Passing the Scepter: Elizabeth Walker’s Reign Shines as Clinton County Fair Queen Contest Prepares for 33rd Crowning
With a new royal to be crowned at the 52nd annual Clinton County Fair, the legacy of service and leadership continues to inspire the next generation. Meet the contestants vying for the crown and reflect on the impact of reigning Queen Elizabeth “Izzy” Walker.
By Emily Wright
MILL HALL—Excitement is building as the Clinton County Fair gets ready to crown its 33rd Fair Queen during this year’s highly anticipated contest on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The community will gather for the opening ceremony at 3:00 p.m. on the Main Stage at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, followed by the Fair Queen Contest and coronation at 3:30 p.m.
Under the guidance of Clinton County Fair Queen Program Coordinator Dominique Miller, the Fair Queen Program has not only highlighted the leadership qualities of young women from the area but has also helped inspire a culture of service and community involvement throughout the county.
The reigning Fair Queen, Elizabeth “Izzy” Walker of Beech Creek, has exemplified these qualities since being crowned at the 51st Annual Clinton County Fair in 2024. Walker, a Biomed Pre-Med major at Commonwealth University–Lock Haven, aspires to become a veterinarian and eventually open her own practice. Her dedication to community service in the county has made a lasting impression over the last year.
Walker eagerly assumed her royal responsibilities by promoting the Fair’s mission in local parades, supporting agricultural events, and contributing to numerous community activities. Program coordinator Dominique Miller highlighted just a few of Walker’s many contributions during her reign: “She participated in Fair Queen Advocacy Day at the Capitol. It was such an honor to meet with fair queens from all across the Commonwealth to discuss the state of agriculture with our legislators. Elizabeth assisted in the PA Fair Queen booth at the PA Farm Show, meeting children and making crafts with them. She also enjoyed volunteering at ‘Glow Night’ at the Dotterer Grown Sunflower Maze, which had an amazing turnout!”
In a Facebook post about her visit to the Capitol, Walker shared, “I was honored to represent Clinton County at the first-ever Fair Queen Advocacy Day at our state capital. I enjoyed meeting with Senator Cris Dush and Representative Stephanie Borowicz, as well as sitting in on a House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee meeting with my fellow queens. As this was my first time visiting the Capitol building, I couldn’t help but be awed by the beauty and intricacy that is in every element of the Capitol. I would encourage everyone to visit our state capitol because, after all, this is the people’s house.”
Throughout her reign, Walker participated in a diverse array of activities within the county—from painting t-shirts at Clinton County’s Farm City Festival and decorating pumpkins in Porter Township with local children, to visiting students at Woodward, Renovo, Robb, Mill Hall, and Liberty-Curtin Elementary Schools. She passed out candy to kids on Halloween in downtown Lock Haven and helped with Woolrich’s “Halloween in the Park” event, and in November 2024, she set up a booth at the Dunkled Acres “Winter in the Woods” event, where kids got to enjoy decorating their own crowns. During the Christmas season, Walker served hot chocolate at the County Fairgrounds’ first-ever “Clinton County Christmas” drive-through holiday light display—an event she played a key role in organizing alongside the Junior Fair Board.
During her reign, Walker’s schedule was also packed with philanthropic efforts. She served breakfast to volunteers with the Lamar Township Volunteer Fire Company, promoted the Truckers4Hope event, and honored veterans at the new Veterans Memorial in Lock Haven. In addition, Walker kicked off “Agricultural Literacy Week” at Lock Haven Catholic School by teaching students about the benefits of composting.
Walker also pursued opportunities for personal growth, such as attending the PA Fair Queen Competition at the Hershey Lodge. There, she built leadership skills, connected with other Fair Queens from across Pennsylvania, and even delivered a speech. In March, Walker attended the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Program, where she learned about professional development and how to promote public understanding and awareness of agriculture and its significance to the state of Pennsylvania.
