Elizabethtown Fair Queen Program Handbook
2025 Elizabethtown Fair Dates: August 18 - 23
2025 Elizabethtown Fair Queen Contest Date: August 18
Contestant Handbook and Requirements
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 in January. The Fair Queen will also participate in Fair activities throughout the Fair week and represent the Fair at various functions during her reign.
Premium (Scholarships for Higher Education)
Queen - $1000 Alternate- $500
Contestant Rules
Contestant must:
1.Live in Lancaster, Lebanon or Dauphin County Pennsylvania
2. Be at least 16 years of age and not over 20 years old by June 1
3. Have her parent's or guardian's consent
4. Be single, never married and have had no children and must not marry, nor get pregnant during her reign
5. Not be a former local fair queen winner or state contestant
6. Not hold any other State title for any other commodity group or pageant during her reign
Competition Includes:
1. Written Essay- 300 words or less on the topic "What My Fair Means to My Community"
2. Personal Interview
3. Introduction
4. Speech- 3 to 5 minutes speech on the topic "Why You Should Come to My Fair"
5. Impromptu Question
How to Apply??
FAIR QUEEN, RUNNER-UP & QUEEN’S COURT BEHAVIOR POLICY:
The Contest’s governing Board shall have the sole discretion to determine whether, in its judgment, the Queen, Runner-up or Contestants may continue to participate in the Program, in the event that the Board determines that any statement or representation is not true and accurate, or that any action is inconsistent with the rules, standards and dignity of the Program.
BEHAVIOR POLICY:
The following will be considered violations of the Policy and will be grounds for immediate disqualification, dismissal and/or being banned from future Queen Competitions:
1. Any infractions of any Queen Contest rules.
2. Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, chewing gum, foul language and/or public displays of affection to dates/boyfriends while wearing crown and/or sash and representing the Queen Program.
3. Engagement in any illegal, nonpartisan, unethical, indecent and/or morally questionable behavior, including but not limited to online representations on the Internet such as social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
4. Use of any illegal controlled dangerous substances or abusing the use of alcohol or other dangerous substances.
5. Any defamation of the Queen Contest, its winners and contestants, and the Fair or the PA Fair Queen Program and their Directors and Committee members, whether it be oral or written. This includes postings on the Internet.
6. Any uncooperative or unsportsmanlike conduct before, during or after the competition.
7. Appearing in crown and banner at any event without an official invitation from an authorized event coordinator or event board member.
FAIR QUEEN, RUNNER-UP & QUEEN’S COURT CELL PHONE POLICY:
The following will be considered violations of the Policy and will be grounds for immediate disqualification, dismissal and/or being banned from future Queen Competitions:
1. Cell phones should be discreetly carried with participants of the Fair Queen Program at all times.
2. Cell phones should only be used to check the time, take pictures at events and with fairgoers.
3. Cell phones should be used in case of an emergency!
4. Cell phones should not be constantly out and in use while at Fair events.
FAIR QUEEN, RUNNER-UP & QUEEN’S COURT DRESS CODE:
Wearing of the Fair Queen crown and/or sash is to be considered an honor and privilege. The bearer is now an ambassador representing herself, her family, her community and Fair.
While fashion styles may change, good taste does not!
Dress Code:
Therefore responsible, appropriate and professional appearance is expected while the Queen is wearing her crown and sash:
1. Attire that is conducive to the specific appearance or event (i.e. business casual, formal, etc.)
2. No jeans, sneakers, flip flops or boots. Alterations may be made to this jean-footwear rule only if:
A) Participating in livestock shows while also carrying-out Court duties
B) Severe weather or unsafe conditions exist
C) The Fair Queen's official coordinator or Board Member has approved an alteration consistent with the professional appearance expectation.
Dress Code Continued:
3. It is strongly recommended that closed toe shoes be worn when in livestock areas, for safety reasons.
4. No visible piercings (other than earrings) or tattoos.
5. No outfit that shows cleavage.
6. Dresses/skirts must be no shorter than the height of a dollar bill (approx. 2.5”) from the bottom of the dress/skirt hem to the top of the knee cap.
A) Evening Gowns/Formal Wear- required for the onstage portion of the competition.
Gowns and formal wear must be tasteful, and should not show cleavage, no visible piercings (other than earrings)and no visible tattoos. Evening wear shoes should be a comfortable height, and able to be walked in with ease. Gowns should be one piece but may be a coordinating top and bottom, with no cutouts or transparent mesh sections.
Duties and Expectations of Court
1. The members of Queen’s Court agree to promote the Elizabethtown Fair and participate in events as requested.
2. The members of Queen’s Court will assist the Queen and Runner-Up in presenting ribbons and awards at animal shows, children’s activities, and other events as requested.
3. The members of Queen’s Court will assist the Queen, Runner-Up, Fair Board of Directors and Fair members at the Baked Goods Auction (Tuesday, 7:30 pm) and Arts & Crafts Auction (Friday, 7:00 pm).
4. As Queen’s Court members, you are encouraged to be present in the Children’s Petting Zoo (daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm) to help teach them about the importance of agriculture and to interact with fair-goers.
5. Most importantly, members of Queen’s Court are expected to present themselves in a pleasant, professional manner at all times.
Duties of the Queen & Alternate
1. The Queen and Runner-Up agree to promote the Elizabethtown Fair and participate in events as requested.
2. The Queen and Runner-Up will reign over the Elizabethtown Fair, presenting ribbons and awards with
the help of their court at all animal shows, children’s activities, sales, and participate in other events as
requested.
3. The Queen and Runner-Up must be present to assist the Fair Board of Directors and Fair members at the Baked Goods Auction (Tuesday, 7:30 pm) and Annual Elizabethtown Fair Auction (Friday, 7:00 pm).
4. As Queen and Runner-Up, when your schedule allows you to be present in the Children’s Petting Zoo (daily
from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm), please help to teach children about the importance of agriculture and to
interact with fair-goers.
5. The Queen and Runner-Up may be asked to assist with the Fair Chicken BBQ (date to be provided).
6. Most importantly, the Queen and Runner-Up are expected to present themselves in a pleasant, professional
manner at all times.
Duties of the Queen
Elizabethtown Fair Queen Contestant Practices (Dates and times are tentative to change)
*Practices are NOT mandatory for contestants but encouraged
These practices are designed to help prepare and encourage contestants for the competition. Practices will focus on different areas of the competition such as practicing speeches, impromptu questions, and interviews.
July 15 @ 7pm
July 29 @ 7pm
August 5 @ 7pm
August 12 @ 7pm
August 18 Time TBD
If above dates/times do not work please reach out to Lia to set up other practice times.
Application Link
Questions??
Please reach out to:
etownfairqueen@gmail.com