Two Williamsburg Teens Compete for Farm Show Queen

Earlier this week, I asked Williamsburg residents, "What is your favorite thing about the Farm Show?" For many, it's the food, memories or seeing all the items shown by the exhibitors. For me, one of the best parts is the Farm Show Queen Contest. Perhaps it's because I was the 2007-08 Farm Show Queen and the experience itself was one of the best of my life. This year's queen contest will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22, at the farm show stage. The queen contest has two competitors this year – Abigail England and Ashley Brubaker.

Abigail England

Abigail is the 19-year-old daughter of Ethan England of Williamsburg. She is currently enrolled at Penn State University with a major in animal science. Her career goal is to be a large and small veterinarian.

England's biggest scholastic achievement to date is graduating high school at the age of 14. She has received an $1,000 scholarship by the College of Agriculture. In the community, England participated in 4-H, church picnics and various volunteer activities for her church. In her spare time, England enjoys riding horses, sewing, crocheting, and taking care of her goats. She's had work experience from Gifford's Farm and Feed Mill, JB Tree Farm and Woody Lodge Winery.

When asked why she wants to run for Farm Show Queen, England said, "I am running for fair queen because I take great pride in representing agriculture and my community. Agriculture runs in my blood as a seventh generation dairy farmer. I also hail from this small town of Williamsburg and find it to be a great honor to participate in this fair."

Ashley Brubaker

Ashley is the 18-year-old daughter of Kendra and Shawn Brubaker of Williamsburg. Ashley will be graduating from Williamsburg in the spring of 2022. She is undecided where she will attend college but wants to major in agriculture education.

"I want to be able to make an impact on children and young adults through teaching or being in a leadership position. So many adults have made an impact on my life, and I want to do the same for others," Brubaker said.

Throughout her high school career, Brubaker has been a member of the National Honor Society and the FFA, as well as a 2020 graduate of the Leadership Blair County Youth. Some of her hobbies include playing softball and volleyball, playing quads for the WHS marching band, and spending time with her cow, Astro.

Brubaker has worked at Blue Barn Farms for two years and currently works at Olive Garden as a hostess.

"I have spent many years of my life helping the farm show with my dad, Shawn Brubaker. From showing my animals, entering various crops, and entering the endless activities that the Farm Show provides, I feel led to give back to the fair that has kept me entertained for the last eighteen years of my life; I also want to put my leadership skills to the test," Brubaker said.

Best of luck to both contestants!