Future Looks Bright for Farm Show Queens

Eight young ladies were named either Little Miss or Princess at the Williamsburg Community Farm Show during Royalty festivities on Sunday afternoon, August 18.

Competing for Little Miss included: Ava Emery, Frankie Giansante, Scarlett Leidy, Alexis Morningstar, Addyson Stringer, and Halle White. Those competing for Princess included: Elizabeth Dively and Addison Dodson. Following the introduction of the candidates, the outgoing Little Miss Isabella Harclerode and Princess Adalyn Ronk were also introduced before Fair Queen contestant Ashley Sollenberger and outgoing 2023-24 Farm Show Queen, Morgan Reighard. 

Sollenberger then came to the stage to present her speech for the evening.

"Who wants to spend an arm and a leg to have fun?, " she said to the crowd and mentioned how the Farm Show is budget-friendly and family-friendly.

There are numerous activities to do such as bale throwing, tractor driving, and milk drinking contests. Princess candidates Dively and Dodson then presented speeches to answer "What is the purpose of a county fair?"

Emcee Angie Walason then called the Little Miss candidates up to ask random questions such as favorite fair food, favorite thing to do at the fair, and favorite animal at the fair. Answers varied from deep-fried Oreos to working with Karen in a booth, rabbits, and "a big bag of cotton candy," Morningstar added. 

Walason then thanked Reighard for a job well done, "she has represented well as the Farm Show Queen," making special note of her presence at the PA State Fair Queen pageant in Hershey in January. Walason said an auction of the baked goods will take place this week to help offset costs for the Fair Queen pageant in Hershey. Reighard then took the stage to give her Farewell address.

"The Farm Show is something I look forward to every year, and it always gave me and my parents a great place to make memories," she said.

Reighard touched on the Red Kitchen, dealing with her first cow, Smokey, the craft shows, the Buck Pool, and various benefit dinners throughout the year.

"It's been a full schedule," Reighard said.

She also discussed competing in Hershey with 50 other ladies for PA State Fair Queen.

Reighard thanked her parents, Kristy Bigelow and Katrina Lawecki (Fair Queen coordinator).

"It's truly been an honor and privilege, and so for the last time, I'm Morgan Reighard – your 2023-24 Williamsburg Farm Show Queen," she said.

Reighard then crowned the 2024-25 Farm Show Queen, Ashley Sollenberger, from Curryville. The Queen and her Little Miss and Princess candidates all received a sash and crown and will be representing the Farm Show throughout the week and the year at various events. 

Walason then thanked Alicia McDonald, and Yvette Longenecker for flowers, Anna May Very for jewelry, and Royer Mansion for scholarship donation.