Summer Times II Return to index page

Events are subject to change. For a complete list of fairs in the state, visit www.pafairs.org.

JACKTOWN FAIR (July 17-21); 724-852-5210. This fair is one of the oldest continuously operating fairs in the country. Highlights include June Carter and Johnny Cash impersonators July 19 along with other live music daily from the country and gospel genres. Judging for 4-H events run mornings throughout the week. A good complement of motor sports throughout the fair is paired with family activities.

Admission: $8; Advance weekly pass $25.

Directions: From Rt. I-79, exit at Waynesburg; Rt. 21W to Wind Ridge (approx. 20 miles); fairgrounds are in Wind Ridge on Rt. 21W. 724-852-5210. www.co.greene.pa.us/JacktownFair.html

CLARION COUNTY FAIR (July 22-28); 1-814-365-5179 This huge fair includes 4-H horse and pony shows, livestock judging and the annual traditional hymn sing. Motor sports include the mini, antique and farm tractor pulls mostly beginning at 7:30 p.m. nightly.

Contest lovers should show up at 9 a.m. July 23 and watch the rabbit judging, junior dairy show, goat show and apple pie/Hershey chocolate baked goods. The baked goods auction begins at 6 p.m. the same day.

Children with special needs have their own time 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 26 and the PovertyNeck Hillbilllies will perform that evening at 7:30 p.m.

Admission: $8 includes grandstand shows; $6 advance.

Directions: Redbank Valley Municipal Park in Alcola, 1.5 miles north of New Bethlehem on Route 28 north. 1-814-365-5179, www.clarioncountyfair.com.

FAYETTE COUNTY FAIR (July 26-Aug. 4); 724-628-3360 Vanessa Campagna joins the PovertyNeck Hillbillies at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2. Other music includes Dusty Drake (July 28), Girlz in Black Hats (July 26), The Fabulous Hubcaps and The Vogues.

Shake an axle at the motor sports schedule beginning 7 p.m. July 25 and continuing almost nightly with events such as the Dead Weight Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby, lawnmower races, Modified Mini-Tractor, Pick-up Truck and 4x4 Truck Pulls.

Baking contests begin at 9 a.m. July 28.

Admission: $11; $8 early bird, check web site for other discounts.

Directions: Fayette County Fairgrounds, off the Pennsylvania Turnpike on Route 119, 20 miles south of New Stanton. 724-628-3360 or www.fayettefair.com.

CLEARFIELD COUNTY FAIR (July 30-Aug. 4); 1-814-765-4629 This fair is jammed packed with activities including David H. Litz Grove Stage Entertainment, Carnival Rides, the Circle C Petting Zoo, and harness racing and grandstand motorsports events.

Grandstand music events include the Doobie Brothers (July 31), Sugarland (Aug. 1), Skid Row & Quiet Riot (Aug. 3) and Meatloaf (Aug. 4). Advanced ticketing recommended.

Admission: $6; 65 and older free with ID; admission includes most exhibits and mechanical rides; grandstand events extra; $3 parking.

Take I-80, Exit 120 (Old Exit 19). The Clearfield County Fair is located at the Driving Park, just off Mill Road and Turnpike Avenue 814-765-4629 or www.clearfieldcountyfair.com.

GREENE COUNTY FAIR (Aug.6-11) 724-627-9160 The festivities kick off with the crowning of the Fair Queen 7 p.m. Aug. 4.

The home and garden judging kicks off Aug. 5 followed by a day of Draft Horse Hitches and special baking contests.

There are plenty of motor-sports events including the Demolition Derby (Aug. 10); Lawn and Garden & Farm Stock Tractor Pulls (Aug. 9); and all classes of ATPA Truck Pulls (Aug. 9 and 11).

Harness Racing is noon Aug. 7-9, and Ruff Creek takes the Grandstand Stage 9 p.m. Aug. 9. 4-H competitions and activities are ongoing throughout the fair.

Admission: $8; seniors and veterans admitted free on Aug. 9 until 5 p.m.

Directions: Waynesburg exit off I-79 to Route 21 and the Greene County Fairgrounds. 724-627-9160.

BEDFORD COUNTY FAIR (July 22-28); 1-814-623-9011 Daily family events include a petting zoo, The Dennie Huber Magic Show and Midway Amusement Rides.

The USA Sanctioned Tractor and Truck Pulling Contest is 3 p.m. July 22; Other motorsports include Farm Stock Tractor Pull (July 23); Compact Car & Pick-Up Truck Demolition Derby (July 25); Stock Car Racing (July 27); and Large Car Demolition Derby, 6 p.m. July 28.

