New dates announced for Elkhart County 4-H Fair Queen and Annual Senior Queen contests

ELKHART COUNTY — With the Elkhart County 4-H Fair planning season in full swing, queen pageant directors are preparing for a fresh take on a longtime fair tradition.

Beginning in 2019, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Queen and Senior Queen will be crowned several days before the start of the fair.

The 4-H Fair Queen pageant will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Fairfield Junior-Senior High School. There is a $5 admission charge.

The Senior Queen pageant will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Greencroft Jennings Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

The move will allow more flexibility for queen candidates who want to prepare for their reign, as well as a temperature-controlled venue for those who wish to participate in this popular fair event.

The 2018 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Queen is Emily Yoder, Miss Yoder Farms, of Middlebury.

“Having access to an indoor location will be a major benefit for our program moving forward,” 4-H Fair Queen Co-Director Mary Dale said. “Without the need to worry about weather interrupting our event, the show will go on as planned.”

Inclement weather has resulted in the queen contests being relocated offsite in recent years, sometimes just hours before the contests were set to begin. Having access to indoor venues will alleviate weather woes and will be more convenient for attendees of all ages, organizers added.

“Safety is a priority for all of our events and we are pleased to be able to offer a safe, accessible environment for our candidates and their supporters,” Senior Queen Director Sharon Edwards said.

Applications for 4-H Fair Queen and Senior Queen can be found online at www.4hfair.org. Deadline to apply for the contest is June 10.

The 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair, “4-H: The Information Highway to the Future” runs July 19-27. For more information go to www.4hfair.org, @ElkhartCo4HFair on Twitter or www.facebook.com/elkhartcounty4Hfair.

4-H Fair Queen Pageant

Candidates for the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Queen must be at least 16 years old by July 19, and not yet 21 years old as of Aug. 31. Eligibility is not limited to 4-H members, however each contestant must have been an active member of a community organization such as church groups, Girl Scouts, etc.

2018 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen Marceil Yoder is seated. In back from left are Second Runner Up Lucy Petersheim and First Runner Up Michelle Blough..

Applications are available online at 4hfair.org/fair-queen-pageant/. Completed applications are due June 10.

Co-Directors Dale and Jessica Whickcar can be reached by phone at (574) 221-9091 (Mary Dale) or (574) 612-8109 (Jessica Whickcar).

Senior Queen Pageant

Candidates for the 41st annual Senior Queen Pageant must be at least 60 years old before July 19. Contestants must be Indiana residents, but may reside outside of Elkhart County so long as the majority of her activities occur in Elkhart County.

Applications are available online at 4hfair.org/senior-queen-pageant/. Completed applications are due June 10.

Senior Queen applications are also available by contacting Director Edwards at (574) 596-0910.