The search for the 2011 Carbon County Fair Queen contest is under way. To participate 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 based on an essay, personal interview and speech presentation.According to Madeline Ligenza, pageant coordinator, judges look for the candidate who can best represent the fair, while effectively promoting agriculture. Ligenza says the fair is about the youth and this is one way of keeping teens involved.Prospective contestants can email

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

www.carboncountyfair.com.Application deadline is May 23. There is a small non-refundable application fee to enter. Obtaining a sponsor to defray this cost is encouraged.The winner will be crowned during the opening ceremony of the Carbon County Fair at 4 p.m. Aug. 10. In addition, a trophy and sash will also be presented. The first and second runner ups will also receive a trophy. At the completion of the queen's reign, a check will be presented to each of the three finalists.Krisandra Livingston, 2010 Carbon County Fair Queen, says that she had an exciting year representing the fair through her participation in various parades, appearances and radio interviews.