Fair offers ‘Fun for the Whole Herd'”Fun for the Whole Herd’ is the theme of the 54th annual Fayette County Fair, which runs July 24 through Aug. 2 at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in Dunbar Township.
As the slogan suggests, the fair has something to offer everyone: great musical acts that include nationally known country artists Jake Owen and Lady Antebellum, a magician, pig races, demolition derbies, apple pie judging, a fair queen and fireworks, as well as the best in agriculture. Fairgoers shouldn’t forget that agriculture is what the fair is all about. In fact, fair board President Bill Jackson noted at the recent fair preview luncheon that while entertainment pulls people into the fair, “We hope they get some exposure to agriculture while they’re there.’
That includes a full slate of competition for youths and adults in livestock, produce, flowers, baking and sewing. In addition, The Kiddie Farm is in operation from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in the Family Area, where youths can learn about agriculture, and there also is plenty of information in the Youth Building, where there are exhibits offered by the Penn State Cooperative Extension Office.
Pay-one-price admission remains in effect at $11 this year, while early bird admission is $9 up to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Advance tickets will be available for $8, on sale at various locations throughout the county. Admission includes access to carnival rides, shows and all entertainment.
The fair also offers some free admission days, available until 2 p.m., including: Sunday, July 27 – Anyone with a church bulletin for that day; Monday, July 28 – veterans with proper identification; Tuesday, July 29 – each person donating at least three canned goods; Wednesday, July 30 – anyone age 62 and older; and Thursday, July 31 – members of a grange. In addition, active members of the military will be admitted free every day of the fair. The free admission is does not include carnival and shows at the Outdoor Arena. However, upgrades are available at the fair office to include these events.
The following are some highlights of the 2008 Fayette County Fair:
Musical acts: July 24 – Junior Guthrie and the West Virginia Push, with special guest Abby, at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena; July 25 – The Clarks with special guest Tres Lads at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena; July 26 – Jake Owen, with special guest Byrnn Marie, at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena; July 27 – Gospel Sing, beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Fiddlers Building, and Terry Lee Goffee, The “Ultimate” Johnny Cash tribute artist at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena; July 28 – The Fabulous Hubcaps at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena; July 29 – City Church of Connellsville Worship Team concert at 9 p.m. in the Fiddlers Building; July 31 – The Chris Higbee Project, with special guest Kortney Jean and Stampede, at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena; Aug 1 – Zach Ellsworth, with Unwritten, at 7 p.m. in the Fiddlers Building; and Aug. 2 – Lady Antebellum, with special guest Sarah Marince, at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena and square dancing and bluegrass music by the Old-Time Fiddlers from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Fiddlers Building.
Outdoor Arena: July 24, demolition derby at 7 p.m.; July 25, stock car races at 7 p.m.; July 26, 4×4 truck pulls and Keystone mini tractors at 6:30 p.m., motocross at 5 p.m.; July 28, semi and tri-axle truck pulls and pro stock tractors at 7 p.m.; July 29, demolition derby at 7 p.m.; July 30, monster truck races at 7 p.m.; July 31, rodeo at 7 p.m.; Aug. 1, Mud Mania 4×4 trucks and 4×4 quads at 7 p.m.; Aug. 2, demolition derby at 6:30 p.m.
Family Area: Pigs Gone Wild racing pigs, 5, 7 and 9 p.m. daily and a 3 p.m. show added on Saturdays and Sunday; Wild World of Animals, 5:15, 7:15 and 9:15 p.m. daily with a 3:15 p.m. show added Saturdays and Sunday; Tom Crowl, comedy ventriloquist and magician, July 24-28 only, 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. daily with a 3:45 p.m. show added Saturday and Sunday; Mike Bishop, comedy hypnotist, July 29-Aug. 2 only, 5:45 and 7:45 p.m. daily, with a 3:45 p.m. show added Saturday; the Barn Yard Petting Zoo, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; the Kiddie Farm, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; and Winkers the Clown will be strolling the grounds, making balloon sculptures.
Youth Building: July 24, karaoke by Jeff Huseman at 7:30 p.m.; July 25, 4-H Benefit Auction begins at 6:30 p.m.; July 26, youth variety show takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. and That Guy with Birds appears at 7 p.m.; July 27, Jade Karaoke is offered from 6 to 10 p.m.; July 29, diaper derby is slated for 6 p.m. and Imaginary Friends Family Entertainment is presented at 7 p.m.; July 30, Indian Culture: Dances and Games will be offered at 7 p.m.; July 31, North American Karate and Fitness School appears at 7 p.m.; Aug. 1, local cheerleading squads perform at 7 p.m.; and Aug. 2, karaoke by Jeff Huseman is at 7:30 p.m.
Powers Great American Midways carnival, featuring a new ride called The Vortex, is in operation from 6 to 11 p.m., July 24; 3 to 11 p.m., July 25 and July 28-Aug. 1; and 1 to 11 p.m., July 26, July 27 and Aug. 2.
In addition, the fair queen contest begins at 7:30 p.m., July 24, in the Fiddlers Building. And fireworks return to the fair at 9:30 p.m. July 27. Don’t forget the 4-H Livestock Auction at 5 p.m. Aug. 1 in the Indoor Arena. And there is an appearance by the Pittsburgh Passion Professional Women’s Football Team from 4 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 2.
For more information, call 724-628-FAIR (3247) or visit online at www.fayettefair.com.