Bullskin Twp. fair celebrates 80th anniversary
BULLSKIN TWP. – The Bullskin Township Community fair is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year as board members reflect on what has been called the oldest fair in Fayette County. The fair, sponsored by the Pleasant Valley Grange Community Fair Association, will kick off Aug. 10 at 12:30 with a horse and pony show and run through Aug. 16 at the grounds located along Route 982.
James Fabian, fair member and entertainment chairman, said the fair has remained community-oriented since its inception.
“It’s got a different touch than most fairs,” said Fabian, who is also involved with other fairs across the state.
With free admission and entertainment, Fabian said he is challenging fairgoers to come out and watch Cathy Rhodes, who performs songs by country singer Patsy Cline.
“She’s even better,” Fabian said.
He said he met Rhodes several years ago and has tried ever since to get her to perform at Bullskin Township’s fair, but she always had another commitment so he stayed in touch and this year she was able to come.
Fabian said Rhodes goes the whole nine yards to portray Cline, even dressing like her.
Since it’s a country fair, Fabian said the week of entertainment includes none other than country music.
According to Fabian, the fair is geared toward people of all ages with its variety of agricultural exhibits; animals; a rodeo; truck, tractor and horse pulling contests; an ATV four-wheeler obstacle course; demolition derby; and new for this year, a kid’s quad ride featuring Power Wheels battery-operated vehicles.
Fabian said the kid’s ride has turned into a demand at the Derry Area Fair, where he is also a member.
The program of activities is as follows:
– Aug. 11 – Entry day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; truck pulling contest, 6:30 p.m.; and singer Kourtney Jean and Stampede, 7:30 p.m.
– Aug. 12 – Judging of all products and livestock at 9 a.m.; horse pulling contest, 5 p.m.; ATV four-wheeler obstacle course, 7 p.m.; and Patsy & Friends show, 7:30 p.m.
– Aug. 13 – Rodeo, 6:30 p.m.; The Trouble Band, 7:30 p.m.
– Aug. 14 – Demolition derby, 7:30 p.m.; The Ann Jane Allen Family Band, 7:30 p.m.
– Aug. 15 – Tractor pulling contest, 6:30 p.m.; Girlz in Black Hats, 7:30 p.m.
– Aug. 16 – Garden tactor pull, 9:30 a.m.; tractor dead weight pull, 10 a.m.; payment of premiums, 9:30 a.m. to noon; 12:30 p.m., pet parade for kids 12 years and under; kids pedal tractor pull, 1:30 p.m.; special matinee on the midway, 2 to 4 p.m.; demolition derby and Concrete Cowboy, 7:30 p.m.