Jan 26, 2018 2 min read

Ashlin Hawkinberry, 16, the 2018 Washington County Fair Queen, competed in the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen contest Saturday and placed in the top five out of 58 contestants, aged 16 to 21.

Hawkinberry, president of 4 Leaf 4-H Club, is the daughter of Marianne Boris and Robert Hawkinberry. She is a junior at Fort Cherry High School, a member of HG Parkinson FFA, a cheerleader and competes in track.

Crowning took place during the annual joint convention of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs and Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association.

Each of the contestants 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 gave a stage introduction during the fair convention annual banquet and was interviewed by three judges. Contestants were 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.

The five finalists chosen gave impromptu answers on their greatest strength, and how that would help them in their reign as Pennsylvania fair queen.

Lebanon Area Fair Queen Elizabeth Voight was crowned Pennsylvania Fair Queen.