The Carbon County Fair Board reminds young ladies that the deadline for this year's fair queen program is rapidly approaching. The fair will take place from Aug. 4 through Aug. 9 in Palmerton.

Applications can be obtained by accessing the fair's website at

www.carboncountyfair.com or by calling 570-325-8685.All applications must be postmarked by June 27. There is no application fee.To participate in the contest, contestants must reside in Carbon County or West Penn Township (Schuylkill County) and be a female at least age 16, but no older than 20 years of age as of June 1. The queen program is not one of beauty. Anyone meeting the criteria may apply. Contestants will be judged based on an essay, personal interview and speech presentation.The 2014 queen will be crowned during the opening ceremony of the Carbon County Fair at 6 p.m. Aug. 4, and a trophy and sash will also be presented. At the completion of the queen's reign, a check presentation from the fair will be made to each of the finalists.