The search is on for the 2017 Great Allentown Fair Queen, who will represent the fair’s mission during the event’s Labor Day week run and in the community throughout the year.

The Lehigh County Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization, which has been operating the fair for 165 years, is looking for contestants from Lehigh, Northampton and Berks counties.

An ideal candidate will have the ability to communicate enthusiasm for the Allentown Fair, local farming and the agricultural industry.

Young women ages 16 to 20 are encouraged to enter the competition, which will award a $1,000 scholarship presented by Lehigh-Northampton Pomona Grange No. 68 to the winner.

The queen will reign over various activities at the upcoming Great Allentown Fair Aug. 29-Sept. 4.

Deadline for registration is June 30.

The queen’s activities include promoting the fair’s purpose all year at events and speaking at engagements throughout the community.

She will also vie for the title of Pennsylvania State Fair Queen in Hershey in January 2018, a position which involves visiting fairs throughout the commonwealth during the summer months of 2018.

The new Allentown Fair Queen will be selected Aug. 13 and be introduced at the fair’s annual opening ceremonies on Aug. 29.

Last year’s queen Juliet Long of New Tripoli will return to crown her successor.

For a complete look at the competition structure, contest rules, fair queen activities, and important dates for entry and competing, visit the fair’s website at allentownfairpa.org and click “Contests” or contact Cheryl Urmy, fair queen coordinator, at 610-248-6678 or by email at Fairqueencoord@allentownfair.com.