It’s Time for the Fair!
photo by David Luebbert
by Janet Jonus
It is Fair Time in Western Pennsylvania with food, livestock, agricultural displays, concerts, truck pulls, games, and carnival rides. Pick a Fair or two and have some FamilyFun!
Westmoreland County Fair
The Westmoreland County Fair is at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds from August 17th through August 25th. The Fair is open from 1000AM through 1100PM daily. Rides are open from 200PM on August 18th and 19th and at 400PM Monday through Friday. Rides open at 100PM on Saturday August 25th. Rides close at 1100PM daily. Tickets are $7.00 a day and includes all shows, rides, and exhibits but does not include evening events at the Grandstand Arena which is extra. You must have a Fair admission AND a ticket to see the Grandstand show. Early Bird admission until 200PM is $3.00 but rides are not included. Children 2 and under are free but rides are not included. A ride pass can be purchased for $4.00.
The Westmoreland County Fair starts on August 17th with set-up and check-in and the Fair Queen contest.
On August 18th the gates and exhibit buildings open at 1000AM. Rides open at 200PM. There is a Robotics Show at 1000AM in the 4H Building and a Cake and Pie Judging in the Family Living Building at 1100AM. The Fair King Contest is at 600PM at the Excela Health Show Arena. At 800PM the Monster Truck Races and Quad Wars are in the Grandstand Arena. Tickets are $7.00.
Sunday August 19th is Armed Forces Day with Free admission with a military ID (rides not included). Gates open at 1000AM and the rides open at 200PM. There are numerous 4H and Show events throughout the day. David Koynok plays the Excela Show Arena at 700PM. A Demolition Derby is at the Grandstand Arena at 730PM. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 3-12, and $20.00 for a Pit Pass.
Gates open at 1000AM on Monday August 20th. Rides open 400PM. There are judging events all day long. The Rafter Z Rodeo is at the Grandstands at 730PM. Adult admission to the rodeo is $5.00, children 3-12 are $3.00.
There are animal and 4H Judging contests all day long on Tuesday August 21st. Gates open at 1000AM and the rides open at 400PM. The Westmoreland Square Dancers are at the Show Arena at 200PM. East Coast Turnaround plays the Show Arena at 700PM. There are Farm Tractor Pulls at the Grandstands at 730PM. Tickets are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for kids 3-12. Pit passes are $20.00.
Wednesday August 22nd is Senior Day. Seniors 55+ pay $3.00 all day but rides are not included. There is a Senior Bingo at the Show Arena from 100-300PM. The Dan and Galla Musical Show is at the Show Arena at 300PM. The Rabbit Agility Contest is at the Show Arena at 630PM. The Demolition Derby returns to the Grandstands at 730PM with tickets $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 3-12, and $20.00 for Pit Passes.
On Thursday August 23rd 4H and FFA members get in for free but rides are not included. Gates open at 1000AM, and rides open at 400PM. The 4H Bicycle Rodeo is at the 4H Building at 930AM. A Skid Loader Contest is at the Grandstand Arena at 1200PM. A 4H Benefit Auction at the Show Arena is at 500PM. The day ends at the Grandstand Arena with the 4×4 Truck and Mini Mod Tractor Pulls at 730PM. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children 3-12. Pit Passes are $20.00.
Gates open at 1000AM and rides start at 400PM on Friday August 24th. There are numerous judging shoes throughout the day. The highlight is the Super Truck and Tractor Pull at the Grandstand Arena at 730PM. Tickets are $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 3-12. Pit Passes are available for $20.00.
The Fair finishes out on Saturday August 25th with another free entry day for 4H members and FFA members but the rides are extra. The gates open at 1000AM, and the rides open at 100PM. There is a Championship Horse Pull at 1200PM at the Grandstand Arena and Pedal Power Pulls at the Show Arena also at 1200PM. The Saddle Up Band plays at the Ultimate Bash at the Show Arena at 700PM. The Fair ends with a Demolition Derby at 730PM at the Grandstand Arena. Tickets are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for kids 3-12. Pit Passes are $20.00.
The Bar C Ranch Petting Zoo and Camel Rides are open daily. The Petting Zoo is free. Camel rides are $5.00.
Marvelous Mutts Canine Spectacular entertains with an amazing athletic dog show. Catch The Marvelous Mutts Show at:Saturday Aug. 18 & Sunday Aug. 19 2:00, 5:00 & 7:00
Mon. Aug. 20 – Fri. Aug. 24 5:00 & 7:00
Saturday August 25 1:00, 5:00 & 7:00
Charm City Helicopters will be offering rides just outside of the Main Gate. The Helicopters offer a stunning view of the Fair from 1000 feet up. The cost is $40.00 per person. Children under 2 can sit on a paying parent’s lap for free. Rides are available weekends from 1000AM through dusk and weekdays from 330PM until dusk, weather permitting.