Before her reign comes to a close, Miller announced an upcoming event that Walker will participate in on Saturday, July 12: “Elizabeth will also be participating in the ‘Royal Day of Play’ at the Lewisburg Children’s Museum— a new event that mixes royalty with hands-on educational activities!” The Lewisburg Children’s Museum, located at 815 Market Street in Lewisburg, PA, will host the royal event from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on July 12.
In her closing comments, Queen Contest Chairperson Miller said, “Truly, it’s been a unique and fantastic reign for Elizabeth! We are very proud of her!”
2025 Contestants Competing for the 33rd Crown:
This year, on Saturday, July 26, there are three accomplished young women who will compete for the prestigious title of Clinton County Fair Queen. The ladies will take to the Main Stage at the Clinton County Fairgrounds for the opening ceremony at 3:00 p.m., and the announcement and crowning of this year’s Fair Queen will follow at 3:30 p.m.
Benelli Reynolds, 16, of Lock Haven, is the daughter of Thomas Reynolds and Jennifer Ridler. She is actively involved in swimming and baton twirling, and currently serves as president of the Class of 2027 at Central Mountain High School (CMHS), where she has earned both honor roll and high honor roll distinctions.
Additionally, Reynolds serves as president of the CMHS Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team and acts as a student ambassador for the Keystone Central Foundation.
Regarding her future goals, Reynolds shared, “I plan to attend Penn College of Technology to major in Welding, or attend a different school to get an undergraduate degree in Law studies, and then continue on to earn a graduate degree.”
Sarah Lavallee, 17, of Mill Hall, is the daughter of Nicole and Robert Lavallee. She is a High Honor Roll student at CMHS, a member of the National Honor Society, and participates in dual enrollment. Lavallee enjoys running and participates in track and field, and she also coaches and referees local youth soccer teams. As a lifeguard, she enjoys giving swimming lessons. Additionally, she has earned the distinction of Honor Cadet at the Clinton County Police Camp Cadet.
Lavallee shared her future plans with The Record: “After graduating, I plan to attend Misericordia and major in Occupational Therapy.”
Madalynn Bryant, 16, of Lock Haven, is the daughter of Michelle and Tom Piper. She is a high honor roll student at CMHS and has competed in SkillsUSA for the past two years. Notably, Bryant also participates in women’s wrestling. Discussing her interests and hobbies, Bryant shared, “I love drawing, reading, writing, helping my community, and being active.”
As for Bryant’s future aspirations, she shared, “I would love to become a neurosurgeon!”
To participate in the Clinton County Fair Queen contest, each contestant was required to submit an essay titled “What My Fair Means to My Community” with their application. Additionally, contestants must deliver a three to five-minute speech on the Main Stage at the Fair, focusing on the theme “Why You Should Come to My Fair,” putting an emphasis on agriculture. The timing of each contestant’s speech will play a crucial role in the judging process.
The 2025 Clinton County Fair Queen will be awarded a $200 Premium and a $300 Founders Award. The First Alternate will receive a $100 Premium award.
The Clinton County Fair Queen Contest and its mission to celebrate and empower young women in agriculture would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors. This year’s sponsors include Dean K. Wetzler Jr., Gary Thull Pools, Heidi Nyman-Weeder, Charmaine Beth Nyman, and Ed and Connie Peiffer.
As the Fair prepares to crown its 33rd queen, the legacy of leadership, service, and community spirit established by Walker and her predecessors promises to inspire contestants and fairgoers alike. The Main Stage event on July 26 is sure to be both a heartfelt farewell and an exciting new beginning for Clinton County’s next royalty.
For more information about the 52nd Annual Clinton County Fair and the Queen Contest, visit https://clintoncountyfairpa.com/ or follow the Fair and Queen Contest’s official social media channels linked below.
Clinton County Fair Queen Facebook page: www.facebook.com/clintoncountyfairqueen
Clinton County Fair Facebook page: www.facebook.com/clintoncountyfairpa
