The West End Fair got underway Sunday, opening its 103rd run in the fairgrounds located in Gilbert, Monroe County.

Fair vendors reported a steady stream of customers as people gathered for food, music and fireworks. People filled the exhibit halls Sunday evening to see how their entries placed.

With 90-degree temperatures, the sno cone and ice cream stands were busy.

Gizmo D. Robot had conversations with visitors. He roamed the fairgrounds, but at one stop he tried to persuade people to get a tattoo.

The 10-year tradition of opening the West End Fair with the queen coronation was held at 3 p.m., with Pocono Mountain East junior Abigail Smith being crowned as the 2025 queen.

Smith has been a member of the 4-H club for eight years. She is the state Animal Science Project Ambassador, noting, “ I get more kids to enjoy agriculture like I do.”

Brian Costenbader, secretary of the fair board, explained that the queen is chosen by three judges from outside of Monroe County.

Smith is involved with the National Hereford Association, showing her cows across the country and enjoying an opportunity to compete. A “string” of four to 8 cows are shown. “It really teaches a lot about myself and the leader that I am. Cows help us and I help cows.” Smith said.

Throughout the year, Smith will go throughout Monroe County and to state competition in January in Hershey.

The Fair Queen honor comes with a scholarship, which will be used to attend Penn State or Texas A&M with a major in livestock nutrition.

In her free time, Smith enjoys baking and has a “mini bakery,” selling cookies and pies, seasonally and for holidays. Orders can be placed on her Facebook page “faithhopelove,” a saying her grandmother used as she was dealing with cancer.

She also keeps busy with the school choir.

Contestants for the fair queen submit an essay and bio, then give a speech and are interviewed by the judges. Smith’s essay was titled “Why the West End Fair is important to the community.”

Falon Schaefer was named West End Fair Princess.

Other candidates were Lila Borger and Julia Bulawa.

The West End Fair continues through Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. daily.

Admission is $8 for ages 11 and older. Discounts apply Wednesday for senior citizens and active and retired military and Thursday for students. Admission is free for ages 10 and under.

Here’s a look at highlights:

Tonight

Jimmy Mowery, shows at 3 and 4:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Steve and Steve, 5 p.m., pub.

Pleasant Valley High School Band, 5:30 p.m., bandshell.

KOI Drag Racing, at 7 p.m. in the Main Arena, with a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m.

Rick K at 7 and 8:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Tuesday

Last One Standing, 3 and 4 p.m., Main Stage.

Doug Kaetz, 5 p.m., pub.

East Stroudsburg South High School Band, 5:30 p.m., bandshell.

Demo Derby, Junk Car Race Heats and Feature, Pickup/Van/Suburban Demo, 7 p.m. in the Main Arena.

Steel Creek, 7 and 8:30 p.m., Main Stage.

The fairgrounds is located at 570 Fairground Rd, Gilbert. Visit www.westendfair.com