CLEARFIELD – For some, the third time is a charm but for Misti Bruner, 20, of Curwensville, it was her fourth Clearfield County Fair Queen competition that turned out magical. Bruner was crowned the 2012 Clearfield County Fair Queen at the grandstand stage Sunday afternoon.
“It’s amazing and breathtaking. It’s very breathtaking,” said Bruner after being crowned by 2011 Fair Queen Melanie Swartz. “Honestly, I’m so proud after running the past four years.
“I went two years without even placing. Last year, I was the first runner-up in Melanie’s court. It made me want to be queen so much more. I’m just proud of myself and very happy.”
For the past four years, Bruner said she’s learned “tremendously” about her fair and its programs. She’s also learned to be confident with former fair queen Swartz showing her how to stay true to herself.
“She’s taught me to just be yourself and to be happy with whom you are,” said Bruner.
During her speech, Bruner welcomed everyone to the 152nd Clearfield County Fair. She said it was originally called the Clearfield County Fair and Industrial Exhibition and began with the organization of the Clearfield County Agricultural Society in 1852.
In 1937, the James E. Strates Shows made their first appearance on the midway, the beginning of a lasting fair tradition. She said many watched their show leave by train in downtown Clearfield after the fair concluded.
A year later, she said the Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department accepted managing the fair at the request of the Agricultural Society. She said it resulted in more new beginnings for the fair, which became a week-long event with the first fireman’s parade passing before the grandstand.
Bruner said the fair and park board was established in 1942 and operated its first fair in 1946. In the late 1970’s, the board took over the management of the fairgrounds and its buildings. She said it invested more than $1 million in renovations and improvements to the fairgrounds.
In the 1980’s, she said the board purchased additional property, and it’s currently known as the Expo II building. She said it housed the homemade exhibits of local craftsmen and showcased all their hard work.
Bruner said the Clearfield County Fair is one of 114 fairs in Pennsylvania, and it’s the third largest statewide. She said the Clearfield fair is one of just 15 fairs that still have harness racing.
“It’s so much more than rides and games,” said Bruner. “It honors farmers and rural Pennsylvania tradition. I’m proud to call it my fair and hope you are as well.”
During the impromptu question segment, Bruner, along with the other Top 5 contestants, were asked to identify the biggest challenge facing agriculture and how the challenge can be faced. She said the biggest challenge is the lack of agriculture.
“There isn’t enough of it in Pennsylvania and Clearfield County,” she said. “I believe farmers, FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H members should join together to give back.”
Bruner will be joined by first runner-up, Chelsea Folmar, 17, of Luthersburg and second runner-up, Christene Whited, 20, of Clearfield. Danielle Farmery, 17, of Clearfield and Victoria Garner, 18, of La Jose were named Top 5 Contestants.
Eight girls competed in this year’s fair queen competition. Each contestant had to prepare an essay and complete a personal interview with the judges prior to Sunday afternoon’s competition.
During the on-stage competition, each girl persuaded their judges and audience to visit their fair. Once the judges named the Top 5, each answered the same impromptu question.
