The new 2018 Allentown Fair Queen to reign over the upcoming 166th agricultural and entertainment exposition will be crowned during the contest finals, 3 p.m. Aug. 12, Christopher’s Restaurant at the Columbian Home, 1519 Greenleaf St., Allentown.

The event is free and open to the public for this pre-Fair event. The Allentown Fair runs Aug. 28 through Labor Day Sept. 3.

The five contestants competing to succeed the 2017 title holder Zaren Kerper of Fleetwood and win a $1,000 scholarship are entering the final stage of the competition that includes an interview with judges and an on-stage speech presentation on the topic “Why you should come to The Great Allentown Fair.”

The finalists are:

Katrina Autumn Maniscalco, 18, a daughter of Linda and Rocco Maniscalco of Allentown. She is a senior at William Allen High School. Katrina received the “A Young Person Caught Doing Something Right” Ovation Award from Civic Theatre Of Allentown, which includes a one-year singing and acting scholarship. She is in the Drama Club and Stage Crew at William Allen and a member of Munopco Music Theatre where she recently appeared in “Hairspray.”

Sarah Tatham, 18, is the daughter of Sally Tatham of Temple, Muhlenberg Township, Berks County. She is a graduated cum laude from Oley Valley High School. She plans to attend Albright College and major in education. After college graduation, Sarah hopes to teach English abroad. She received first-in-team and third individually in the Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) state “Food Science & Technology Career Development Event (CDE).” She was the winner of Fleetwood Rotary Club’s Outstanding FFA member. Sarah received the Keystone Degree, Gold Medal in state Senior Prepared Public Speaking CDE, AP Scholar with Honors, Chapter FFA Degree and Greenhand FFA Degree. She volunteers with FFA, WorldQuest, Enviothon, Paw Squad, and Reading Community Theatre.

Kayla Elizabeth Stokes, 20, is a daughter of Erin and Christopher Schoepflin of Whitehall. She is a graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School. She plans to attend Johnson & Wales University and major in business management. After college graduation, she plans to open a dance, baton twirling and gymnastics studio. She received the Johnson & Wales University Award and was nominated by her professors for the Leadership in Multicultural Context Seminar. She is certified in GreenDot and QPR Suicide Prevention. Kayla is an advocate for “Catalyst for Change: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World.” Since January 2018 she has volunteered more than 320 hours. She has competed in several international and world baton twirling championships.

Amber Lyn Hunsicker, 18, is a daughter of Ivette Geist and Thomas Hunsicker of Fountain Hill. She is a graduate of Liberty High School and a member of the National Honor Society. Amber plans to attend Kutztown University and major in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies. She was the National Technical Honor Society Vice President in 2017 and President in 2018. She is the Health Occupations Student of America President and SkillsUSA District 11 President. Amber has achieved several honors for crime-scene investigation, including first place at SkillsUSA Districts. She is the recipient of the 2017 Bill Albert Memorial Award for Best Speech.

McKenzie Corinn Hagenbuch, 17, is a daughter of Angela and Brian Hagenbuch of Emmaus. She is a senior at Southern Lehigh High School. She plans to attend college and major in Biology with a concentration in Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management. McKenzie received the Good Citizenship Award from the Union League of Philadelphia. She participates in the Speech & Debate Team, Student Council and is a Student School Board Representative. She was elected to the 4-H National Youth Summit on Agriculture in 2018. She was the “Girl Scout Take the Lead Presenter” in 2017 and “Girl Scout Take the Lead Emcee” in 2018.