Artisans and crafters have lots to enjoy with the daily demonstrations from 6-9 p.m. in Jordan Hall. Everything from scrapbooking to origami will be covered. The Baked Goods Auction starts at 7:30 p.m. July 24; 4-H events and competitions are sprinkled throughout the fair and don't forget to grab a bag of home-baked goodies at the auction, 7:30 p.m. July 24.

Admission: $9; July 23 is half-price admission day.

Directions: Pennsylvania Turnpike east to Bedford, then take Route 220 south to Route 30. The Bedford County Fairgrounds are west of Bedford on Business Route 30/West Pitt Street. 1-814-623-9011 or www.bedford-fair.com.

BUTLER FARM SHOW (Aug. 5-11); 724-482-4000 Kids music includes the Bassmeister and Moo Beams daily; Daily concerts at 7 and 9 p.m. include: The Wrangler Band (Aug. 6); Tom Walker & Friends (Aug. 7); The Jentz (Aug. 8); The Mainhart Family (Aug. 9), Remington Ryde (Aug. 10); and a Fiddling contest and show 5 p.m. Aug. 11.

Equine events include class competitions in various disciplines starting 9 a.m. daily in the Horse Arena. Motorsports roar through the grandstands nightly starting as early as 7:30 p.m.

Admission: $7; $6 Aug. 7. (Some grandstand events $3 extra)

Directions: Take I-79 north to the Evans City exit; Route 528 to Route 68. Farm Show grounds are on Route 68, three miles west of Butler. 724-482-4000 or www.butlerfarmshow.com.

WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR (Aug. 11-18); 724-225-7718 Cooking contests fill most of the day on Aug. 11 followed by the official fair opening at 5:30 p.m. including the crowning of the Fair Queen at 7 p.m. 4-H contests take place throughout the fair, and local country musicians play nightly at 8 on the stage.

Motor sports taking place at the Grandstand include Monster Trucks (Aug. 11); Pro-Stock Tractors/Hot Semis (Aug. 13) Aug. 14; 4 Cylinder Derby (Aug. 14); School Bus Demolition Derby (Aug. 18); Street Stock Truck and Modified Tractors (Aug. 17); and Demolition Derby (Aug. 18).

Admission: $9; $6 Aug. 12 & 14.

Directions: Take I-79 south to exit 41 (Racetrack Road); follow signs to the Washington County Fairgrounds in Arden. 724-225-7718 or www.washingtonfair.org.

LAWRENCE COUNTY FAIR (Aug. 13-18); 724-654-7745 Grandstand events include Bull Ride Mania (Aug. 13); Motocross (Aug. 14); Figure 8 Race/Compact Car Derby (Aug. 15); Truck & Tractor Pull (Aug. 16); PovertyNeck Hillbillies (Aug. 17) and Demolition Derby (Aug. 19).

Entertainment features the Brigadoon Highlanders Pipe & Drums (Aug. 16) and The Castle Cloggers (Aug. 17).

Admission: $7; before 2 p.m., $5 (rides included, grandstand extra).

Directions: Take Route 108 three miles east of New Castle to Lawrence County Fairgrounds, across from Laurel High School. 724-654-7745 or www.law-rencecountyfair.com.

WESTMORELAND FAIR (Aug. 17-25); 724-423-5005 This nine-day fair is jammed packed with every conceivable activity. 4-H activities kick off with a full day of judging Aug. 19.

Musical entertainment includes Blake Shelton (Aug. 20) and The PovertyNeck Hillbillies (Aug. 21), as well as Brothers Kelly (Aug. 18); Saddle Up (Aug. 19); The Kiger Band (Aug. 21) Girlz in Black Hats (Aug. 22); Broken Spoke (Aug. 25).

Motor sports highlights include Motocross Racing, Demolition Derby and Bus Derby, Figure 8 and Mini Van Derby and the Powder Puff and Demolition Derby.

Featured daily family events include Farmer Earl, Tropical Amusements Carnival, daily wool spinning and sheep shearing.

Admission: $7, extra fees for some events. Children under 2 are free, passes available.

Directions: Take Pennsylvania Turnpike to Irwin exit and head east to Greensburg. Follow Route 30 to Mount Pleasant exit, and go south 6 miles. 724-423-5005 or www.westmorelandfair.com.

CRAWFORD COUNTY FAIR (Aug. 19-26); 1-814-333-7400 The largest agricultural fair in Pennsylvania is always worth the ride to Meadville -- even just for the big performing acts including Trace Adkins and Gary Allan (Aug. 23); Sugarland and The Wreckers (Aug. 21); Lynyrd Skynyrd (Aug. 22); these events are ticketed separately ($33.50-$38.50; 1-814-333-7400).

