Being named the Burlington County Farm Fair Queen is an extraordinary honor awarded to one local resident each year. This year, Medford’s 17-year-old Kerry McBride, who entered to win for the first time, captured the title and captivated the judges through her qualifications.
Having been a member of the Burlington County 4-H cloggers dance club since she was 5 years old, McBride has performed every year at the Farm Fair. Through her involvement with this organization is where she first learned of the Farm Fair Queen competition that she began watching each year. This year, when the 2016 application was released, her 4-H leader, Loretta Marshall, who is also on the board of the Farm Fair, strongly encouraged her to apply.
“She has pretty much been my mentor since I was 5, and I’ve grown pretty close to her over the years,” McBride said. “She told me to definitely apply, and when the application was sent out, she sent me an email telling me I’d be a great fit.”
To enter to win, a girl must be a resident of Burlington County and have completed her sophomore, junior or senior year or the home-schooled equivalent. She must also complete an application that consists of an essay and bio and be involved and/or interested in home economics, 4-H, grange, life on a farm, farmer’s market, Future Farmer’s of America, Girl Scouts, Preservation of Agriculture in Burlington County, ecology or land preservation and horticulture or gardening.
McBride is actively involved in the 4H Clogger’s Club, is the president of the Burlington County 4-H Player’s club, the director of community service for the NICHE Mock Trial team, the 4-H food and fitness ambassador, the Conserve School Alumni and admissions ambassador and is part of the Sovereign Grace Church youth group. She also enjoys exercising, volunteering, camping and conducting independent research projects.
“For me, being queen has allowed me to experience the fair from a different perspective,” McBride, a home educated senior, said. “This year, it was my job to make sure everyone felt welcome to the fair and had a good time, allowing me to see the behind-the-scene work that takes place to run such a large event.”
Now an ambassador for the fair, meaning she represents the Burlington County Farm Fair at all local events, McBride plans to make appearances at local events, parades and banquets throughout the year. She was also awarded a crown, sash, necklace, bracelet and monetary gift for winning the competition.
“I have lived in Medford my whole life and love it. Growing up in Medford with trees surrounding my house, and lakes just down the road, is where I first developed a love for the environment,” McBride said. “My experiences have allowed me to become exposed to agriculture and environmental science, which led me to entering in, and winning, the Farm Fair Queen contest.”
Although winning the 2016 crown means she is no longer eligible to enter to win future Burlington County Farm Fair Queen competitions, McBride is now presented with the opportunity to compete in the Agricultural Fair Ambassador Contest in November. At this competition, all of the fair ambassadors — or queens — in New Jersey give a speech and are interviewed in hopes of winning the title “Agriculture Ambassador” and subsequently given the opportunity to attend other fairs in state.
