The 2010 Carbon County Fair Queen Contest is under way. Contestants must reside in Carbon County or West Penn Township (of Schuylkill County) and be a female at least 16 years of age, but not over 20 years of age by June 1.

Contestants will be judged on an essay, personal interview and speech presentation. Judges are looking for the candidate who can best represent the fair, while effectively promoting agriculture.Prospective contestants can e-mail

ccllfa@ptd.net or call (570) 325-3912 for more information or an application.Additional information is also available from each high school guidance counselor's office, and can also be found at

www.carboncountyfair.com. Application deadline is May 29. There is a small non-refundable application fee to enter.The winner will be crowned during the opening ceremony of the fair at 4 p.m. on Aug. 11. In addition, a trophy and sash will be presented. The first and second runners-up will also receive a trophy. At the completion of the queen's reign, a check will be presented to each of the three finalists.The fair will be held on Aug. 11-15, on Little Gap Road in Palmerton.