BERRIEN SPRINGS — Preparations are underway for the 2017 Berrien County Youth Fair King and Queen contest and Prince and Princess contest.

Traditionally, the contests have been hosted on the Sunday night of “entry day,” but the royalty committee has decided to make a change for 2017.

New this year, the contest will now take place at 7 p.m. the Friday prior to the Berrien County Youth Fair on Aug. 11.

The contest evening will start with the BCYF Prince and Princess contest followed immediately by the BCYF King and Queen contest. The event will take place in the grandstand at the Berrien County Youth Fair. Admission is free.

Prince and Princess contestants must be current BCYF exhibitors and be between the ages of 9-12 years old as of January 1, 2017.    

King and Queen contestants must also be current BCYF exhibitors and be between the ages of 16-18 years old as of January 1. The royalty contest registration deadline is July 12.

For more information, king and queen contestants can contact the BCYF office at 269-473-4251 and prince and princess contestants should visit bcyf.org.