Old Glory Graces Clinton County Fairgrounds
MACKEYVILLE, PA – If you’ve been out to the Clinton County Fairgrounds recently, or have simply driven by on Route 220 coming to or from Interstate 80, you may have noticed a beautiful new addition. A grand-sized American flag now flies along the highest ridge of the fairground property, next to the digital billboard sign that promotes fairground and community activities.
The 10-by-19-foot United States flag flies high atop a 50-foot pole. Underneath, a smaller flag proclaims, “Proud to be an American.” At ground level, a handsomely engraved stone placed next to the flagpole reads, “Dedicated to the people at the Fairgrounds who make this a great place.”
The patriotic and generous addition to the site came from long-time Clinton County Fair Association supporters Paul and Diane Mahoney. Paul said the idea of the flag was to initiate something positive during challenging times. And dedicating the flags to Fair Association volunteers was a way to recognize all of the hard work that goes into not only Fair Week, but all of the other events, activities and upkeep that takes place at the Fairgrounds throughout the year.
In thanking the Mahoney’s for their gift, Clinton County Fair Association president Phil Courter called their gesture “fantastic.”
“I think it’s fantastic that they stepped up and showed their patriotism, but then also honored all of the volunteers who do put a lot of time into the fairgrounds,” said Courter. “It’s great that people think of the Fair – we appreciate it so much. Contributions such as this help better our facilities and better the community.”
Unfortunately, the 2020 Clinton County Fair was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Fairgrounds are still very busy. The Clinton County Speedway’s 2020 season is well underway, with races Friday evenings, and the Clinton County Tractor Pullers Association collaborates with the Fair Association to host a variety of pulling events. The grounds are open to RV and camper camping from April into October.
In addition to Fair-sponsored events, many other organizations use the Fairground facilities to hold events. Coming up is the annual Sharing Hope Ministries disaster relief benefit auction scheduled for Saturday Aug. 29.
Next month, a national Colorado Rangers horse show will take place at the Fairgrounds the weekend of Sept. 18. The following weekend, Sept. 25-27, features the popular Truckers for Hope semi truck show on the Fairgrounds.
At the end of October, the Fairgrounds will be the new site for the annual HoosKow Chainsaw Carvers’ Festival, which continues to grow and is moving to the Fairgrounds this year to allow for that expansion. The event will take place Halloween weekend.
Also in October, the two large exhibit buildings at the Fairgrounds are put into service as a cold weather home for RVs and campers, boats and other vehicles — part of the Fair Association’s winter storage program.
With 2021 right around the corner, Fair board members are already at work planning for next year’s Clinton County Fair, which is scheduled for July 31 through Aug. 7, 2021.
“The Fairgrounds is active year-round,” emphasized Courter. “We’re always grateful for support, whether that be a financial gift, a membership in our Association, or volunteering your time and talent.”
For more information on the Clinton County Fair Association, visit www.ClintonCountyFairPA.com.
