Miranda Zimmerman crowned West End Fair queen in Union County

Miranda Zimmerman was crowned West End Fair queen at the Union County West End Fair Association’s pageants at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at the fairgrounds, 2808 New Berlin Mountain Rd. in Mifflinburg. The queen program is built around a scholarship mission, fair promotion and agricultural education, and the winner is expected to assist with events at this year’s fair, next year’s fair until the next pageant concludes and the State Fair Queen Pageant.

The West End Fair Queen Program promotes the education of young women through a scholarship program and encourages promotion of the fair, its history, community impact and agriculture. The program lists a maximum payout of $500. Contestants are required to be female residents of Union County, Pennsylvania, and the judging criteria include a written essay, speech presentation, personal interview, evening gown and introduction, and an on-stage question. Pageant rules also require contestants and a parent or guardian to attend a mandatory contestant meeting and dress rehearsal at the fairgrounds.

The West End Fair began as the Monroe County Agricultural Society and held its first event on Thursday, Sept. 2, 1920, at Weir Lake. The fair holds its annual place in late-summer life in places such as Mifflinburg, Hartleton, New Berlin and Laurelton, where families still treat the fair as a shared annual ritual built around agricultural displays, youth participation, food vendors, rides, competitions and exhibits.

The 2026 fair is scheduled for Aug. 23-29, and general admission is listed at $8 for ages 11 and older, with free admission for ages 10 and under. The association’s 2026 pageant lineup also includes Tiny Tassel, Little Miss and Fair Princess.