Reed looks back fondly at his own memories of the fair from his childhood. He believes that every kid deserves a chance to create their own memories of the event. Even though there is an entrance fee for adults, kids under 12 are allowed to come and experience the fair for free.

“That’s my favorite thing,” shared Reed, “that we’re able to keep the price of admission low, so parents can afford to bring their kids.”

“I think the fact that it’s once a year and everybody gets together, and especially with the farm animals and things that people in the city don’t get to see every day,” said Dan Straus, of Williamsport, on what makes the fair special.

“I think a lot of it around here has to do with the traditional, ‘Hey, Lycoming County Fair’s around,'” said Taylor Noon, of Montoursville. “We go out, but the things that keep people coming out are, like, the shows they always have on, the food, the rides for the kids and the petting zoos. I think that’s a big thing.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Emily and Mark Erdos of Loyalsock try their hand a Skee Ball as the 152nd Lycoming County Fair got underway Wednesday at the fairgrounds in Hughesville. Walking a lap around the concourse will introduce you to numerous local businesses displaying their wares as well as individuals exhibiting their skills in baking, horticulture and animal husbandry. The Fair also offers midway rides, nightly entertainment in the grandstand, a petting zoo and of course, proof that you can deep fry just about anything. A full schedule of hours and events can be found at www.lycomingfair.net.

The Lycoming County Fair kicked off Wednesday for its 152nd year. Fairgoers can expect entertainment, food, animals, exhibits, games and rides.

New at the fair this year is an outdoor corner with hunting and fishing gear, as well as the addition of four-wheel drives according to Reed. The Amelia Earhart Funway will have a DJ playing music for kids.

This year also, the addition of dog shows and training can be expected at random times throughout the day, according to Reed.

Safety is very important to the fair, officials said. Visitors may notice the sheriff’s building located across from the fair office buildings. The building has been turned into a command center for volunteers and emergency service workers at the fair, according to Reed.

“We have volunteers in the command center who monitor the first aid building, and they monitor our security, the sheriffs and local police, and the local EMS because everybody’s on different radios,” said Reed. “The command center takes all those calls and coordinates it so we’re able to coordinate all of us (volunteers) and all of our activities… They coordinate so that we’re prepared.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Food stands and game booths lit up the night sky as the 152nd Lycoming County Fair got underway Wednesday at the fairgrounds in Hughesville. Walking a lap around the concourse will introduce you to numerous local businesses displaying their wares as well as individuals exhibiting their skills in baking, horticulture and animal husbandry. The Fair also offers midway rides, nightly entertainment in the grandstand, a petting zoo and of course, proof that you can deep fry just about anything. A full schedule of hours and events can be found at www.lycomingfair.net.

People come out to the fair every year to experience their favorite events and vendors.

Taylor and Kayla Noon, of Montoursville, enjoy going to the fair because they get to see their kid’s smiles.

“We like to come for the animals. Our daughter likes to see those and all of the different kinds of foods and drinks,” said Janelle Hubbard, from Muncy.

“We live in a rural community and the fair is really the epitome of that,” said Reed. “Fairs are made for rural people, and everyone in our area should try to support the fair.”

The public can support the Lycoming County Fair by volunteering and making donations, but more importantly visiting multiple times throughout the week, Reed said. The fair continues through July 22.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Food stands and game booths lit up the night sky as the 152nd Lycoming County Fair got underway Wednesday at the fairgrounds in Hughesville. Walking a lap around the concourse will introduce you to numerous local businesses displaying their wares as well as individuals exhibiting their skills in baking, horticulture and animal husbandry. The Fair also offers midway rides, nightly entertainment in the grandstand, a petting zoo and of course, proof that you can deep fry just about anything. A full schedule of hours and events can be found at www.lycomingfair.net.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Food stands and game booths lit up the night sky as the 152nd Lycoming County Fair got underway Wednesday at the fairgrounds in Hughesville. Walking a lap around the concourse will introduce you to numerous local businesses displaying their wares as well as individuals exhibiting their skills in baking, horticulture and animal husbandry. The Fair also offers midway rides, nightly entertainment in the grandstand, a petting zoo and of course, proof that you can deep fry just about anything. A full schedule of hours and events can be found at www.lycomingfair.net.