Her long-range plans include a career as a veterinary technician or flight attendant, but on Monday night, Palmerton’s Maria Burits was solely focused on the week and year ahead.

Burits was crowned the 2018 Carbon County Fair Queen, finishing ahead of two other teens, and beamed with excitement at the opportunity to represent the area.

“It’s unreal,” she said moments after the crowning. “It means a lot. I was born and raised in Palmerton. I’m so proud of the community that I live in. It’s so close-knit. I have many close friends and family members. I am really proud to represent them.”

Heading into her senior year at Palmerton, Burits is a consistent high honors student who enjoys participating in the district’s International Travelers Club, being involved in church events, and volunteering at the animal shelter.

Burits’ other hobbies include fishing, travel, art, animals and being outdoors.

“I’m proud of everyone that involves themselves in our fairs through agriculture and the many different vendors,” she said. “It’s all so important. I’m looking forward to going to events like the parades and just being here throughout the week. Seeing our community come together for this event is so important.”

Placing the crown on Burits’ head was last year’s fair queen, Rachel Knoblauch.

Knoblauch issued some advice for all of the queen contestants.

“Take every opportunity and venture out and explore new things, people and places,” Knoblauch said. “Always make sure to come back to Little Gap in August and visit your fair family. I know you’ll all do great things in your lives.”

Erin McGinley, an 18-year-old entering her freshman year at Lehigh Carbon Community College, was named first runner-up.

Currently enrolled in LCCC’s pre-health program, McGinley plans on eventually transferring to Cedar Crest College to obtain her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Vivian Horn, 16, who is entering her sophomore year at Lehighton Area High School, was named second runner-up.

Horn hopes to become an FBI special agent to “assist in keeping the public safe.”

Before the fair queen crowning, Reilly Bauer was crowned the 2018 Junior Miss.

Bauer, 15, is entering her freshman year at Panther Valley High School.

She has dreams of becoming an actor and singer, but is also interested in the medical and science fields.

In school, Bauer is involved in cheerleading, chorus and art club. Outside of school, she is involved with the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Pageant, and Miss York County Star Pageant.

Monday was opening day at the fair, which runs through Saturday on Little Gap Road.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lions’ District 14-U Governor Don McConnell thanked all the area lions clubs for coming together to put on the fair.

“As Lions, we pride ourselves on our motto, we serve,” McConnell said. “This is a great example of lions working together. No one club can do this. They have to all get together and make it happen.”