On July 7, Laine Hess, 16, of Franklin County, became the Franklin County Fair’s 2025-2026 Fair Queen. It sounds like she walked into a moment of history during the fair’s 60th year, but actually her duties continue all year.
Royal Court experience
Hess has been in the Franklin County Royalty Contest since 2017 when she won Little Miss Alternate. She explained that Franklin County Fair has both a Little Miss Princess and Queen, which allows younger people to experience royalty; this is the route she took.
“It’s always been my goal to run for Fair Queen, but, also, the older that I’ve gotten – I’ve been on the royalty court for multiple years and have matured, I’ve realized how much I really like educating on agriculture and promoting Franklin County Fair,” Hess said.
Fair Queen responsibilities
Hess described queenship – and other royalty – of the Franklin County Fair in terms of roles, which include fair week in the summer; however, there are other year-long responsibilities along with the fair.
“We are mainly focused on the promotion of agriculture in Franklin County but, also, the Franklin County Fair, as well. The Franklin County Fair is based around educating the community on agriculture,” Hess said. “During my year as Fair Queen, I’ll go to different parades and events. One of the biggest events that we’ll do is the Franklin County Fall Farm Fun Fest.”
The Franklin County Fall Farm Fun Fest is impactful for the community, as they pick a different farm each year in Franklin County to feature with tours given of that farm. The fest also includes different games, events and vendors set up for the community.
After the autumn season, 61 Fair Queens are encouraged to join together in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to run for State Fair Queen. This will occur in January, and Hess will be in attendance.
“That’s basically the last thing I’ll run for as a part of my royalty journey,” Hess said. “I probably will help with the coordinators eventually.”
Interests
Apart from becoming the 2025-2026 Franklin County Fair Queen, Hess has many interests. Hess described her family relationship as “very close-knit,” so she enjoys spending time with her family. This summer, she and her family are going on a beach trip together.
Additionally, Hess said that she admires her friends; however, she does spend a lot of time working. During the summer, she works in a summer camp program, and it is “probably one of her favorite jobs that she’s ever had.”
Hess’ interests align with her future goals. Further interests of hers include arts and crafts, and she said that she will do anything when it comes to art.
In that regard, Hess is a dancer at her church, which has a dance ministry. Her church’s main forms of dance include contemporary and lyrical, which she enjoys. However, she used to dance at a studio, and her favorite form of dance there was tap.
“We’re able to be worship leaders and minister the Lord in our passion, but through the gift that He gave us, which I think is really amazing and something that not everyone gets to experience,” Hess said.
Future goals
Hess will be senior in high school this fall, then she plans to attend Shippensburg University to declare a major in elementary education.
“I’ve really always wanted to be a teacher – like when you’re little and people ask, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I always said a teacher,” Hess said.
Hess, with a desire to dance, herself, said that over the course of her life, she began teaching dance. She, additionally, babysits, and she explained that she enjoys working with children. Throughout her high school career, she has had internships working with children and experience in the field she wants to go into.
“That’s what made me definitely set on being a teacher,” Hess said.
Franklin County Fair information
The Franklin County Fair happens every summer in Chambersburg. Its mission is to “promote their agriculture and educate the public on its importance.” According to the Franklin County Fair website, agriculture is part of everyone’s lives every day, and the fair aims to teach people, while also providing quality time.
The Franklin County Fair has many sponsors, volunteers and donors. To connect with the Franklin County Fair — or for more information, readers may contact [email protected] or 717-404-4751.
Advice from Laine Hess
“Find the good in anything,” Hess said. “You might be going through something, but find one flower within that.”
