County fairs, with their wild rides, greasy food and motor sport events, are notoriously a cheap way to have fun.

"Where else can you go to entertain the entire family for 7 bucks?" asked Michelle Long, secretary of the Westmoreland County Fair.

Because of the bad economy, fair officials said they are hoping more people will go for this close-to-home entertainment that keeps gas money in their wallets.

Most fairs have schedules similar to previous years, opting not to cut back on events. And at about $7 or $8, ticket prices are comparable to a movie but provide an entire day of entertainment.

"Some people think that people will forgo the vacations and stay local, so fair attendance might be up. But like anyone, we're aware of the economy," said Fayette County Fair president Bill Jackson. "We've been cautious about spending, but we really haven't cut back on many events, and we're just hoping for the best."

It might be too soon to tell what effect, if any, the economy will have on the county fairs. But here is a roundup of ones in southwestern Pennsylvania you can check out.

As always, events are subject to change. For an up-to-date list of fairs in the state, visit www.pafairs.org.

July 14-18

This 144-year-old fair in Greene County boasts a basketful of 4-H events including floral and rabbit judging (July 14); horse, beef and dairy (July 15) and sheep and goats (July 16). Carnival rides run daily, and the fair will hold its own version of "American Idol" nightly at 8. Those wishing to boast their own singing talent can join Robert Blake on the midway stage for karaoke 8 p.m. July 17. Motorsports will be July 15 with the truck pull; July 16 with the tractor pull and July 17 with a demolition derby, all starting at 7 p.m.

Admission: $8, $25 (advance weekly pass); rides additional.

Directions: From I-79, exit at Waynesburg; take Route 21 west to Wind Ridge (approximately 20 miles).

Information: 724-428-3843 or www.jacktownfair.org.

July 26-Aug.1

This big, big fair begins with a 4-H horse and pony show 10 a.m. July 26 followed by the Knight Cruisers Cruise-in at noon and another pet show at 4:30 p.m. The annual traditional hymn sing starts at 6 p.m. opening day. Motor sports include the mini, antique and farm tractor pulls all starting at 6:30 p.m. July 31; the super-duper demolition derbies will be held 7:30 p.m. July 29 and 30.

4-H lovers should show up at 9 a.m. July 27 and watch the rabbit judging, followed by home and family, junior dairy show, goat show and apple pie contest.

Other attractions include a health fair, 4-H shows, livestock competitions and carnival activities. Children with special needs have their own time 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 30, and the kiddie tractor pull takes place 11 a.m. Aug 1.

Admission: $8; free admission July 26; $2 for parking.

Directions: Redbank Valley Municipal Park in Alcola, 1.5 miles north of New Bethlehem on Route 28 north.

Information: 1-814-365-5179, www.clarioncountyfair.com.

Aug. 3-8

Years ago this fair featured the heavyweight performers of their day: Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Dolly Parton and the Beach Boys. This year, the headliners are Alice Cooper (Aug. 4); Julianne Hough and Dierks Bentley (Aug. 5); Kelly Clarkson (Aug. 7) and Marky Ramones Blitzkrieg who will open for Ratt (Aug. 8). Although those acts offer just about something for everyone, traditional fair-goers can take heart that The Circle C Petting Zoo and animal racing will be daily in the Expo II Plaza along with the Fearless Flores Circus and Thrill Show.

Other events include the Appalachian Art Studios Wood Carvings by Rick Boni, carnival rides, and the truck and tractor pull (Aug. 6) and an entire slate of 4-H events.

Admission: $6 (gate only); $5 extra for rides; advance admission $3 at local retailers; check Web site for details.

Directions: From I-80, take exit 120; Route 879 south to Route 322 west, follow signs. The fair is at the Driving Park, off Mill Road and Turnpike Road.

Information: 1-814-765-4629 or www.clearfieldcountyfair.com.

