Judy Kennedy insists she is not the queen bee at the Big Butler Fair. But if not for her four years of volunteerism, there would be no queen at all.

Kennedy resurrected the fair queen program for the Big Butler Fair’s sesquicentennial year in 2005 after an eight-year hiatus because of a lack of interest.

“For the 150th anniversary of the fair, some girls and I decided to ask the fair board if they could do a fair queen competition,” said Kennedy.

On approval from the board and on a shoestring budget, Kennedy set out to garner sponsors for the competition. Kennedy and the fair board were stunned when 2005 Big Butler Fair Queen Rebekah Dunn went on to be named the 2006 State Fair Queen in Harrisburg.

“One of the state officials looked at me and said, ‘I can’t believe you had a state fair queen on your first year,’” recalled Kennedy. “I said, ‘It’s not me, it’s the girls.’”

The 2008 Big Butler Fair Queen, Debbie Drake, was recently named one of the top five fair queens in the state.

Such success in the queen program requires Kennedy to start the coordination process in January, when she begins making calls to line up three judges for the July event. In early March, Kennedy orders crowns and banners. She then plans the tea in May on the Sunday after Mother’s Day.

That’s where she meets with the prospective contestants at the fairgrounds on Route 422. Kennedy explains the requirements and responsibilities expected of fair queen, fair princess and fair ambassador, formerly known as the winner and first and second runner-up.

“I’m very strict about their ethics and morals,” said Kennedy. “A lot of people come through those gates, and they expect to see a girl who is without fault.”

The winner and her court are chosen at an early June pageant.

Kennedy usually accompanies the fair queen on her duties, which include welcoming fairgoers on opening night before a concert, passing out awards and ribbons at various competitions, selling raffle tickets and announcing events happening in the midway, among other official tasks.

“They’re just everywhere on the grounds,” said Kennedy. “Most days the girls are in their crown and banner for six to eight hours.”

Kennedy, who is also the superintendent of the antiques display at the fair, often ferries the fair queen, princess or ambassador about the grounds in a golf cart.

She said the fair queen program is much more than just putting a pretty face on the fair. Kennedy said the best, most rewarding part of directing the fair queen program is witnessing the transformation of a bashful girl who is much more comfortable in a barn tending to livestock.

“You take a young lady who comes in with her wide eyes and doesn’t know the process, and you watch her grow and develop into a self-assured young lady who is able to grab that microphone and come off with poise and assurance and self-confidence,” said Kennedy. “When she is up there on that stage the last couple days (of the fair), it’s a totally different girl.”

In January, Kennedy takes the queen to Harrisburg to vie for the title of State Fair Queen. Her husband, Harold, who is a director of the fair board, accompanies her to all fair queen events, whether at the fair or to events afterward such as parades, official duties at the Butler Farm Show or other county fairs.

“He’s tickled to death I’m not at home while he’s at the fair all week,” said Kennedy. “He is 100 percent in it with me. He feels these girls are like his daughters, and he gets choked up when they include him in their speeches to thank him.”

It is Harold Kennedy’s truck that carries the fair queen in parades, and he also helps recruit sponsors for the fair queen program.

“We enjoy it so much,” said Judy Kennedy. “We just love it.”

Asked why she volunteers for such a Herculean task, Kennedy responds that she remembers the adults who volunteered their time to her 4-H group when she was a girl.

“It’s a way to give back,” said Kennedy. “I will continue to do it as long as the Lord gives me the health and the strength I need to do it.”

Kennedy also coordinates the program to promote the importance of agriculture in Butler County and to bridge the gap between farmers and more urban residents.

Feather Thomas Bacher, who was Butler Fair Queen in 1995 and proceeded to be crowned State Fair Queen the following year, served as a judge for the Butler Fair Queen program last year. Bacher has nothing but praise for Kennedy.

“She’s just great with the girls,” said Bacher. “It’s a wonderful program, and Judy is genuinely just a warm, wonderful person.”

Bacher said Kennedy’s volunteerism goes a long way toward encouraging young girls to better themselves through public speaking, being interviewed and answering questions in public.

“It helps girls grow into stronger, more productive young women,” said Bacher.

Ben Roenigk, vice president of the Butler Fair board, is amazed at the time, energy and effort Judy Kennedy puts into the fair queen program each year.

“It’s a lot,” said Roenigk, “but Judy does a fantastic job. She’s always there and never gives you any problem. You give her a job, you know it’s as good as done.”

<B>154th Big Butler Fair</B><B>WHEN: </B>July 3 to 11<B>WHERE: </B>At the fairgrounds along Route 422 in Franklin Township.<B>OFFICERS: </B>Mike Roenigk, president; Ben Roenigk, vice president; Marlin Sarvey, treasurer; Sis (Velma) Cunningham, secretary; Slim Cunningham, board representative; and Larry Hays, concessions/vendor manager.<B>WEB SITE:</B> www.bigbutlerfair.com