Falon Schaefer of Kunkletown was crowned West End Fair Queen on Sunday afternoon, in an emotional ceremony that included smiles, tears, and love of both family and a tight-knit community.

“I’m over the moon,” the 18-year-old said. “I never expected it,” adding that all the girls are very close.

Schaefer is a licensed cosmetologist, works at Ken & Company in Stroudsburg, and was honored in June as the outstanding graduating senior in MCTI’s cosmetology program.

An elephant ear is her favorite fair food, she shared during on-stage introductions.

Fourteen-year-old Ella Rufo of Saylorsburg was named Junior Miss. “I’m very excited,” said the soon-to-be Pleasant Valley High School freshman.

Queen alternate will be Julia Bulawa of Kunkletown and Junior Miss alternate is Isabella Haley of Stroudsburg.

“We’re excited to continue on the court,” Haley said.

The coronation was part of opening festivities at the 104th annual West End Fair, which kicked off under mainly sunny skies and with comfortable temperatures.

In keeping with America’s semiquincentennial, this year’s fair theme is “Celebrating Freedom, Family and PA Fairs.” George Washington (aka Eric Richardson) could even be found meandering around the fairgrounds.

After the colors were posted by American Legion Post 927, local musician Chris Eckert sang the national anthem. Outgoing Fair Queen Abigail (Abbey) Smith led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and Post Chaplain Eileen McGuire gave the invocation.

Remarks included the announcement of a new junior fair board. “You will see these members on stage for years to come,” said Brian Costenbader, fair association secretary.

The contestants for fair queen and junior miss had to complete an application and essay and be interviewed. Outside judges made the selections.

Besides the public, parents and family members were on hand to congratulate the fair queen court. National Runner-Up Teen Miss Agriculture USA Kinsley Kise of Blairstown, New Jersey, was also on stage, as was Arielle DeNicola, the recently crowned Kimberton Fair Queen.

“We’re ecstatic that Falon won,” said Schaefer’s mom, Farrah. Her dad, William, noted the dedication, time and community service that is involved. Schaefer was fair queen alternate/princess last year.

“I’m absolutely proud,” exclaimed Jen Rufo, Ella’s mom and a fair director. Her dad, Vinny, noted the confidence his daughter has gained.

Heartfelt parting speeches were given by Smith and her sister, Grace, outgoing Junior Miss. They couldn’t help shed some tears as they spoke about the past year and wonderful experiences. Abbey said the state competition at Hershey in January was especially memorable and she joked about the “so many dresses.” Their gratitude included special thanks to their nana, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2018.

Costenbader thanked them for their dedicated service and the great job they did representing the fair.

When the ceremony was over, the royal court headed out to the fairgrounds to greet people and to help staff their new booth on the midway, not far from the main stage. Being an ambassador at events and in the community is a major part of their role.

Prize raffle tickets to benefit the fair queen scholarships are being sold all week at the booth, which also features photo ops and a game to “pin the crown” on Gilbert the horse.

Besides working at a salon, Schaefer volunteers with VALOR, a local veteran organization near Jonas. She is also a proud third generation tree farmer.

Rufo has served as vice president of National Junior Honor Society and is highly involved in student government. A Girl Scout, she has earned her bronze award and is working toward her silver award.

“This program is so much more than a crown or a title. It’s about the people they meet, the memories they make, and the difference the girls can make in our community,” said committee member Tasha Anthony.

“I am truly grateful to have been a part of it and I hope we all continue to support and encourage the next generation of queens,” added fellow committee member Mary Casnocha.

The first West End Fair Queen was crowned in 2015.