July 30-Aug. 8

This huge fair is packed with musical artists, from beach music to rock. Bucky Covington takes the stage at 7 p.m. Aug. 6; Beach Boy impersonation band Surf's Up performs at 7 p.m. Aug. 2; The Fabulous Hubcaps bring classic rock to the grandstand at 7 p.m. Aug. 3; Abby Abbondanza, formerly of the Povertyneck Hillbillies, performs 7 p.m. July 31, the Chris Higbee Project, also with former members of the Povertyneck Hillbillies, takes the stage at 7 p.m. Aug. 8, and rock band Trapline performs at 8:30 p.m July 30.

Motor sports are also a staple of this fair. They start with the Westmoreland Tractor Pulling Associates sanctioned pull, 6 p.m. July 29; demolition derby, 7 p.m. July 30 and Aug. 4 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8; modified mini-tractor pull, pickup truck pull and the modified 4x4 truck pull start 6:30 p.m. Aug.1; motocross races begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 2; stock semi, stock tri-axle truck pulls and the Limited PS Tractor Pull begin 7 p.m. Aug. 3. Rounding out motorsports is the monster truck races and the 2-wheel drive quad mud races 7 p.m. Aug. 6 and the mud mania 4x4 trucks and open vehicles and 4x4 quads 7 p.m. Aug. 7. If rodeo is more your thing, hit the grandstand at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 for the Boys and Bulls Rodeo.

Daily shows include wild animal shows Kachunga and the Alligator and Kay Rosaire Tigers, a magic show by the Balsters, a juggling show by Skinny German Juggling Boy Hilby and the Great Lakes Timber Show.

You'll also find homemade goods at the baked goods judging, 7 p.m. July 30; angel food and apple pie judging, 1 p.m. Aug. 1; Hershey chocolate cake and cookie contest, 1 p.m. Aug. 2. If sweets aren't your thing, maybe the chili cook-off at 11 a.m. Aug. 8 will help. Gardeners can check out the judging of the floral exhibits, 7 p.m. Aug. 3.

Admission: $11; advance admission $8 at local retailers; $9 early bird, check Web site for complete details.

Directions: Fayette County Fairgrounds, off the Pennsylvania Turnpike on Route 119, 20 miles south of New Stanton.

Information: 724-628-3360 or www.fayettefair.com.

Aug. 9-15

This fair's events inlcude horse and pony pulls, 6 p.m. Aug. 9. The home and garden judging will be at 9 a.m. Aug. 10, followed by the leadline contest and wool queen contest at 7 p.m. The team penning competition is at 11 a.m. Aug. 15; draft horse hitches, 1:30 p.m. Aug. 9.

There are plenty of motor-sports events beginning with the demolition derby, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14; the lawn and garden and farm stock tractor pulls, 7 p.m. Aug. 10; and all classes of ATPA truck pulls start at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15.

Harness racing is on the schedule for noon Aug. 12-13, and free monster Truck rides 5-10 p.m. Aug. 11-15. Family activities and local performers are scheduled throughout the fair along with a corral of 4-H competitions and activities. Check the Web site for updated details.

Admission: $8; senior citizens admitted free on Aug. 9 until 5 p.m.

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

Information: 724-627-4752 or www.greenecountyfair.org.

July 26-Aug.1

Daily family events include a fair queen contest, a log cutting contest and the midway rides.

Lovers of loud cars take note: The Grandstand Track USA-EAST Truck and Tractor Pull is at 3 p.m. July 26; stock tractor pull is 3 p.m. July 27; compact car and pickup truck demolition derby is 6:30 p.m. July 29; stock car racing is 6:30 p.m. July 31; and the large car demolition derby is 6 p.m. Aug. 1.

Artisans and crafters have lots to enjoy with the daily demonstrations from 6-9 p.m. in Jordan Hall. Everything from scrapbooking to pet shows will be covered. The baked goods auction starts at 7:30 p.m. July 27 at the 4-H Center; 4-H events and competitions are sprinkled throughout the fair.

Admission: $9; $5 July 27 and 28; senior citizens admitted free with Medicare card July 28 until 4 p.m.

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.

Information: 1-814-623-9011 or www.bedford-fair.com.

Aug. 10-15

Music will fill the halls of Auditorium Pavilion beginning with a worship service with Rider Lutheran Church, 7 p.m. Aug. 9. Daily concerts are at 7 and 9 p.m. and include: The George Lucas Band, Aug. 10; Kellie Lynne Band, Aug. 11; Remington Ryde, Aug. 12; Skyn Deep, Aug. 13; and Gospel Music Celebration with the Tom Walker Family and special guests, 6 p.m. Aug. 14.

Equine events figure prominently; some highlights include the mini horse and pony halter show, 9 a.m. Aug. 11 followed by the log-pulling contest at 6:30 p.m. Also watch out for the master showmanship contest at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 14 and the single and team obstacle course competition at 6:30 p.m.

Motor-sports events include garden tractor races, 8 p.m. Aug. 10; truck and tractor pull, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11; demolition derby, 8 p.m. Aug. 14. Look for the 4-wheel drive pulling contest at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 and the stock semi- and tri-axle pull Aug. 15 at 8 p.m.

Lots of 4-H events are spread throughout the fair at the dairy tent and livestock building.

Admission: $7; $6 Aug. 10.

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.

Information: 724-482-4000 or www.butlerfarmshow.com.

Aug. 13-15

This fair will kick off with a teen dance on Aug. 13. There will be a parade and annual 5K Semi-Great Race Aug. 15. Musical performances will include Girlz in Black Hats (Aug. 14) and Johnny Halo and the Angels (8:30 p.m. Aug. 15). Fireworks will light up the sky Saturday.

Admission: Free.

Directions: Take Route 30 East toward Clinton/Imperial. The park entrance is approximately 41/2 miles from Raccoon State Park. Fair entrance is on the right.

Information: 724-695-0500 or www.findlay.pa.us.

AUG. 15-22

The fair kicks off with a lawn and tractor pull at 9 a.m. Aug. 15, and what better way to celebrate than with a host of baking contests, including the Hershey Cocoa contest at 11 a.m. Aug. 15 and wrapping up with the angel food cake contest at 2 p.m. that day. 4-H contests take place throughout the fair, and local country musicians play Aug. 16 and Aug. 18 at 2and 8 p.m. in the show tent.

Motor sports at the grandstand include extreme motorcycles, 8 p.m. Aug. 20; quad pulls, 3 p.m. Aug. 15; pro-stock tractors and hot semi, 7 p.m. Aug. 17; 4-cylinder derby, 7 p.m. Aug. 18; school bus demolition derby, 8 p.m. Aug. 19; classic car show, noon Aug. 16; street stock truck and modified tractors, 7 p.m. Aug. 21; and demolition derby, 7 p.m. Aug. 22.

Admission: $9; $6 Aug. 16 and 18; senior citizens admitted free Aug. 17.

Directions: Take I-79 south to exit 41 (Racetrack Road); follow signs to the fairgrounds in Arden.

Information: 724-225-7718 or www.washingtonfair.org.

Aug. 17-22

Grandstand entertainment includes bluegrass music at 7:30 Aug. 17 and a stock tractor and street legal 4X4 truck pull at 7:30 Aug. 18. Bike races start the fun Aug. 19 with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by the compact car figure eight race at 7:30 p.m. The pedal power pull is at noon Aug. 20, followed by the full pull truck and tractor at 7 p.m. Tom Walker Gospel night at 7 p.m. Aug. 21; farm stock antique tractor pulls 9 a.m. Aug. 22; demolition derby at 7 p.m. the same day with fireworks following.

Community entertainment starts on Aug. 12 with Ident-a-kid and Vial of Life at 1 p.m. The Favorite Book Character Costume Contest is at 11 a.m. Aug. 20; Unusual Pet Contest 11 a.m. Aug. 21. Local bands play nightly.

Admission: $8; before 2 p.m., $6 (rides included, grandstand extra).

Directions: Take Route 108 three miles east of New Castle to Lawrence County Fairgrounds, across from Laurel High School.

Information: 724-654-7745 or www.lawrencecountyfair.com.

AUG. 21-29

This nine-day fair practically needs its own page. Animal judging starts at 9 a.m. Aug. 23 and goes well into the week with events daily. Other 4-H activities include pet care and cat grooming and showmanship, 6 p.m. Aug. 24 in the small arena; the model rocket flight test, 9 a.m. Aug. 25; public speaking contest 2:30 p.m. Aug. 26.

Moving on to the musical action, George Lucas performs at 7 p.m. Aug. 22. Other shows taking place include Metro/Unbridled 7 p.m. Aug. 23; NOMaD 7 p.m. Aug. 25; Girlz in Black Hats 7 p.m. Aug. 26; Saddle Up 7 p.m. Aug. 29; and Tres Lads for free in the grandstand arena at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24.

Motor sports include motocross racing, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21; demolition derby and bus derby 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23; minivan demolition derby 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26. The 4x4 truck pull runs 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27.

Family events include the skid loader rodeo contest 1 p.m. Aug. 27; the powder pull demolition derby 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25. There also will be food booths and senior bingos. End the fair at the 4-H dance, where you can sweep your sweetheart around the dance floor, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

Admission: $7, extra fees for some events. Early-bird discount $3 per person before 2 p.m. every day except Aug. 27 and 29. Children under 2 are free; other discounts 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.

Information: 724-423-5005 or www.westmorelandfair.com.

Aug. 22-29

This 61-year-old fair is the largest agricultural fair in Pennsylvania and doesn't cut back on other entertainment either.

Big-name acts litter the landscape and include Jason Aldean and Jake Owen Aug. 25; Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne Aug. 27. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for these concerts can be ordered in advance by calling 1-814-333-7400.

The Miss Crawford County Scholarship Pageant starts 7 p.m. Aug. 23. The days will be filled with demonstrations including the sheep department demonstration, 7 p.m. Aug. 26; blanket stitch machine applique, 1:30 p.m. Aug. 24; and cake decorating with sugar paste flowers, just to name a few. Join in making a giant sundae, 2 p.m. Aug. 29.

The fair is full to the brim with agricultural events daily. Check the Web site for details. Motor-sports action includes the USA-East Regional Truck and Tractor Pull, 6 p.m. Aug. 22 and the demolition derby 2 and 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

Admission: $4; 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.

Information: 1-814-333-7400 or www.crawfordcountyfair.net.

Aug. 22-29

This fair is in a beautiful part of the state, and it's worth the ride.

Events include a bake sale auction at 1 p.m. Aug. 23 and the Farmers and Merchants Parade, 7 p.m. the same day; Supreme Showman Competition beginning at 2 p.m. Aug. 27; Pet Parade 1 p.m. Aug. 28 and a woodcarving auction at 8 p.m. the same day. If you are into rodeo, wander over to the Dave Martin Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26

The semi-truck pull kicks off the motor sport events at 7 p.m. Aug. 22; Figure 8 demolition derby race, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24; 4x4 mud bogging, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25. The Jack Fullerton Destruction Derby ends it all with a bang at 6 p.m. Aug. 29. The carnival opens at 6 p.m. nightly.

Admission: $7, includes mechanical rides and grandstand.

Directions: Take Pennsylvania Turnpike exit 10 to Somerset and follow Route 219 south to Meyersdale, about 25 miles.

Information: 1-814-634-5619 or www.somersetcountyfairpa.com.

AUG. 25-29

The schedule was not available at publication, but this fair in Beaver County usually includes a multitude of musical performances and motor sports. Other events, such as a pie-eating contest, are sure to be loads of fun.

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

Directions: 1/2 mile north of U.S. Route 30 on Route 168.

Information: 724-573-9044 or www.hookstownfair.com.

Aug. 30-Sept. 5

The antique tractor pull and new compact 4x4 tractor pull kick off this fair at 11 a.m. Aug. 29. Other motor sports include limited pro stock and Smoker Series Tractors and big rig semis at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 and a stock semi, tri-axle dump and 4x4 truck pull at 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

Lots of opportunities for those who are on the competitive side, from a log sawing contest at 7 p.m. Aug. 31 to a milk chugging contest, 8 p.m. Sept. 3.

The Robinson Family starts off the musical performances at 8 p.m. Aug. 31, and Eric Church, the featured country performance, ends them at 8 p.m. Sept. 2.

The Harvest Home Festival and the Sermon on the Mount are always must-sees at this fair, 7 p.m. Aug. 30.

Admission: $8; Aug. 30 free admission all day; Aug. 31 $5 admission, senior citizens and veterans admitted for free.

Directions: From Route 422 or Route 119, take the Wayne Avenue exit and follow Wayne Avenue to Jimmy Stewart Boulevard to the J.S. Mack Community Center. 724-349-5508 or www.indianacountyfair.com.

Sept. 1-5

The schedule won't be finalized until the end of July, but keep this one on your radar. This fair has agricultural and home-economics exhibits throughout, and there is usually free entertainment each evening. Also, the usual motorsports dot the landscape.

Admission: Not available at publication.

Directions: 2 miles east of Rochester on Big Knob Road.

Information: 724-452-5973.

Sept. 2-7

This huge fair in Ohio predates the Civil War, and it has some great grandstand events.

Hank Williams Jr. and George Jones perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 6; The World's Largest Demolition Derby is 8 p.m. Sept. 4; championship truck and tractor pull, 7 p.m. Sept. 5. These are ticketed events.

For kids, the Shooting Star entertainment stage has activities and karaoke. Old MacDonald's Farm and the Old Milking Parlor will also be open throughout the fair. Lots of fun rides for kids of all ages daily and other events include Wool Spinning Demonstrations, Western Reserve Wood Carvers, The Robinson Family Singers and more.

Admission: $7, $2 ages 7-12, 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.

Information: 1-330-533-4107 or www.canfieldfair.com.

Sept. 2-7

The judging begins on Sept. 3, everything from flowers to honey to photography. Baked goods will also be judged in the morning and auctioned off at 6 p.m.

Motor-sports events start with the truck, tractor and semi pull, 6 p.m. Sept. 3; the Antique Tractor Pull, 5 p.m. Sept. 4, followed by the nationwide demolition derby at 7:30 p.m. Other motor sports dot the landscape throughout the fair.

Dave Martin's Bull Ride Mania takes the Grandstand 8 p.m. Sept. 5 followed by the Gigantic Fireworks Display at 10 p.m.

Admission: $10 (includes parking, rides and grandstand); 2 years and under, free.

Directions: Between Stoneboro and Sandy Lake on Route 62 in Mercer County.

Information: 724-376-2852 or http://stoneborofair.info.

Sept. 6-12

This fair starts off with a bang with musical guest Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles, performing at 8 p.m. Sept. 6. Local artists pepper the stage as well with The Conniptions at 1 p.m. Sept. 7 and the Sharptones 1 p.m. Sept. 12, both from the greater Johnstown area.

Motor sports include the Small Car Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. Sept. 8; Orlo Tractor Pull, 4 p.m. Sept. 9; Large Car Demolition Derby, 7 p.m. Sept. 11. A tractor parade and numerous tractor fun shows also occur throughout the fair.

If you are into square dancing, the Do-Si-Dos Squares and the Bedford Squares will strike up a show at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9.

Directions: Take Route 22 east to the Ebensburg exit and follow the signs.

Information: 1-814-472-7491 or www.cambria-county-fair.com.

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To learn about a 4-H program near you, visit www.national4-hheadquarters.gov; in Pennsylvania, call 1-814-863-3824 to learn about a program near you.