SOUTHERN MARYLAND — With fair season approaching, Southern Maryland’s county fairs are preparing to crown their 2025 fair queens. Applications are open in Charles and St. Mary’s counties, while Calvert County will soon host its annual contest, offering local students scholarship opportunities and a chance to represent their communities.
Charles County Fair – Queen Nicotina
The Charles County Fair will crown Queen Nicotina LXXXIX during its 101st annual fair, set for Sept. 11–14 at the Charles County Fairgrounds in La Plata. Applications are due by Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.
Contestants must be county residents for at least four years, unmarried and sponsored by a recognized civic or educational organization. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, freshmen at the College of Southern Maryland or senior commuters still enrolled in high school.
A panel of judges will interview candidates on Friday, Sept. 5, with the queen selected on the basis of academics, extracurricular activities and poise. The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by PNC Bank.
St. Mary’s County Fair – Queen of Tolerance
St. Mary’s County will select its 2025 Queen of Tolerance during the St. Mary’s County Fair, scheduled for Sept. 18–21 in Leonardtown. Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at 6 p.m.
The contest is open to unmarried female residents of St. Mary’s County for at least three years who are high school seniors or homeschoolers planning to attend college. A minimum GPA of 3.5 is required.
Candidate interviews will take place on Sunday, Sept. 14, with the coronation on opening night, Thursday, Sept. 18. Scholarships include $1,500 for the queen, $1,000 for the first runner-up and $500 for the second runner-up.
Calvert County Fair – Miss Tranquility
The Calvert County Fair will crown its Miss Tranquility as part of the Calvert County Fair, Sept. 24–28, 2025, in Prince Frederick. Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at 6 p.m. Calvert County residents ages 16–19 are eligible to participate.
Contestants must be enrolled in a secondary, post-secondary, or trade school program with at least a 75% cumulative GPA and have lived in Calvert County for at least three years. They will be judged on public speaking ability, poise, scholastic achievement, and participation in school and community activities.
Both Miss Tranquility and Lord Calvert will each receive a $1,250 Elmer W. Fisher Memorial Scholarship, with first runners-up earning $500, second runners-up $250, and all other contestants receiving a check if required hours are completed.
2025 Southern Maryland Fair Dates
- Charles County Fair: Sept. 11–14, 2025 — Charles County Fairgrounds, La Plata
- St. Mary’s County Fair: Sept. 18–21, 2025 — St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, Leonardtown
- Calvert County Fair: Sept. 24–28, 2025 — Calvert County Fairgrounds, Prince Frederick
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