Take on a Mechanical Bull at the Riding area near the Bar C Ranch. Guests 48” and taller can ride the Bull for $5.00 a ride.
The Westmoreland County Fair is located at 123 Blue Ribbon Lane, Greensburg, PA 15601 / https://westmorelandfair.com/
The Washington County Agricultural Fair
The Washington County Fair takes over the Washington County Fairgrounds from August 11th -18th.
The Fair opens at 900AM with shows and contests daily. Rides are open at 200PM on Monday and Tuesday and at 100PM all other days. The fair closes at 1100PM every night.
The Official Opening of the Fair is at 600PM on August 11th followed by the crowning of the Fair Queen at 700PM in the Show Tent. The Clark’s headline the evening’s festivities at 800PM in the Grandstand.
Sunday August 12th has a lot going on. Highlights include the Babies on Parade at 100PM in the Show Tent followed by the Pets on Parade at 300PM in the Show Arena. See the Extreme Illusions & Escape in the Show Tent at 300PM and at 630PM. Washington’s Got Talent is on at 430PM in the Show Tent. The Side X Side 4 Wheel Drive Quads are at the Grandstand at 700PM. Catch the Laces Out Band in the Show Tent at 800PM.
Monday August 13th is Senior Day. All Seniors 62 and over pay $3.00 admission all day long. There is Harness Racing at 1000AM at the Grandstand. At 1100AM there are Senior Day Activities in the Show Tent. The Show Tent is busy all afternoon with the Lucky Cat Tribal Dance Troop at 230PM, the Extreme Illusions & Escape Show at 330PM, Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus at 430PM, the Pioneer Cloggers at 530PM, the South Hills Keystone Chorus at 700PM, and the Extreme Illusions & Escape Show closes out the Show Tent at 830PM. The Pro Stock Tractors and Hot Semis are at the Grand Stand at 700PM.
On Tuesday August 14th Harness Racing returns at the Grand Stands at 1000AM. Featured entertainment at the Show Tent starts at 300PM with the Extreme Illusions & Escape Show, Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus at 430PM and Grace Christian Dance at 530PM. At 630PM the popular Monster Trucks take over the Grand Stand. The Extreme Illusions & Escape Show is back at the Show Tent at 700PM and Bob Podish Musical Memories plays at 800PM. At 800PM the Demolition Derby is at the Grand Stand.
On Wednesday August 15th, the 4H Modeling Show is at 1000AM in the Show Tent. The Extreme Illusions & Escape Show is in the Show Tent at 300PM and 600PM. Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus is on at 430PM and the Bloom Scoot Boogie Karaoke plays at 800PM. The Grand Stand has a Cheerleading Exhibition at 500PM, Senior High Bands at 600PM, and the School Bus Demolition Derby at 800PM.
Thursday August 16th starts with the 4H Horse & Pony Show in the Grand Stands at 900AM. The Extreme Illusions & Escape Show is in the Show Tent at 300PM and 800PM. There is a 4H Benefit Auction in the Show Tent at 430PM and Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus is on in the Show Tent at 700PM. It is Motorcross Night at the Grand Stands at 700PM.
Friday August 17th is EQT Children’s Day. All children 12 and under get in for $5.00. The 4H Horse & Pony Show is at 900AM in the Grand Stands. Royal Princess Engagements are in the Show Tent at 100PM with Meet & Greets through 300PM. Extreme Illusions & Escape is in the Show Tent at 300PM and 600PM, Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus is in the Show Tent at 430PM. Charles Lee’s Soulful Classics closes out the night in the Show Tent at 800PM. Street Stock Trucks are at the Grand Stands at 700PM.
The final day of the Fair is Saturday August 18th. The day starts with the Farm Tractor Pull at the Grand Stands at 900AM. The Market Livestock sale is in the Show Arena at 1000AM. Artisans in Action is in the Show Tent at 1200PM. The Foggy Hollow Band is also in the Show Tent at 1200PM followed by the final show for Extreme Illusions and Escape at 230PM. Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus takes the stage at 430PM in the Show Tent. The Aaron Margaria Band is on at 630PM in the Show Tent. There is a Milk Chugging Contest at 700PM in the Show Arena. The Mud Bog is at the Grand Stands at 700PM. Cross Creek performs at the Show Tent at 800PM.
