Butler Co. teen named Pa. Fair Queen

HERSHEY, Pa. — Butler Fair Queen Madeline McEachin, 18, of West Sunbury, Butler County, was crowned as the 2017 Pennsylvania Fair Queen on Jan. 21 at the annual joint convention of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs and Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association.

“I’m so excited for this opportunity, and I could not be more grateful,” said McEachin following her coronation. “It’s an honor to be given a year to represent Pennsylvania’s fairs and the entire agriculture industry.”

McEachin, 18, is the daughter of Paul and Karla McEachin. A 2016 honors graduate of Butler High School, Madeline is attending the Pennsylvania State University pursuing a degree in accounting. In high school she was a member of the mock trial team, marching band colorguard, and French Club. Outside of school she was active in 4-H, holding projects in performance horses and dairy goats and serving as county council president. Continuing that passion for 4-H, McEachin now serves as Pennsylvania State 4-H Council president. In that capacity she served as co-emcee of the 101st Pennsylvania Farm Show opening ceremonies in Harrisburg. She also rode for the Grove City Area Equestrian Team and served as 2015 North Washington Rodeo Queen.

“Pennsylvania’s fair queens make a serious commitment. When they accept the crown and sash, they also choose to represent their fairs in their communities, their counties and across Pennsylvania,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “They are the face of Pennsylvania agriculture to the millions of people who visit our commonwealth’s 109 county and community fairs each year. I’m looking forward to working with Madeline throughout the coming year to promote fairs and our agriculture industry.”

McEachin will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs at the conclusion of her reign in January 2018. She was crowned by outgoing Pennsylvania Fair Queen Darby Kasper of Roseville, Tioga County.

Each of the 60 contestants — tied for the highest number of queens in the competition’s history — prepared a brief speech highlighting the activities at her county or community fair. They also wrote an essay about the fair’s significance in their life and local community. Each queen also gave a stage introduction during the fair convention annual banquet and was interviewed by three judges.

Contestants are evaluated on their public speaking skills and knowledge of the agriculture industry, as well as on their poise and personal presentation in an evening gown competition.

Five finalists were chosen and gave an impromptu answer on what they see as key components to building a successful fair.

“A successful fair requires a willing community,” responded McEachin, noting the contributions of volunteers, passion of fair boards, and interest from visitors in attending the show. “In several ways, a community that’s willing to contribute to the fair is the single most important component in its success.”

Clearfield County Fair Queen Rachel Duke, 20, of Clearfield, Clearfield County, was selected as Alternate 2016 Pennsylvania Fair Queen. An Agricultural Science major at the Pennsylvania State University, she serves as an upper-class senator of the Student Government Association and as campus club coordinator. Rachel has been involved with the Clearfield County Fair since she was four years old, and has competed in horse events at the fair each year. She also volunteers with the Clearfield County Historical Society and is a member of the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre Board of Directors.

Other top five finalists were Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair Queen Emma Spackman of Port Matilda, Centre County; Elizabethtown Fair Queen Madison Rivera of Elizabethtown, Lancaster County; and Harford Fair Queen Jolie Winemiller of Harford, Susquehanna County. Winemiller was named Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.

Judges were Mary Amoss with the Miss Maryland Agriculture program, Fallston, Md.; Timothy Bigham of the New York Farm Bureau, Franklinville, N.Y.; and Tiffany Painter Newland, director of the Shenandoah County (Virginia) Fair scholarship pageant, Edinburg, Va.

Pennsylvania is home to 109 county and community fairs. McEachin, the 31st state queen, will travel the state this year representing Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage and serving as an ambassador for the fair association.

— Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture