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2008 fair schedule crowded

By Steve Barrett 6 min read

WAYNESBURG-The historic Greene County Fair, a beloved tradition since the 1860s, is one of the county’s longest-running events, an important piece of local history that has always recognized the importance of agriculture and farming. And now, over 140 years later, that tradition proudly continues.

The 2008 Greene County Fair, which features the theme of “Fun for the Whole Herd!”, will be held Sunday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, Aug. 9, at the county fairgrounds.

Debbie Stephenson, secretary/treasurer for the Greene County Fair Board, said this year’s fair will offer many of the traditional fun events that fairgoers have come to love as well as some new features and attractions that everyone will love.

“The fair board takes pride in continuing the long-running festivities that county folks look forward to each and every year, and bringing in some exciting new events to the fair as well,” she said. “The fair has always appealed to men, women, and children of all ages, because there is so much to offer them each year. There’s something for everyone, and this year’s fair will continue that tradition.”

Although this year’s fair will continue to provide the traditional fun, agriculture, rides, games, and exhibits that fairgoers have come to expect each year at the fairgrounds, Stephenson said those who attend this year’s Greene County Fair will see a few schedule changes for many of its popular events and activities, as well as some new attractions, throughout the seven days of fair festivities.

For many years, the fair was held over a nine-day span, but the fair board decided last year to reduce the number of days to seven, primarily for economic reasons. It turned out to be a good move, according to Stephenson.

“It is certainly beneficial to streamline the fair to seven days, because with fewer days we can jam-pack each day with a number of different events, and hopefully entice more people to come to the fair,” she said. “With the economy being the way it is right now, people are being more particular about where they spend their money… they want more bang for their buck. And we know the fair can deliver that.”

This year’s weeklong event will offer no shortage of family fair fun. There will be many different types of events and activities that offer some fun for everyone, including: draft horse halter and hitch shows, horse and pony pulls, harness racing, the “Kids’ Pedal Pull,” the Lawn and Garden and Farm Stock Tractor Pulls, and much more.

Agriculture and farming will once again be spotlighted with a number of scheduled events throughout the week, including the open and 4-H goat show, open rabbit show, open and 4-H dairy cattle show, the 4-H and Open Beef Cattle Show and the 4-H market and lamb and steer shows and sales, to name a few.

Fans of excitement and roaring engines will have plenty to cheer about throughout the week, as the fair features three nights of truck pulls by Power Pulling Productions, LLC. The fair will also feature the return of smash’em up action with the popular Croushore’s Demolition Derby.

Music will also be featured at the fair, with a musical performance from the Keystone Junction band, a dance demonstration from “String of Pearls” and a karaoke contest.

This year’s fair will also feature several unique attractions throughout the week. Dennis Beach’s Custom Wood Carvings will offer three to four shows daily, and there will also be free Monster Truck Rides as well as Jan Marchezak’s Barnyard Petting Zoo. These events will be featured Aug. 5 through Aug. 9.

There will also be two special contests held during the fair. Four young ladies will compete for the title of 2008 Greene County Fair Queen on Aug. 1. (For more information about the contest, see the sidebar story.)

Also, the 2008-2009 Greene County Wool Queen competition will be held on Aug. 4 at the fair. Contestants must be residents of the state of Pennsylvania, at least 16 years of age, but may not have passed their 22nd birthday as of January 1, 2009.

To participate, contestants must either own sheep, be from an active sheep-producing farm, or have carried a 4-H or FFA sheep project in 2008, and be a member in good standing with the PA Sheep and Wool Growers Association.

The Greene County Wool Queen is eligible and encouraged to enter the competition for the state contest held in October 2008. The queen is expected to participate in any event in Greene County relating to sheep and wool.

For an application for the competition, and for information on how to join the Pennsylvania Sheep and Wool Growers association, contact Janet Mawhinney at 724-966-2577 or e-mail at jbmmmd@alltel.net. Confirmation of intention to enter the contest must be received by August 2.

The fair will once again feature rides from the amusement company Tropical Amusements Inc., that will be bringing a large selection of fun rides for a wider variety of age groups, with rides for children, teens and the whole family.

General admission price to the fair each day is $8. Everyone coming through the gates must have a ticket.

Stephenson said despite the overwhelming amount of different attractions and events, the fair will once again focus on the important aspects of the fair.

“The Greene County Fair will proudly continue its long-running tradition of emphasizing the importance of agriculture, especially in rural areas like ours,” she said.

Reflecting on the jam-packed schedule of events being offered during the 2008 Greene County Fair, Stephenson could barely contain her enthusiasm over what’s in store for fairgoers this year.

“People should be really excited about what’s being offered at this year’s fair for a bargain price,” she said. “Where else can you go have a great time with family and friends, for just eight bucks? It’s a great deal for a great deal of fun, for the whole herd.”

(For more details about the Greene County Fair, check out the Messenger’s official 2008 Greene County Fair Guide, which can be found inside this issue. Copies of the Fair Guide will be distributed at the fairgrounds throughout the week of the fair.)

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