There is more to the Fair than all of the entertainment. The 4H Building has 4H exhibits. The animal barns have everything from rabbits to cows and pigs. There are tractor exhibits. A petting zoo is open daily.
The Washington County Fairgrounds are built on a hill so expect some serious walking. The rides are at the bottom of the hill. Rides are open from 200PM on Monday and Tuesday and at 100PM all of the other days. Rides close at 1100PM. Rides are NOT included in the price of admission. The food stands and games stretch up the hillside. The buildings are at the top of the hill. There is a food court to the right with more food stands and seating.
There are portable bathrooms throughout the Fairgrounds and some of the buildings have restrooms.
Admission to the Washington County Fair is $10.00 per person with specials on Monday August 13th (Seniors 62 and up pay $3.00) and Friday August 17th (Children’s day – children 12 and under pay $5.00). Admission includes shows, entertainment, petting zoo, and free parking in the Fair’s parking lots. Weekly passes are available for $30.00. Rides, food, and games are extra. Fair hours are 900AM -1100PM.
The Washington County Fairgrounds are located at 2151 N Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 / 724-225-7718 / http://www.washingtonfair.org/index.html
Lawrence County Fair
“We have good things growing” at the Lawrence County Fair. This year’s Fair starts on August 13th and runs through August 18th. The Fair is open from 800AM every day and closes at 1100PM. Rides open at 100PM and close at 1100PM. The Fair has a one price admission of $10.00 and this includes all entertainment, shows, and rides. Children 3 and under are free but if they want to ride the rides, a ride-pass can be purchased for $5.00.
The Fair opens on August 13th with an Opening Ceremony at 800AM. It is also Family Day with $5.00 admission for everyone. There are Kid’s Day activities in the Dog Pavilion at 1200PM followed by Kid’s Crafts at 100PM, and a Kid’s Joke Telling Contest at 200PM. A Kid’s Dress-Up contest with the theme of “Under the Big Top” is at 600PM in the Dog Pavilion. The evening entertainment is Moto-X Gold Cup Series Finale in the Grandstand at 730PM.
Tuesday August 14th starts with a Market Steer Judging in the Livestock Arena. There is a “Texting Contest” in the Community Building at 200PM – this may be THE competition for tweens and teens. The Shenango High School Marching Band will be entertaining the crowd on the Midway at 630PM. The Lawrence County Community Band plays at the Community Building at 700PM. The Excavator Olympics and Agility Competition is at the Dog Pavilion also at 700PM followed by the Paw Printz Dog Club Demonstration & Agility Show at 730PM. Monster Trucks and Tuff Truck Series are at the Grandstand at 730PM.
There is a Dairy Show at 900AM in the Livestock Arena on Wednesday August 15th with a Poultry Judging at 1000AM in the Swine Arena. There is a Horseshoe Pitching Contest at the Pitching Pit at 600PM. The Wilmington High School Marching Band performs on the Midway at 630PM. The Steel Town Gunslingers Mounted Shooting Show is at the Horse Arena at 700PM. A Cornhole Tournament is at the Dog Pavilion at 700PM. The Third Annual Fairground Throwdown from USA Boxing is at the Grandstands at 730PM. The day ends with the Dairy Delight Night, a Cheese Auction and Calf Dress-Up at the Livestock Arena at 800PM.
Thursday August 16th starts with a Dairy Show in the Livestock Arena at 900AM and a Rabbit Judging at the Swine Arena at 1000AM. There is a Children’s Pedal Pull Contest at the Dog Pavilion at 400PM. The Laurel High School Marching Band plays on the Midway at 630PM. It is Great Gospel Night at the Community Building at 630PM featuring the Down East Boys. The Dog Pavilion hosts the Excavator Olympics & Agility Contest at 700PM and the band Rover at 800PM. Truck and Tractor Pulls are at the Grandstand at 730PM.
The Livestock Area is the site of many events on Friday August 17th. The 4H Horse Show is held at the Livestock Arena at 900AM. The Jr. Livestock Skill-a-thon is at 1000AM and the Jr. Dairy and Beef Cattle Fitting Contests at 100PM. The Master Showman Contest is at the Arena at 400PM and the Leadline Contest is held there at 730PM. At 200PM the Farm Olympics are at the Dog Pavilion and the Beard & Mustache Contest is in the Pavilion at 700PM. The Mohawk High School Marching Band plays the Midway at 630PM. Dave Martin’s Bull Ride Mania and Rodeo is the evening entertainment at the Grandstands at 730PM. Coston Cross plays the Community Building at 800PM.
