In 1986, the Pennsylvania Association of County Fairs began a Fair Queen Program and fairs across the state held local contests for the first time. Amy Willison (Mendicino) was crowned as the first Greene County Fair Queen and the following January, she joined fourteen young ladies from across the state in Hershey, as they represented their fairs while competing to become the first State Fair Queen. The program has grown and in January of 2026, a new record was set with sixty-one queens competing.
Greene County has had success on the Hershey stage several times over the last 40 years. In 1992, Amy Anderson (Ernest) was crowned as the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen. Ameila Simpson (Steinmiller) was named 2007 State Miss Congeniality. Megan Moore (Curry) brought home the title of 2008 Pennsylvania State First Alternate. In 2009, Lindsey Longstreth (Parks) was selected as a top-five finalist. Krista Marie Ziefel (Mitchell) was also selected as a top-five finalist in 2013.
In 2023, the Greene County Queen program added four new age divisions; Princess, Junior Princess, Little Princess and Mini Princess. This allows children as young as six years old the opportunity to participate, learn about agriculture and represent the fair at various local events. Greene County residents between the ages of six and 20 years old on June 1st are eligible.
The program will celebrate its 40th Anniversary with a celebration and contest to be held at Valley View Farm Venue on Saturday, July 25 at 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. All former queens are invited to return for a private reception preceding the contest, on stage introduction and a role in the passing of the crown ceremony.
The new queen will compete in the 2027 State Fair Queen Contest this coming January. The Queen will receive a $1,000 cash award at the end of her reign and a $4,000 Yellow Jacket scholarship to Waynesburg University. All title holders will receive a crown, sash and a floral bouquet in addition to a prize package with items donated by local individuals and businesses. Each of the four princesses will also receive a cash prize at the end of their reign.
Queen contestants will be judged on an essay, speech, interview, impromptu question, and modeling in an evening gown. Younger contestants will be judged on age-appropriate items. All will receive a thank you gift for participating. Orientation for all registered contestants will be held on Friday, July 10.
The program operates with a volunteer Coordinator, Co-Coordinator and a nine-member committee. Most of the operating expenses come through fund raisers and private donations with the Fair Board providing premiums and State Contest expenses.
The program goal is to provide an opportunity for Greene County youth to represent and promote the fair along with the importance of agriculture.
Applications can be downloaded at www.greenecountyfair.org. Questions may be emailed to greenecountypafairqueen@gmail.com. Application deadline is midnight on June 30th each year.
