Brianna Shupp and Sophia Alcamo will end their reign as the 2022 West End Fair Queen and Princess, respectively, when this year’s queen and/or princess is crowned on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. at the fair.

Two young women between the age of 16 and 20 have filled out an application. They answered questions about their hobbies, education and involvement in the fair.

The program began in 2015 and its purpose is to promote agriculture and tourism, as well as help develop these young ladies’ leadership skills,” said Krista Wawrzynski, lead coordinator for the program and the 2015 Fair Queen.

The applicants wrote an essay on why the fair is important to the community and then gave a speech on why you should attend the West End Fair in front of judges that are from outside of Monroe County, Wawrzynski said.

The queen gets a $1,000 scholarship and the princess gets a $500 scholarship after completing their year. The money is for higher education costs, such as tuition and books.

Shupp and Alcamo have learned a great deal about the people in this community, as well as themselves.

“I have learned that cultural appreciation is a big part throughout my reign,” said Shupp, who will be senior at Pleasant Valley and wants to be an anesthesiologist.

“Fairs often celebrate local traditions, customs, and cultural heritage. Through my year as fair queen, I have gained a deeper appreciation for my community’s culture, traditions, and history. I have learned about different cultural practices, engaged with diverse communities, and fostered cultural understanding and inclusivity!”

Alcamo, a student at Delaware Valley University, described herself as being shy, but this was an opportunity to come out of her shell.

“One thing that has made a big impact in my life is pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Ever since I’ve gotten the title of fair princess, I have had to talk to new people and stand on a stage in front of people,” she said. “I’ve learned that everything is only as scary as you make it, so it doesn’t hurt to try.”

Shupp’s favorite part of fair week is being able to exhibit animals.

“For participants who raise and care for their animals, the opportunity to showcase their animals is often a highlight of fair week,” said Shupp. “It’s a chance to present their hard work, expertise, and the results of their breeding and grooming efforts,”

Fair week is an opportunity to learn about different breeds, practices in animal care and the latest advancements in the industry, she said.

During fair week, the queen and princess walk around the fair to talk to the public, get to know what the people like about the fair, attend luncheon meetings, and help with the kids’ activities as well as the senior program.

“I will be able to show (the new queen) around the fairground and make sure she is comfortable,” said Shupp. “I will give her some tips on what I have learned through my year.”

Fair attendees will see the queen selling 50/50 tickets Monday through Saturday. Proceeds from these tickets benefit the Fair Queen program.

They are planning to host a gift card bingo and try some other fundraising opportunities to help continue to grow the program, said Wawrzynski.

State Sen. Rosemary Brown provided a donation that will help cover the cost of one meal per day for the fair queen and/or princess.

When the fair concludes, the young ladies will attend various events throughout the year to promote the fair, agriculture and tourism.

“My favorite thing I did as fair princess was definitely meeting new people at different events and interacting with our community. It’s such an honor to represent the fair that means so much to so many people,” Alcamo said.

They attended events such as a car show at Mrs. Bush’s Personal Care Home, Stroudsburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Chestnuthill Township’s Trunk-or-Treat, Farm Animal Frolic at Quiet Valley, the West End Fireman’s Festival and the West End Car Show and the Carbon County Fair.

Shupp’s favorite event was going to Hershey to compete for Pennsylvania State Fair Queen against 58 other contestants.

“Even though the beginning of the trip was nerve wracking, I had confidence in myself that I was going to do my best and make my fair and family proud,” Shupp said.

Although she did not win, she says she walked away with many lessons and lifelong friends.

She and the other contestants were taught that “you came in this competition as a queen and you leave still a queen,” she said. “This message has stuck with me since the competition because no matter what the outcome is in any situation you will learn to adapt and succeed no matter a winner or a loser.”