farm Show, the queen has the opportunity to compete in a state-level competition for the title of Pennsylvania Fair Queen. "This competition is a fun and dynamic weekend with other fair queens from across the state and fair board members," Emily said.

All of the requirements for queen, junior queen and princess may be found in the Manheim Farm Show premium book, available at http://www.manheimfarmshow.org. People may also contact Jennifer Witmer at 717-203-9145 with any questions. The organizers also plan to have an informational booth about the competition set up at 1st Thursday in Manheim on Sept. 7.

"The Manheim Farm Show queen program is an incredible opportunity to learn more about yourself, your community and agriculture," Emily remarked. "It offers an interactive way to improve your leadership and public speaking skills. It's also an awesome bonus for college and job applications, not to mention you're sure to have one of the best weeks of your life."