Harrsch Vernon's first fair queen in 59 years

VERNON — Whether chatting with senior citizens at the Senior tent last Thursday, riding in an afternoon fair parade or assisting at the Little Royals pageant. 2018 Queen of the Fair Blake Harrsch is comfortable, confident, friendly, sweet and always smiling.
The perky 17-year-old upcoming senior at Vernon Township High School is ecstatic yet surprised about beating out 21 other contestants at the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.
“I was not expecting the win, the other contestants were beautiful, talented and had so much to offer. I’m so grateful and take my position seriously. I’m proud to represent Sussex County and my home town of Vernon,” Harrsch beamed.
And proud she should be, Queen Blake is the first Miss Vernon to win the Queen of the Fair in 59 years. Harrsch has been busy during fair days. She has attended 4H events awarding ribbons to 4H-ers , attended fair meet and greets, assisted at the Little Royals pageant and attended the fair’s Skillet Throw, a competition the Queen said involves tossing frying pans.
According to the new queen, her reign lasts the entire year until the next fair when a new queen is elected, so she will be a part of different events throughout the year, for example, the Christmas Parade in Newton.
Harrsch’s goal for her reign is to meet as many people as she can and ultimately share a smile with them. Looking to the future, the Queen is planning a college career with a double major in English and Spanish and hopes to go to law school.