Warren County Fair Queen Prepares for State Pageant, Promotes Service and Leadership

Warren County’s 2025 Fair Queen is more than just a crown and sash. Hannah Fisher, a 19-year-old sophomore nursing student at James Madison University, is representing her hometown with pride, purpose, and a strong platform as she prepares to compete at the Virginia Association of Fairs (VAF) pageant in January.

Fisher earned the title of Miss Warren County Fair this past summer and is now using her role to advocate for veterans’ healthcare under her platform, “Stand for Service.”

“I advocate for veterans to receive the proper health care they deserve,” Fisher said. “With Veterans Day coming up, I want to give back to our local veterans and raise awareness right here in Front Royal.”

She isn’t new to the fair scene. Growing up, Fisher showed livestock at the Warren County Fair and looked up to past fair queens. Now, she wears the crown herself—and not just for show.

“I’ve always looked up to the fair queens, and so it was really fun to be that person walking around with the crown that everyone is looking up to,” she said. “This has taught me so much about public speaking, confidence, and being involved in the community.”

Her preparation for the statewide VAF competition includes rehearsals, mock interviews, wardrobe planning, and even learning a choreographed group dance with contestants from across Virginia. With about 40 young women competing, the pageant is more than glitz—it’s a test of leadership, poise, and public presence.

“She’s doing great,” said Savannah McNey, the pageant director and a former fair queen herself. “We focus on real skills—interview prep, speaking confidently, walking with poise, even keeping a smile under pressure. These are lessons that last long after the pageant.”

Fisher credits her background in FFA (Future Farmers of America) with building the skills that are now serving her in college and pageantry alike. On Friday, she’ll travel to the National FFA Convention in Indiana to receive the prestigious American FFA Degree—the highest honor in the program.

“I was active in FFA through middle and high school,” she said. “It taught me leadership, speaking skills, and time management. Those are lessons I carry into everything I do.”

Time management is especially important as she juggles nursing school, pageant prep, and community service. “Last week was fall break, and that gave me a chance to catch up,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s all manageable, and I’m excited.”

Now, Fisher is calling on the community for support. Competing at the state level means covering costs for travel, hotel stays, wardrobe, and event fees. She’s currently seeking sponsors to help offset those expenses.

“She’ll need several outfits, travel funds, hair and makeup, meals—it adds up quickly,” McNey explained. “Even small donations make a big difference.”

Supporters can contribute through Fisher’s Facebook page, Miss Warren County Fair 2025 – Hannah Fisher, where she’s posted sponsorship details and updates on her journey.

When she’s not preparing for the pageant or studying for nursing exams, Fisher also judges local benefit pageants, using her own experience to encourage and mentor younger contestants.

“I always tell younger girls to just get involved,” she said. “Whether it’s a club, FFA, pageants—anything. The more involved you are, the more you learn and grow.”

Fisher’s story also reflects a broader message: that pageants are more than appearances. They’re about leadership, service, and giving back to the community.

McNey agrees. “The fair queen program is about building confident young women who can speak up, lead, and represent their communities. Hannah is a great example of that.”

Both McNey and Fisher hope to see more youth taking advantage of the opportunities in high school clubs like FFA, DECA, and Interact. These programs, they say, help students build skills they’ll carry into their careers—whether it’s nursing, event planning, or any other path.

“There’s always a group you can belong to,” Fisher said. “You just have to step out and try.”

Looking ahead, she’s focused on doing her best at the state level and representing Warren County with pride.

“I hold myself to a high standard,” she said. “No matter what happens, I’m going to give it everything I have.”

She may not wear the crown everywhere she goes, but Fisher wears her role with pride—and plenty of heart.