Saturday August 18th starts off with the 1st Annual LCF Stampede 5K/Fun Walk registration at the Dog Pavilion from 730AM-815AM. The Race itself starts at 830AM. At 900AM, the Antique Tractor Pull starts at the Grandstand. The Jr. Livestock Sale is at the Livestock Arena at 1000AM. There is a Car Cruise at the Dog Pavilion at 400PM. The Excavator Olympics Finale is at the Dog Pavilion at 700PM. Castle Country Clogger & New Castle Paws & Taws are at the Community Building at 730PM. The Dorals play the Dog Pavilion at 730PM. The Demolition Derby is at the Grandstands also at 730PM.
There is a CPR Class daily at the Community Center at 300PM.
The $10.00 One Price Admission is for parking, entertainment, shows, and rides. Gates are open 8AM-1100PM daily. Anyone entering after 800AM must pay the admission fee. Rides are open from 100PM-1100PM every day. Admission for children 3 and under is free but does not include rides. A $5.00 ride pass for children 3 and under can be purchased if the little ones want to ride. Pit Passes are available for $20.00 each for the Thursday evening Truck & Tractor Pull and on Saturday for the Demolition Derby.
There are restrooms at the Youth Building near the Rides, near the Beef Barn, and near the Grandstands.
The Rides are located near the Route 108 entry gate. Fair Food is available from numerous vendors.
The Lawrence County Fairgrounds are located at 464 Midway Road, New Castle, PA 16105/ 724-654-7745 / http://lawrencecountyfair.com/
The Greene County Fair
The theme of this year’s Greene County Fair is “Farms, Families, Fairs, and Fun” and the Greene County Fair delivers on the FamilyFun. The Fair opens on August 5th and closes on August 11th. Fair gates are open 500PM-1100PM daily. Admission at the gate is $8.00 per person and that includes rides, all fair activities, parking, and entertainment. Food and games are extra.
Monday August 6th has food, games, and a tractor pull. There is a 4H and FFA Goat Show at 900AM. The Tractor Pull is at 700PM. The rides are open from 500PM-1100PM. All animal, art, craft, farm, and food exhibits are open from 300PM on.
Tuesday August 7th features a 4H and FFA Market Steer show at 630PM and the Truck Pulls start at 700PM. Earlier in the day there is a 4H and FFA Rabbit Show at 900AM and a 4H, FFA, and Open Dairy Cattle show at 1130PM. Rides are open from 500PM-1100PM.
Wednesday August 8th starts at 930AM with a 4H, FFA, and Open Beef Cattle Show followed by Harness Racing at 1000AM. At 630PM there is a 4H and FFA Market Lamb Show. The highlight of the day is the Demolition Derby at 700PM with Mini-Vans, Compacts, and Full Size cars. Rides are open from 500PM-1100PM.
Thursday August 9th starts with a 4H, FFA, and Open Sheep Show at 1000AM. Thursday is Senior Citizens Night with FREE admission for anyone 65 and older. The Carhartt Livestock Showmanship Awards are at 615PM. At 630PM the 4H and FFA Steer and Lamb Sale starts. Also at 630PM there is a Leather Craft for Kids in the upper level of the 4H building. The Chris Higbee band plays in the show tent at 800PM. Rides are open from 500PM-1100PM.
Friday August 10th starts early with a Master Showman Contest at 800AM and a second Master Showman Contest at 100PM. The 4H and FFA Tractor Driving Competition is at 900AM and the 4H and Stockmens Contest is at 1200PM. Croushoure’s Championship Demolition Derby with Compacts and Fullsize Cars starts at 700PM. Rides are open from 500PM-1100PM.
On Saturday August 11th there is a Wood Carving Auction at 500PM and at 700PM the Truck and Tractor Pulls start. Rides are open from 500PM-1100PM.
From Tuesday through Saturday there is a Barnyard Petting Zoo for the kids. Dennis Beech Custom Woodcarvings can be seen daily Tuesday through Saturday during Fair hours. Monster Truck Rides are open from 500PM-1000PM.
Rides are provided by Tropical Entertainment. Food vendors will be open during Fair hours. Look for the “Brick of Fries”, hot sandwiches, loaded hot dogs, lemonade, pies, cotton candy, cakes, and lots of fried foods including funnel cakes.
There are bathrooms throughout the Fairgrounds.
