Breaking News
Local news

Mellott crowned 2026 Centre County Grange Fair Queen; Grange Fair opens today, continues through Aug. 29

By BRAD REIDER 3 min read

CENTRE HALL -- Sarah Mellott, of Warriors Mark, has been selected as the Centre County Grange Fair Queen for 2026.

Sarah accepted her new crown during a ceremony Wednesday evening at the Grange Fair's Southside Stage, an event well attended by family and friends.

An incoming senior at State College Area High School, Sarah spoke fondly about the

Grange Fair in her remarks, noting that it's been part of her family's tradition for generations.

"For those from Centre County, the Grange Fair is more than just a fair," Sarah noted,

stating that the Grange Fair connects people from "all over the country," not just Pennsylvania.

While she still has her senior year of high school ahead of her, Sarah plans on pursuing a degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences with the aspiration of one day becoming a veterinarian.

Raelene Mellott, Sarah's mom, described her daughter as "amazing," and said Sarah can "do anything she sets her mind to."

2025 Grange Fair Queen Grace Novosel also spoke at the ceremony, reflecting on her experiences as the fair queen.

Grace recounted the numerous appearances she has made throughout the commonwealth since last year's fair.

Grace will be entering her freshman year at the University of Tennessee this semester majoring in Agricultural Education.

This year's Alternate Fair Queen is Tara Snyder, of Bellefonte.

Tara, who will be entering her junior year at Bellefonte Area High School, spoke about how important the Grange Fair is with respect to friends and neighbors being able to come together once a year.

Tara also noted the hard work that goes into raising and caring for the livestock that will be on display, stating that "behind every ribbon is months of hard work."

Both Sarah and Tara will have a busy schedule during the fair week, according to Ashley Furman, chair of the Grange Fair Queen Committee.

Furman stated that Sarah and Tara will have appearances every day throughout the fair, adding that she strives for the fair queen program to grow in years to come.

In attendance for the coronation ceremony were several fair queens from across the commonwealth, including recently crowned Clinton County Fair Queen Catherine Lavallee.

Also attending were State Representative Paul Takac, Centre County Commissioner Mark Higgins and Barry Yarnell, president of the Grange Fair Committee.

The 152nd annual Grange Fair runs from Aug. 21 through Aug. 29.

For more information on the Grange Fair as well as a schedule of events, visit www.grangefair.com.

Starting at /week.