The official opening of the 47th annual event, and the surprise announcement of Ed Peiffer as this year’s “Friend of the Fair” drew a crowd to the main stage.

The excitement of crowning a new fair queen immediately thereafter kept the audience seated until the sun went down.

Meanwhile, fairgoers had a chance to tour the fairgrounds, stopping by the animal barns where 4-Hers were grooming their “pets” for judging in the show arena, and others were enjoying rides, favorite fair foods, entertainment, the exhibit buildings, and just sharing another chance meeting of friends and family on the fairgrounds.

One of the highlights of the evening was the naming of Ed Peiffer, whose been a fair association board member for 39 years, as this year’s “Friend of the Fair.” Peiffer has served almost every office during that time.

LANA MUTHLER/THE EXPRESS From left are Jozelyn Charles, first runner-up in the Clinton County Fair Queen Contest; Haili Frank, who was named 2019 Clinton County Fair Queen, and 2018 Clinton County Fair Queen McCartney Register.

The announcement, which was kept a secret from Peiffer, came after he talked about all the improvements that had been made over the last year, including a new pulling track, new fence at the little horse ring, new scales, painting of the barns, new 50 amp electrical service for campers and new footing in the lower horse ring yet to be completed yet this summer.

“I want to thank all the volunteers. This fair wouldn’t run without the volunteers,” Peiffer said, barely returning to his seat before he was announced as the winner of the “Friend of the Fair Award.”

As Peiffer received accolades for his work at the fair from dignitaries, he stood at ease to a standing ovation from the audience. On hand to recognize him were Clinton County Commissioners, Deb Rudy from Sen. Joe Scarnati’s office and Michelle McCain from State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz’s office, and U.S. Congressman Fred Keller.

“This is quite a shock. I don’t know that I ever had a standing ovation. Thank you … everyone. Come out and volunteer to make this fair better,” Peiffer said.

And then it was on to the royal portion of the evening’s events –the Clinton County Fair Queen Contest.

LANA MUTHLER/THE EXPRESS Ed Peiffer, left, was surprised Sunday night as Clinton County Fair Board President Philip Courter announced he had been named this year’s “Friend of the Fair.”

This year, two candidates — Jozlyn Charles and Haili Frank — competed for the title of 2019 Clinton County Fair Queen.

Both young ladies were dressed in beautiful gowns and smiled broadly as they walked onto the stage.

Charles, 18, is a senior at Jersey Shore High School. She’s the daughter of Gwen Charles and granddaughter of Tom and Becky Charles of Avis. She was escorted to the stage by her grandfather.

Frank, 17, is a senior at Sugar Valley Rural Charter School. She is the daughter of Clinta and Eric Frank of Mill Hall, and was escorted to the stage by her father.

Each of the candidates spoke about what the county fair means to them and then responded to a question from master of ceremonies, Dean K. Wetzler Jr.

The question was, “If chosen as queen, what would it mean to you.”

Charles said it would be an opportunity to mentor the youth and teach girls and boys about agriculture and the fair.

Frank responded, “It would mean the world to me,” explaining that ever since she was a little girl she’s watched the queen contest and wanted to be queen someday.

2018 Clinton County Fair Queen McCartney Register delivered her farewell speech, listing all the wonderful things she had done during her reign, as the judges deliberated.

And then the moment came.

Wetzler took a piece of paper from his pocket and announced Charles as first runner-up and Frank as the 2019 Clinton County Fair Queen. She received her crown from Register.

Frank also received the Dr. Douglas N. Casses Memorial Award, given each year in memory of Dr. Casses who was instrumental in getting the queen contest started at the fair. Shirley Casses made the presentation.

During the opening ceremonies, the board recognized members of the Clinton County Community Foundation for the Foundation’s contributions to the fairgrounds each year. This year, the Foundation’s donation paid for the new fence around the little horse ring.

Also recognized were members of the Junior Fair Board — Carla and Kaylie Matter, Evan Styers, Logan Styers and Matthew Kramer, advisor.

Members of the Clinton County Fair Association Board of Directors were introduced — Philip Courter, president; Ed Peiffer, vice president; Barb Forshey and Donna Wecht, fair managers; Dosie Cox, assistant fair manager; De Leathers, secretary; Shawna Seyler, assistant secretary; Donna Timblin, treasurer; Connie Peiffer, assistant treasurer, and board members Blair Courter, Wayne Bechdel, Don Dunkle, Chad Jeirles, Robin Seyler, Jim Wecht, Diana Nyman, Jason McCauley, Matthew Kramer.