In 1965, The Great Frederick Fair hosted the first Royalty Contest. The winner was selected by the spin of a wheel, and named Frederick County 4-H Queen. Like the fair itself, this contest has grown and evolved to include young men and Junior contestants.

This year, the contest will grow again to include all Youth Exhibitors regardless of their club or chapter affiliation.

Up to four Sr. Fair Ambassadors and two Jr. Fair Ambassadors will be named. Each Sr. Fair Ambassador will be awarded $1000 scholarships provided by The Great Frederick Fair, the Frederick County Agricultural Society with funds raised through sponsors, donations, and sales at Sunday evening’s Cake Auction.

The Royalty Contest will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. This will coincide with shirt and pass distribution for all Youth Livestock Exhibitors.

The Royalty Contest returns to The Great Frederick Fair’s Grandstand where it was held for most of its sixty-one year history.

Applications are open and will close August 15th. 

AMBASSADOR CONTESTANT QUALIFICATIONS

1. Registered as an Exhibitor in The Great Frederick Fair’s Youth Divisions for the 2026 fair.
2. Must be at least 14 years old and no older than 18 years old as of January 1st.
3. Must have exhibited at The Great Frederick Fair as a youth exhibitor at least two years as of January 1, 2026.
4. Must be available during the week of The Great Frederick Fair.
5. Must be actively enrolled in a Frederick County 4-H Club, Frederick County FFA Chapter or GFF Youth Program.
6. Submit entry form, three page resume and a short essay of 500 words or less on the following topic. – TBA

JUNIOR AMBASSADOR CONTESTANT QUALIFICATIONS

1. Registered as an Exhibitor in The Great Frederick Fair’s Youth Divisions for the 2026 fair.
2. Must be between the ages of 10 and 13 years old as of January 1st. 
3. Must have exhibited at The Great Frederick Fair as a youth exhibitor at least one year as of January 1, 2026.
4. Must be available during the week of the Great Frederick Fair.
5. Must be actively enrolled in a Frederick County 4-H Club, Frederick County FFA Chapter or GFF Youth Program
6. Submit entry form, and an essay of 400 words or less on the subject: TBA