Julie Stinson is the 2020 West Lampeter Fair Queen
Kiley Turner is Fair Queen Alternate

Senior Julie Stinson won the title of 2020 West Lampeter Fair Queen at a closed contest on September 23 in the Lampeter-Strasburg High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). She represented the school's band program. Classmate Kiley Turner, representing the student council, won the title of 2020 Fair Queen Alternate.

L-S High School Assistant Principal and 2006 Fair Queen Alternate Eva Strawser served as master of ceremonies for this year's contest. Dale Hershey, Nicole Mirra, and Tammy Butler Sonntag served as judges, and Mr. Lambert was the statistician. The Fair Queen committee - Anita Martin, Laura Brenner, and Tina Shockey worked hard to keep the tradition alive during this most unusual of years.

The eight candidates began the contest seated on the (PAC) stage, which was decorated just like the stage would be in the Fair's competition ring during a "normal" year. Candidates introduced themselves, told the judges a little about the clubs they represented, and answered a round of questions. After a short break, Ms. Strawser announced five semifinalists: Julie Stinson, Megan Stratton, Gabby Harner, Kylee Waller, and Kiley Turner. The semifinalists each answered the question How would you describe the fair in a speaking engagement? before the judges made their final decision.

Each time the judges deliberated, 2019 Fair Queen Jessica Herr took the stage. She delivered the remarks she gave at the 2020 State Fair Queen Contest and a heartfelt farewell address about growing up at the Fair. She called the fair "my favorite holiday" and echoed the focus on community that many of the candidates had also mentioned throughout the evening.

Congratulations to Julie and Kylie, and best of luck to Julie at the 2021 PA Fair Queen Contest in January!

Watch the contest on YouTube

Read about the candidates