The fair is full of agricultural events, 4-H events and motorsports. Daily events include Kay Rosaire's Big Cat Encounter, Ride-a-Rama and the antique farm machinery display.

Admission: $3; under 12 free; 65 and older admitted free Mon. and Tues. until 5 p.m.; Crawford County 4-H and FFA members admitted free.

Directions: Take I-79 north to Meadville. The fairgrounds are on Route 77, south of Meadville. 1-814-333-7400.

SOMERSET COUNTY FAIR (Aug. 18-25); 1-814-267-3294 This fair is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the state, with an abundance of mountain air. Events include a charity baked goods sale, a traditional farmers' parade, lots of 4-H events and live performances.

Carnival rides and motor sports dot the landscape throughout the fair.

Admission: $6 (includes rides, grandstand) under 2 free.

Directions: Take Pennsylvania Turnpike exit 10 to Somerset and follow Route 219 south to Meyersdale, about 25 miles. 1-814-267-3294 or www.som-ersetcountyfairpa.com.

HOOKSTOWN FAIR (Aug. 21-25); 724-573-4512 Musical acts include The Northern Prairie Dogs, Ernie Valley "Elvis Lives"; Whyte Lyghtnyng; Derek Pettner and the Cashiers and the Kiger Brannon Band.

Family events include a petting zoo, bingo and various exhibit halls. Motors sports also dot the landscape as well including ATPA sanctioned events.

Admission: $7 until 3 p.m.; $9 thereafter; everything included, free parking. 60 and older free before 3 p.m.; under 2, free.

Directions: 12 mile north of U.S. Route 30 on Route 168. 724-573-4512 or www.hookstownfair.com.

INDIANA COUNTY FAIR (Aug. 26-Sept. 1); 724-465-6703 This fair has lots of family fun including the Bear Mountain Show, Miniature Farm Show and the train show. Country singer Trent Tomllinson performs along with local bands. Motorsports, 4-H events and more round out the schedule,

Admission: $8, ages 6 and under free.

Directions: From Route 422 or Route 119, take the Wayne Avenue exit and follow Wayne Avenue/Jimmy Stewart Boulevard to the J.S. Mack Community Center. 724-465-6703 or www.indiana-countyfair.com.

CANFIELD FAIR (Aug. 29-Sept. 3); 1-330-533-4107 The world-famous "World's Largest Demolition Derby" is at 8 p.m. Aug. 31. The NTPA Truck/Tractor Pull is Sept. 7 p.m. Entertainment this year is Kenny Rogers & The Oak Ridge Boys (Sept. 2) and Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy (Sept. 3).

Kids entertainment includes the Shooting Star stage, Old MacDonald's Farm and the Old Milking Parlor, all will be open throughout the fair. Lots of fun rides, food booths and a full list of 4-H events.

Admission: $7, $2 ages 7 to 12, free for children 6 and under. Seniors admitted for $5 on Fri. Extra charges for rides.

Directions: The fairgrounds are in Mahoning County, Ohio. Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike west to Ohio Turnpike, to Youngstown exit, then Route 224 Boardman-Canfield Road. 1-330-533-4107 or www.canfieldfair.com.

GREAT STONEBORO FAIR (Aug. 29-Sept. 3); 724-376-2852 The Baked Goods auction takes place Aug. 30 and the rides open the same day. Look for the Stock & Hi Performance Stock Pull on the grandstand that evening.

Other grandstand events include Jake Owens in concert (Sept. 2) and The Imperial Stunt Drivers (Sept. 3).

Admission: $8 (includes parking, rides and grandstand); 2 years and under, free. Free parking and rides with admission.

Directions: Between Stoneboro and Sandy Lake on Route 62 in Mercer County. 724-376-2852 or www.stoneborofair.info.

CAMBRIA COUNTY FAIR (Sept. 2-8); 1-814-472-7491 This event is chock-full of amusement rides, motor-sports events, great bake-offs and fun for everyone. Special grandstand events include the PovertyNeck Hillbillies, (Sept. 2); Jeff Bates (Sept. 3); Small Car Demolition Derby (Sept. 4); Imperial Stunt Drivers (Sept. 5); Or-Lo Truck Pull (Sept. 6); and Large Car Demolition Derby (Sept. 7).

Directions: Take Route 22 east to the Ebensburg exit and follow the signs. 1-814-472-7491 or www.cambria-county-fair.com.