A beloved tradition at the Columbia County Fair since 1937, the School Queens competition takes place once again Friday, August 29, at 6:00pm at the Northgate Stage. This year’s event will be a special one, honoring the contest, its history, and one of its most devoted facilitators, Muriel Faxon.
Young women who will be entering their senior year in high school are chosen by representatives of the county’s public high schools. They will compete for the title and top prize of $500; all others receive $300 each.
The newly designated Queen will appear in the Firefighters Parade the following day, Saturday, August 30.
Past participants in the School Queen contest are invited to return to this year’s Fair for this special event that will honor all the women who have come before. If you have participated in the competition at any time in the past, please contact the Fair Office by filling out the survey at https://forms.gle/PBnVwu65qRoz8kuW8.
If you were a judge for this event, please give the Fair office a call at 518-444-3247. Questions may be directed to info@columbiafair.com .
Representing their respective school districts, here are the 2025 School Queen candidates:
Emma Nelson
From Ichabod Crane, Emma Nelson is the daughter of Christine and Issac Nelson of Valatie. She favors English and Music classes, and is active in the school’s acting troupe. Her hobbies include dancing tap, jazz, and ballet and playing the flute.
Cadence Weiss
Hudson High is represented by Cadence Weiss, the daughter of Michelle and Marc Weiss of Ancram. Her favorite school subject is Forensic Science. Cadie is on the Varsity Volleyball and Track and Field Teams and also Varsity Cheer. She plays the flute, tenor sax, and piccolo in the high school Band and Marching Band.
Aryanna Montana
Taconic Hills’ Queen is Aryanna Montana, the daughter of Lizbeth Montana and Jacob Berry of Hillsdale. Her favorite subject is Math and she enjoys cheerleading and dance. Aryanna is focused on cosmetology and loves spending time outdoors, especially riding four-wheelers.
Ellery Pierce
From Chatham, Ellery Pierce is the daughter of Leslie and Joshua Pierce of Chatham. Ellery’s favorite subject is History and she is active in Student Government, serving as Class Secretary. Ellery enjoys music, playing violin in the school Orchestra and singing in its Choir.
The 184th Columbia County Fair is located off Route 66 in Chatham, New York. Opening day is Wednesday, August 27, at noon. The Fair – “always runs over Labor Day”, and concludes on Monday, September 1. General Admission is $15 and includes parking and all entertainment. Daily hours are Wednesday: noon to 11PM, Thursday – Monday: 10AM – 11PM. Seniors Day and Youth Day is Wednesday with special pricing at $5.00 for ALL patrons. Youth under 18 and active military with ID or in uniform are admitted free that day. Children 12 and under are always free.
Advance tickets are $13 per single day admission and are available online and at the Fair Administration Office until August 26. Advance tickets will also be available for purchase July 1- August 26 at all Bank of Greene County branch offices. There are no advance tickets for Wednesday, August 27.
NEW THIS YEAR! Special Pre-Sale All-Day Ride Passes are available at $25 per day, a savings of $5 when purchased online. Regular daily Ride Passes are available on the grounds during the Fair at the ride ticket booths near the Ferris Wheel. Cost is $30 per day.
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