HERSHEY – Chelsea Folmar recently competed in the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen competition last week at the annual Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs Convention held in Hershey.
Folmar competed amongst 59 contestants representing county and community agricultural fairs from across the state during the three-day competition.
Each contestant prepared a brief speech highlighting her fair’s unique traditions and events, an essay about the fair’s significance in her community and gave a stage introduction at the convention’s annual banquet.
Contestants are evaluated on their public speaking skills and knowledge of fairs and the agriculture industry, as well as on their poise and personal presentation. They were also interviewed by the contest’s judges.
Folmar also had the opportunity to attend various seminars, including “Young Women’s Leadership” and “Are You Really and Ag-vocate.”
The competition culminated with the presentation of Miss Congeniality and the selection of the Top Five finalists for the State Fair Queen title.
Folmar was chosen by her peers to receive the honor of Miss Congeniality. This is the first time that Clearfield County has received this honor.
Among the top finalists were: Centre County Grange Fair Queen Emily Allegar, Reading Fair Queen Caitlyn Pool, Troy Fair Queen Michala Kuhlman and Manheim Community Farm Show Queen Brittany Balmer.
York Fair Queen Alana Eisenhour of Wellsville, York County, was crowned the 2015 Pennsylvania Fair Queen and Manheim Community Farm Show Queen Brittany Balmer of Manheim, Lancaster County, was selected as the Alternate Pennsylvania Fair Queen.
The three judges were Cindi Jaques, Certified Fair Executive from West Springfield, Mass.; Mark St. Jacques, Certified Fair Executive from Greenwich, NY; and Jody Whipple from North Stonington, Conn. Master of Ceremonies was Kevin Bieber of Oley, Berks County.
Folmar, 20, is the daughter of Scott and Crystal Folmar and a 2014 graduate of DuBois Area High School. She is currently attending the University of Kentucky pursuing degrees in animal science and equine science with a minor in biology.
Folmar enjoys serving as the College of Agriculture’s representative for the University Senate, the vice president of Sigma Alpha Lambda, and a peer mentor in the Agricultural Residential College. She is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, UK Block and Bridle Club and Pre-Vet Club.
Eisenhour, 18, is the daughter of James and Gloria Eisenhour and a 2014 graduate of Northern High School. She is studying agribusiness management at Penn State – York campus.
Balmer, 18, is the daughter of Dale and Sharon Balmer and a senior at Manheim Central High School.
Pennsylvania is home to 109 county and community fairs. Eisenhour, the 29th Pennsylvania Fair Queen, will travel the state representing Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage and serving as an ambassador for the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs.
