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The excitement is building for those preparing for the crowds that will attend the 153d Lycoming County Fair at the fairgrounds in the borough of Hughesville in eastern Lycoming County.
"Everything is falling into place and we are already seeing vendors setting up," said Dixie McCoy, assistant to the fair association president.
"It's going good," she said of the preparation that goes into the opening day of the fair, which runs from July 10 through July 20.
Among the many chores getting done is the last minute maintenance of the fairgrounds building and grounds, she said. "We are seeing campers come in," she said.
The complex has seen upgrades to its buildings and grounds in the recent past.
Among them is the Christmas in July barn that was painted and a building that serves as a cooling station but more importantly is named in memory of longtime fair association president, Richard Heydenreich and his wife, Mary Anne. The building is at the end of the bleachers close to the sheriff's building.
Each year, the fair is dedicated to showcasing all things agricultural and farming related, from animal exhibits and shows to buildings displaying the best in homemade foods and farm-grown produce.
Tickets for the entertainment at the grandstands can be obtained over the telephone and in-person, McCoy noted. Call 570-584-2197.
"Our rodeo is new," McCoy said.
The fair association is working with Bullridemania, and the rodeo itself will feature bull riding, barrel racing, bull hockey, mutton busting (where young cowhands rope sheep) and so much more.
This also is the third year for Monday Night Mayhem, the professional wrestling show, McCoy said.
This is actually a bit different in that it is held in the infield, where the ring will be set up.
Of course, a lot of what happens at the fair is about enticing people to stop at one of the series of food stands. This year, fair-goers can anticipate seeing traditional food favorites such as Gunzey's, Hewletts, Uncle Paul's Stuffed Pretzels, M&K Bubble Drinks and the 4-H food stand.
There are multiple food providers, too numerous to mention all – which specialize in burgers, fries, fried vegetables, taters, ethnic delights such as from chefs featuring Italian and Greek dishes and specialties, flavored non-alcoholic drinks and ice cream.
The fair is devoted to preserving the legacy of area farmers. There are shows almost daily where visitors can see the horses, pigs, goats, sheep, dairy and beef cattle and rabbits, McCoy said.
One of the "cool events" and not to miss is the Youth Livestock Auction, where the proceeds go toward the local 4-H Clubs, she said.
On Thursday, July 18, for example, there is the Supreme Showmanship Competition, which features each species and first place from an advanced group competing. The youth and young adults will feature animals used in dairy farms such as dairy cows, pigs, beef cattle, sheep and rabbits, she said. This takes place at the Livestock Arena.
Each year the fair has tributes to area agriculture, dairy production, special entries, flowers and plants, Grange entries, livestock, rabbits, sheep, swine, vocations, beef cattle, goats and horses.
Each year, the fair is also a place to buy unique gift items, such as those sold by merchants and vendors. "You can buy shoes, shirts, jewelry, doilies, hats -- the list is almost endless.
The fair Midway will feature the rides and games presented by Sunshine Shows, McCoy said.
"They have really nice rides and have been with us for years," she said.
McCoy highlighted how the fair has kept the admission price $4, with those age 12 and under free with a paid adult, which keeps the entry fee affordable, especially for those with families with several young children.
She also noted how many of the daily updates and latest information is available on the fair's website and Facebook page.
The fair has never lost its focus on what's important in the county and state – agriculture and agriculture business and tourism.
The fair prides itself in traditional family values, with a Sunday vesper service, and free music and entertainment performances on the Red Dog Storage Stage and Amelia Earhart Funway, with the shows and times on Facebook and on the fair website at www.lycomingfair.net.
As stated, the fair general admission is $4 with those 12 and under free with a paid adult. The fairgrounds parking is $3.
The fair is easy to get to with an address of its office at 1 East Park St. and plenty of parking available on the fairgrounds and outside the gates.
Main events
Fair opens Wednesday at 4 p.m. and runs through July 20. Hours are July 10-12 and 15-19 4 p.m. opening at the gates and July 13-14 and 20 10 a.m. at the gates.
Youth Day on Tuesday, July 16; Senior Citizens Day, Wednesday, July 17 – which is free all day with a valid ID; Military Appreciation Day, Thursday, July 18, which is free all day with a valid ID. Rides are not included.
The fair ride information indicates the rides will be Monday, Wednesday-Friday 5. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Saturday-Sunday 2 to 10 p.m. Rides close from 5 to 6 p.m. daily. Ride all night for one price and there are wristband specials Monday and Wednesday and Kids Day.
The events at the grandstand are plentiful starting Wednesday, July 10 with an encouraging Enjoy Dinner at the Fair starting at 4 p.m. with Harness Racing at the grandstands and bleachers.Music performance by Dan & Galla.
The Harness Racing is free of charge at 4 p.m. July 11 at the grandstands and bleachers.
Friday July 12 at 6:30 p.m., Bulls and Barrels, at the grandstands and bleachers. For a $10 ticket, cowboys will entertain in a show presented by Bullride Mania Rodeo Co.
Saturday, July 13 marks Saturday Night Kaoss! 4 p.m. – featuring a 4 Man Compact Demo, Queens Clash Compact Demo, Kids Power Wheel Derby – all of it at the grandstands and bleachers and for a $10 admission fee. The event is presented by Lycoming County Fair Motorsports.
Sunday, July 14, 4 p.m. will be the Backyard Brawl! Tommy Hendrick Memorial – Featuring full size V8 Demo, Bumper Swap Demo, Figure 8 Racing – all at the grandstands and bleachers and all for $10 admission. Again, this event is sponsored by the Lycoming County Fair Motorsports.
On Monday, July 15, it's Monday Night Mayhem Pro Wrestling presented by Northern Tier Wrestling. Front row or ringside tickets are $30; second and third row ringside, $25 and general admission, $10.
Tuesday, July 16, at 10 a.m. is the School Day Program at the grandstands and bleachers. At 7 p.m., Lycoming County's Best School Talent Contest, also at the grandstands and bleachers. These events are free to watch.
Wednesday, July 17, at 6 p.m. it's the 2nd Annual "Off the Farm" Antique Tractor Pull at the grandstands and bleachers, and it's a free event presented by the Lycoming County Fair Motorsports.
Thursday, 7 p.m., is Throwback Thursday, with Mild Compact Demo, Most Wanted Fine Art Demo, Figure 8 Racing – on the grandstands and bleachers for $10 admission and presented by Lycoming County Fair Motorsports.
Friday, July 19, 6 p.m. is the Dale Wheeland Tractor Pull and it's at the grandstands and bleachers for $10 admission and presented by North East PA Tractor Pullers.
Saturday, July 20, 4 p.m. is the 14th PATPA 4 X 4 Truck Pull – Transport 4 X 4 Gas and Diesel Truck Pull – at the grandstands and bleachers for $10 admission and presented by Lycoming County Fair Motorsports.