Community fairs get underway across region
Aug. 4—As summer winds down, fair and festival season picks up.
County and community fairs are now underway across the region. Fees for entry, parking and special events vary; check with individual fairs before you go for more information and any changes.
Here's a closer look at what the area's fairs have to offer.
Schuylkill County Fair
When: Now through Saturday, Aug. 6
Where: Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, 2270 Fair Road, Schuylkill Haven
Details: schuylkillfair.com
In addition to livestock actions and tractor pulls, the fair also features performances by the Amish Outlaws on Thursday, Aug. 4; Brandon Bennett with the Spin-Outs on Friday, Aug. 5; and Jesse Wade and Grammy-nominated group Little Texas on Saturday, Aug. 6.
Wayne County Fair
When: Friday, Aug. 5, through Saturday, Aug. 13
Where: Wayne County Fairgrounds, 270 Miller Drive, Honesdale, 18431
Details: waynecountyfair.com
The Wayne County Fair celebrates its 160th anniversary this year with fun for the whole family. On Friday, Aug. 12, the Monster Truck Freestyle event features the Avenger, Brutus and Nothing but Trouble.
New Jersey State Fair
When: Friday, Aug. 5, through Saturday, Aug. 13
Where: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, New Jersey
Details: sussexcountyfairgrounds.org/html/fair-info.cfm
Fans of WWE will have the opportunity to meet several wrestlers, including Enzo Amore, Boogeyman and Hall-of-Famers Brutus Beefcake, Greg Valentine, Ted DiBiase, Tony Atlas and Jim Ross. The fair also will host the 41st annual Polka Night and Dance Contest with music by Robbie Lawrence and the Steelworkers.
Tioga County Fair
When: Tuesday, Aug. 9, through Saturday, Aug. 13
Where: Marvin Park, 50 W. Main St., Owego, New York
Details: tiogacofair.com
The fair will showcase the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo, demolition derbies, and truck and tractor pulls.
Harford Fair
When: Monday, Aug. 15, through Saturday, Aug. 20
Where: Harford Fairgrounds, 485 Fair Hill Road
Details: 570-434-4300 or harfordfair.com
The Harford Fair will have an ice cream social with music from the Popstar Drive, chainsaw carving demonstrations and appearances by Nate Hosie, Tyler Farr and Bullride Mania.
Greene-Dreher Sterling Community Fair
When: Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 4
Where: Greene-Dreher-Sterling Fairgrounds, 457 Crestmont Drive, Dreher Twp.
Details: For more information, call 570-676-4047 or visit gdsfair.com.
If you like pie the GDS Fair has something for you: a pie-eating contest for young adults and adults. Prizes will be awarded.
West End Fair
When: Sunday, Aug. 21, through Saturday, Aug. 27
Where: 570 Fairgrounds Road, Gilbert
Details: thewestendfair.com
The West End Fair celebrates its milestone 100th fair this year with all sorts of family-friendly events, such as a parade, fireworks, tractor pulls and performances by Whey Jennings, grandson of Waylon Jennings, and the Brian Dean Moore Band.
Wyoming County Fair
When: Wednesday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 5
Where: Wyoming County Fairgrounds, 9141 Route 6, Meshoppen
Details: 570-833-4866 or wyomingcountyfair.com
The Wyoming County Fair will be filled with entertainment. On Saturday, Sept. 3, Grammy nominee Jimmie Allen will take the stage, and the following night, the "Ultimate AC/DC Experience" Live Wire will rock the fairgrounds.
The Great Allentown Fair
When: Wednesday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 5
Where: Allentown Fairgrounds, 1703 Liberty St.
Details: allentownfairpa.org
A 170-year tradition in the Lehigh Valley continues this year with a mix of traditional fair favorites and national performing acts. Performing this year are the Dropkick Murphys on Thursday, Sept. 1; Cole Swindell and Chase Rice on Friday, Sept. 2; and Philadelphia's pop punk band, the Wonder Years, on Sunday, Sept. 4.
Luzerne County Fair
When: Wednesday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 11
Where: Luzerne County Fairgrounds, Route 118, Dallas
Details: 570-675-3247 or luzernecountyfair.com
Luzerne County heads to outer space this year with a new act called the Space Adventure Thrill Show, which will feature acrobatics and motorcycle stunts.
Fleetville Fair
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company, Benton Twp. Station and Grounds, 58 Firehouse Lane
Details: fleetvillefireco.com/fall-fair
This one-day country fair supports Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company and features unicorn and pony rides, a farm stand with a cider press demonstration, pumpkin decorating and a junior firefighter obstacle course.
Bloomsburg Fair
When: Friday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Oct. 1.
Where: Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, Railroad and Fifth streets
Details: 570-784-4949 or bloomsburgfair.com
The big Bloomsburg Fair has something for everyone. Besides the food, carnival rides and exhibit buildings, it also will have performances by Justin Moore (Sept. 23), Nelly and C & C Music Factory (Sept. 24), Toby Mac (Sept. 25) and Joan Jett (Sept. 26) plus a demolition derby and big rig pulling.
Other summer and fall festivals
Johnson College Inaugural Fall Fest: Saturday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Johnson College, 3427 N. Main Ave., Scranton; 800-293-9675 or johnson.edu; features music by the Hometown Boyz, local artisan and craft vendors, a Kids Corner and more.
Moscow Country Street Fair: Thursday, Aug. 4, and Friday, Aug. 5, 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Main Street, Moscow; 570-687-8307 or moscowcountrystreetfair@gmail.com; includes hometown and tractor parades, vendors, a food court, scavenger hunt, basket raffle, 50/50, musical entertainment, karaoke contest and more.
Blueberry Festival: Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6; downtown Montrose; blueberryfestival@susqcolibrary.org; sample blueberry treats, baked goods and other items; benefits Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association.
Sherwood Park Summer Festival: Thursday, Aug. 18, 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.; Friday, Aug. 19, through Saturday, Aug. 20, 5 to 10 p.m.; Sherwood Park, Sherwood Avenue and Barnard Street, Dunmore; facebook.com/Sherwood-Youth-Association-199630529832.
Wally Lake Fest: Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28; on and around Lake Wallenpaupack, Pike and Wayne counties; northernpoconoschamber.com/wally-lake-fest; enjoy live music and other events.
Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune's expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.
