County fair adds circus, motocross
WASHINGTON – The Washington County Fair, which will be held Aug. 9-16, has something new each year. This year, it’s a free-style motocross jump-off and the Star Family Circus and Thrill Show, according to the fair board Secretary Nadene Gardner.
The Star Family Circus will perform daily throughout the fair at various times, Gardner said. The act includes aerial performances, juggling, a dog act and low-wire performances.
Gardner said she’s not quite sure what to expect from the motorcycle event, other than lots of air and lots of excitement.
“It’s supposed to really be a good show from what the guys are saying,” Gardner said.
The jump-off will be held Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the main grandstand area, the same location as the bus demolition derby that will be held Wednesday, which is band night.
Ten area high school bands will be performing, then buses painted by the band members will face off for the demolition derby.
“We had trouble finding buses this year because the price of scrap is so high,” Gardner said. “We finally found 10 buses.”
The buses will represent the California, Bethlehem-Center, Bentworth, Charleroi, Ringgold, Fort Cherry, Burgettstown, Peters Township, Chartiers-Houston and Avella high school bands.
Gardner said high gasoline prices were one factor in the fair board’s decision to book musical entertainment from this region including the Clarks, who will perform Saturday at 7 p.m. in the grandstand area, and Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, who will perform Sunday at 7 p.m.
Gardner said she’s hoping gas and feed prices don’t hurt the number of participants in this year’s fair.
“We had about 3,100 entries last year with livestock and 4-H and all the quilts and needlework and vegetables and all,” Gardner said.
Gardner said everyone showing animals at the fair has to be from Washington County, but the other competitions are open to anyone.
“Since there’s no county fair in Allegheny County, we get a lot of those people,” Gardner said.
Admission to the Washington County Fair is $9, except on Sunday and Tuesday, when it’s discounted to $6.
Senior citizens ages 62 and older get in free on Monday, and children ages 12 and under get in free on Thursday until 4 p.m.
The admission includes all shows and entertainment as well as parking and the amusement rides.