Brubaker Crowned Farm Show Queen

Ashley Brubaker, 18, of Williamsburg was crowned the 2021-22 Williamsburg Farm Show Queen on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 22. Brubaker is the daughter of Shawn and Kendra Brubaker of Williamsburg. Alternate Queen is Abigail England, 19, of Williamsburg.

"You folks in Williamsburg do it right," Senator Judy Ward (30th District) said opening the ceremonies.

Both girls were escorted by their fathers. Ward announced it would now be time for the girls' speeches with the topic – "Why You Should Come to My Fair." In her speech, England talked about the rich history of the fair – noting that it was previously called the Catharine Township Farm Show. England also talked about the fair bringing "community togetherness," following the COVID-19 pandemic. Brubaker talked about the "Best Fair Possible" thanking the Farm Show Board for their work all year long and then for their community service like events like the food boxes during the pandemic, the Nativity night at Christmas and the sock/hooded sweatshirt donations. The work that the board does, Brubaker said "is not just for one week in August; it's all year round."

Senator Ward then asked contestants an impromptu question. For Brubaker, her question dealt with being an advocate for agriculture if she was chosen as the new Fair Queen. Brubaker said, "As a long-time dairy farmer, we need to get kids involved."

Brubaker then went on to explain that most elementary school children don't know where their food comes from. "Usually from the back of a grocery store," she joked.

England's question dealt with how she would represent the fair if she was chosen as queen. She said she would want to speak to as many people as she could talking about agriculture and all things the Farm Show – the events, food and other activities.

During the judge's deliberation, outgoing Queen Haylee Riley gave her farewell speech as the 2019-21 Queen. The judges for the pageant were Jill Palmer, Jana Mellott, and Pastor Calvin Miller.

As the Farm Show Queen, Brubaker received a $200 scholarship, sash, and crown. As the Alternate, England received a $100 scholarship, sash and crown.