After shoveling out the Dodge Journey Thursday morning, Carbon County Fair Queen Rachel Knoblauch, accompanied by her mother Kara Moser, made her way to Hershey for the 32nd annual Pennsylvania State Fair Queen competition.

A senior at Panther Valley High School, Knoblauch, 18, was crowned queen last August during the annual Carbon County Fair.

The lifelong Lansford resident said she teared up once her name was announced for the honor.

“I felt fine up until the moment I stepped onto the stage. It was then when the nerves began to kick in,” she said.

Knoblauch went through the usual process for the annual competition, making sure she meet all the requirements, filling out the application and having to present a speech in an interview to two judges.

“The key is to make sure you talk about what you love. Then you can go on and on and also make yourself feel a lot more comfortable in the situation,” she said.

Knoblauch said it was hard to overcome the nerves for the interview, but the key to her winning delivery was being true to herself and focusing on what she loved.

“My favorite part of the speech is how I talk about young children dragging their parents over to the adorable farm animals and livestock because it then gives the 4-H’ers an opportunity to talk about 4-H and agriculture and how important both are in our everyday lives. It becomes not only a fun experience, but also a learning experience as well,” she said.

Knoblauch said the biggest challenge she faced in this year’s competition was going up against her cousin.

“No matter the outcome of who won, we were still there for one another and happy for each other,” she said.

Knoblauch took her crown home to display front and center on her trophy case. She said she’s enjoyed her win.

“My favorite part had to have been the meet and greets. I was able to socialize with the people of Carbon County and its surrounding areas. I enjoy being around children, and helping with the Children’s Day drawing was one of my favorite activities as fair queen.

“I also adore when young girls look up and admire the fair queen when at the fair or the parades,” she said.

Knoblauch said next year’s competitors should just go for it.

“You can’t just stop now, and if you think you’re done, there is always something you can do next. Even if you are nervous and shaky. I want them to push themselves as far as they wish to go, and they can accomplish anything!” she said.

“My 4-H motto is to make the best better, and I feel that this should be everyone’s motto in life.”

As queen, Knoblauch gets to represent Carbon County at agriculture events and next year’s fair.

“I am required to attend the PA State Fair Queen Competition. And also participate in parades and other events in my community.”

After Knoblauch graduates from Panther Valley, she will move on and attend Lock Haven University to study criminal justice in the fall.

“My goal is to go into crime scene investigation. I like challenges and using my mind with bits and pieces to solve mysteries and problems,” she said.

“And also to do something good for the rest of society by putting the bad guys away.”

The State Fair Queen Competition will take place Saturday night at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, where Knoblauch will face over 60 other county queens for the title of State Fair Queen.

“I’ve never been to Hershey for a competition such as this. My nerves are kicking in more and more. We have been preparing since August, and I am nervous but excited at the same time,” said Knoblauch.

“If I so happen to win, I will have to attend fairs all over the state and represent our state as the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen and also promote agriculture,” she said.

The fair queens will spend the weekend at dinners, competitions and delivering speeches before the final coronation dinner.

“I am looking forward to seeing all of the other young women representing their very own counties. It is an experience within itself to meet new people and learn from them and their communities,” she said.