Admission is $8.00 per person. Everyone coming through the gates must have a ticket. There is public and handicapped parking at the Fairgrounds. No alcohol or drugs are allowed. No animals are permitted except seeing-eye dogs and assistive dogs. The Fairgrounds are open on Sunday August 5th but the rides are not open.
The Greene County Fairgrounds are located at 107 Fairgrounds Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370. http://www.co.greene.pa.us/secured/gc2/depts/rec/GC-Fair/gcfair.htm
The Fayette County Fair
First up is the Fayette County Fair. The Fair runs from July 26th through August 4th. Highlights of the Fair are the events at the Chevron Outdoor Arena, musical acts on the Lady Luck Stage and the CiaCie Energy Stage, the Carnival, Family Activities, Pageants, 4H Exhibits, Food, Games, and the “Stone House Idol” singing competition.
The Chevron Outdoor Arena hosts nightly Tractor and Truck Pulls, Demolition Derbies, Motocross, Quad Shows, Rodeos, and Mud Mania. Check out the schedule here: http://www.fayettefair.com/chevron-outdoor-arena
The Lady Luck Stage has Walker Hayes and Brandon Lay on Friday July 27th, The Clarks with Blended Reality on Saturday July 28th, the Fabulous Hubcaps on July Sunday July 29th, Josh Gallagher and the Steel Blossoms on August 2nd, and Uncle Si and the Sicotics with Jon Langston on Saturday July 4th. Check here for more details: http://www.fayettefair.com/lady-luck-stage
The CiaCie Energy Stage has The High Ryder Band on July 26th, Refuge on Friday July 27th, Tim Litvin on Monday July 30th, the Cellar Dwellers on Tuesday July 31st, and Crosswind on Saturday August 4th. For details check here: http://www.fayettefair.com/ciacie-energy-stage
The Carnival has rides on the Great American Midway. Rides are open daily – Thursday July 26th from 600-1100PM, weekdays from 300-1100PM, and weekends from 100-1100PM.
The Fair has activities for the whole family. The Pigs Gone Wild Races are held every day at 300PM (weekends only), 415PM, 615PM, and 815PM. Marc Dobson’s One Man Band has shows July 27th-July 29th at 345PM and 520PM and strolling shows throughout the Fair. Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus has shows July 30th-August 4th at 345PM and 530PM daily. The Circus Dubois performs every day at 200PM (weekends only), 430PM, 630PM, and 830PM. If you want to see some wildlife, catch the Brunon Blaszak Bengal Tigers at 230PM (weekends only), 500PM, and 730PM. Hypnotist Mike Bishop has shows at 700PM and 900PM. The Barnyard Petting Zoo is open daily from 1000AM-1030PM. R & S Woodcarving has demonstrations daily. Look out for the Fireworks on Sunday July 29th. The 4H building has daily activities. For more information check here: http://www.fayettefair.com/daily-shows
The Little Princess and Prince Pageant is held on Saturday July 28th at 300PM in the Fiddler’s Building.
The Fair Queen Contest will be held on Thursday July 26th at 730PM.
Of course the Fair has its share of food trucks and midway games. Expect a lot of deep fried foods, lemonade, and local favorites.
The Stone House Idol Summer Singing Competition is open to all teens and adults. Signups and auditions start on July 27th at 500PM in the Fiddler’s Building. The Teen Sing-off is on August 1st at 500PM in the Fiddlers Building. The Adult Sing-off is August 2nd at 500PM also in the Fiddlers Building. The Finale is held at August 3rd at 500PM (Teens) and 800PM (Adults) in, yes, you guessed it, the Fiddler’s Building. Come on out and show your talent. Cash prizes are up for grabs. For more information, check here: http://www.fayettefair.com/stone-house-idol
Fayette County Fair is a pay one-price fair. All paid admissions include carnival rides, the outdoor arena and indoor arena entertainment. Special Free Admission Days do NOT include the rides or outdoor arena; you will need to purchase an $8.00 upgrade at the front office. Children UNDER 3 are admitted free onto the grounds, however, this does not include rides. You would need to purchase the upgrade. Credit cards can be used at the Credit card machines available at the Main Gate, Gate 1 and Gate 5.
Regular admission is $13.00 per person weekdays from 400PM and all day on weekends. Admission includes all shows, rides, and entertainment. An Early Bird Admission of $11.00 is available weekdays from 1000AM-400PM.
The Fayette County Fair is open daily from July 26th through August 4th from 1000AM-1100PM. The Fair is located at 132 Pechin Road, Dunbar, PA 15431 / Phone: 724-628-3360 / http://www.fayettefair.com/
