Simpson Crowned Farm Show Queen

Charlotte Simpson of Alexandria was crowned the new 2022-23 Williamsburg Farm Show Queen following festivities held Sunday afternoon on the Farm Show Grounds.

Each contestant was walked down the aisle of the main stage by one of the special men in their lives. Simpson is the daughter of Charann and Patrick Webb. She is a student at Juniata Valley and is involved in the FFA, chorus and the Huntingdon Dance Academy.

Lacey Lynn and Lillian Anderson were the other two contestants.

The emcee of the evening was 2022 PA 2nd Runner Up for Miss Agriculture USA Ashley Sollenberger of Curryville. Following introductions, the three ladies presented 3 to 5 minute speeches on "Why You Should Come to My Fair." Lynn spoke first talking about being a senior at Central High School – and as a member of the Central Softball team and Central Cove FFA. Lynn went on to say that this was her first year showing at the Farm Show. In her speech, Lynn said that with this fair, it is beginning to show "freedom from COVID and this is where you can find it."

Anderson was next and urged the packed crowd to close their eyes and imagine their favorite place. Anderson said this (the farm show) was her favorite place and she could hear children laughing, smell hay and see happy smiles on the children's faces. She added, "This fair was started by tradition and put on by a community who cares."

Last, Simpson talked about a "small fair with big dreams," and added that the community comes together for the fair and the board is truly "working together to keep this tradition alive."

Next, the ladies answered an impromptu question. First, Simpson answered what is the importance of county fairs in Pennsylvania? Simpson said that the community fairs bring communities together and help teach the youth lots of life lessons.

Lynn was asked about the PA State House passing legislation for whole milk in schools and what does that mean for the dairy farmer? She answered that with the more milk, the more money for dairy farmers.

Anderson asked about the importance of educating the public on PA agriculture. Anderson said that you need to show people that there's more to farming than just what they see, noting things like canning and arts/crafts can be part of agriculture, too.

Following questions, the three judges – Monet Bottenfield, Dr. Andy Weikert and Heather Wasson – were given the task of choosing a winner. While waiting for the judge's decision, the 2021 Farm Show Queen Ashley Brubaker spoke in a recorded a message for those in attendance. Brubaker was unable to attend the event due to moving into college this past weekend. Brubaker thanked all those who "make this ship run smoothly," the Walason family and her own family. She noted that this is probably the first farm show she has missed.

Simpson was selected as the new Farm Show Queen with Lillian Anderson as First Runner Up and Lacey Lynn as the Second Runner Up.