Wayne County Fair - Queen's Pageant History

                                    History of Wayne County Fair Queens/Princess

                                                                                                  Pageant Directors Past and Present

                                                            1979-1989: Leonard & Dorothy Miller

                                             1990-1997: Marge Baker-Mundorf & Pamela Ferranti

                                             1998-Present: Jack & Gerry Dekdebrun 

How it Began…

The Wayne County Fair was established by the Union Agricultural Society in 1856. The Fair was 150 years old in 2005. For many years, a queen has reigned over the fair. In years past, the queen was called Fair Royalty, Fair Queen or 4-H Fair Queen.

In 1979, Leonard and Dorothy Miller approached the Wayne County Fair Board of Directors regarding sponsoring a Wayne County Fair Queen Pageant allowing all young ladies from Wayne County or members of the Wayne County 4-H program an opportunity to compete.

When Leonard and Dorothy retired from the pageant in 1989, Marge Baker and Pamela Moll became the Pageant Directors carrying on the tradition of Wayne County Fair Queen. Wanting to give more young ladies an opportunity to represent the fair, Marge and Pam added a Princess portion to the competition.

In 1998, Jack & Gerry Dekdebrun became Pageant Directors. Jack & Gerry have expanded the program to include more visible experience to the winners by arranging TV, radio, NY State Fair and Empire Farm Days participation.

Many of our past royalty have gone on and pursued college educations, professional careers, have gotten married, had children, or volunteered for non-for-profit organizations. Some of our past royalty have competed and won other pageants.

Over and over again, many contestants/royalty have commented on how their experience in the Wayne County Fair Queen/Princess pageant changed their lives. Whether they were now able to stand up in a classroom and say a speech, conduct a job interview, present an award or volunteer for a good cause, their experience in the program helped build their confidence and in several cases opened doors and opportunities for them.

We are proud to honor past Fair Queen/Princess pageant directors, committee members, royalty, and community sponsors who have made the program the success that it is.

Fair Queens and Princesses from Years Past

Applications are open to Wayne County residents age 13 - 18.  Applications will be posted annually in the spring. Please check back.
Click here  for more information.

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2012 Queen / Princess Applicatiions

Queens & Princesses from 1979...