To the Editor

I have recently learned of a very unsettling situation involving the recent crowning of Miss Kempton Fair.

I know the fair "queen" is supposed to encourage the promotion of agricultural fairs and create better relationships between the young and old in rural and urban settings.

I was shocked to learn that after crowning a "queen" one of the contestants was unhappy with the results and allegedly started a campaign to discredit the winner.

As a result of those efforts, Kempton is now choosing to have two "queens."

This decision seems to hurt both girls as neither can compete in state competition or any fair queen program in any state.

I was present at the fair for this competition and feel this unprecedented decision is totally unjust.

First judges should not be discussing scoring with contestants.

Seems like a conflict of interest to have family members of contestants judging.

Also maybe people's choice ticket containers should be required to be sealed until final count, and should be used as part of final decision since it was included in winning criteria according to preset rules.

It would eliminate the insinuation that someone had tampered.

I find making these comments totally out of line with what the "queen" is to represent.

Also I think the fair "queen" should be involved by submitting entries into craft or plant exhibits displayed at the fair or some of the other activities.

I'm referring to volunteering at the fair as well as community activities in Kempton.

Sounds only logical to me.

I have the honor of knowing the young woman originally chosen "queen."

She is committed to community activities and spends lots of her time volunteering both in community and her church.

She also received numerous awards for entries in the fair not just this year but previous years as well.

She was past president of FFA, student council, book club, Leo Club and horticulture club.

It really seems she was well rounded and very qualified to represent Kempton.

It seems so sad to have this young woman denied the opportunity to compete for the state fair "queen" title and other fair "queen" pageants.

As an adult I'm asking myself what this situation teaches our young people.

Winning fairly can be over turned by someone complaining to the right people and having the decision over turned.

I really am discouraged about the representatives of Kempton actually allowing this to happen.

How will this affect future contestants?

I've always thought of Kempton as a fair, quiet and very decent community.

I'm really questioning the handling of this situation. Should you be, too?

Beth A. Fahringer

South Whitehall