Over Five Decades of Fun at the Clinton County Fair: Mark Your Calendars for the 51st Fair July 27 – August 3, 2024
By Emily Wright
MILL HALL—The Clinton County Fair returns for its 51st year, promising a week of engaging activities, lively entertainment, and a showcase of Clinton County’s rich agricultural heritage beginning on Saturday, July 27, and continuing until Saturday, August 3. Whether you’re a returning visitor or a first-time guest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s fair.
Held at the Clinton County Fairgrounds on Racetrack Road, the fair is managed by Donna Wech and Barb Forshey, who have diligently organized the event for the past eight years. The Record reached out to Donna for more information about what visitors can expect at this year’s fair.
The Clinton County Fair maintains a tradition of offering affordable entertainment. This year, beginning at 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, admission is set at $5.00, and parking will be $2.00. Early birds get free admission before 3 p.m. on weekdays. Weekend admission is $5.00 beginning at 7:00 a.m., and parking is $2.00. Children ages 12 and under can enjoy the fair free of charge throughout the week of the event.
For those planning to immerse themselves in the full experience and enjoy all eight days of the fair, advance weekly passes for $25.00 are available for purchase until Sunday, July 28th, at Calico Creek, Chatham Run Feed Mill, Dotterer Equipment, The Farmer’s Dotterer, 64 Beer Store, the Clinton County Fair Office, and at The Old School Market. Note that advance weekly passes do not include the amusement rides.
On Saturday, July 27, be sure to head to the main stage at the fairgrounds to watch the opening ceremony at 3:00 p.m., which will be followed by the crowning of the 2024 Clinton County Fair Queen at 3:30 p.m. This year, there are six contestants competing in the royal event. Stick around for the chili cookoff at 4:00 p.m. in the 4-H and Open Exhibit Building, and then head to the auxiliary stage to see live music provided by Blue Grass Express at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 28, will feature a variety of activities beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a worship service held on the main stage. The Little Princess contest will also take place on the main stage at 11:00 a.m., and a cornhole tournament sponsored by The Old Corner Grill and Bottle Shop will kick off at 3:00 p.m. Registration for the tournament will be held at the main stage at 2:00 p.m.
The “Wolves of the World” live wolf show runs from Monday, July 29 to Saturday, August 3rd, and is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. “Wolves of The World” is the world’s only traveling wolf pack, and their show demonstrates how they naturally behave. The show will highlight the wolves’ extraordinary ability to climb, jump, and much more. Showtimes will be announced daily, so be sure to stay tuned for updates on the Clinton County Fair website.
New this year is a chocolate baking contest that’s sure to sweeten the start of the fair. The contest is slated for Monday, July 29th, with registration taking place from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.The contest will kick off at 6:00 p.m. in the 4-H and Open Exhibit Building.
Beginning on Tuesday, July 30th, amusement rides provided by Penn Valley Shows, LLC, will be open and ready to go. From Tuesday to Saturday, August 3, rides will run daily from 5:00 p.m. until closing time, and wristbands can be purchased for $20.00 at the Ride Ticket booth.
On Wednesday, July 31st, Kiddies Day will be in full swing, with special activities planned for kids between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., including an obstacle course that is sure to provide loads of fun throughout the day. At 1:00 p.m., purchase a Sunset Milkshake and receive a free tee shirt while supplies last. During Kiddie’s Day, amusement rides will run from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. This year, kids can get a wristband for rides at a reduced price, thanks to Horizon Federal Credit Union. Stick around to catch a new event taking place this year, the County Wide Pinewood Derby Racing, which will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Commercial Building.
The Kiddie’s Pedal Pulling event will return to the fair again this year on Thursday, August 1, sponsored by the Lock Haven Moose Lodge 100. This challenge allows children ages 12 and under to sit on a pedal tractor and drag a weighted sled as far as they can go. Dragging the sled creates friction, which makes it more challenging to pull. The farther they go, the more challenging it gets! Registration for this event will be held at the Show Arena at 6:00 p.m., with the show starting at 7:00 p.m.
Those interested in an adrenaline-pumping show featuring professional bull riders and their bulls should head to the Lower Horse Ring to catch “Bullride Mania” at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1. Admission to “Bullride Mania” is $15.00, with advance tickets available for $10.00. As always, kids ages 12 and under get in for free. This year, children can join the fun by participating in the calf scramble, which is set to take place during the bull riding event and will be categorized by age group.
For those with a competitive spirit and a love for food, the fair will feature a new hotdog and pie eating contest on Friday, August 2. Registration for the contest will be at 5:00 p.m., and the contest begins at 5:30 p.m. The exact location of the event at the fairgrounds will be announced on the Clinton County Fair website, so keep an eye out for updates.
Adding to the diverse lineup of events, the fair will host nightly drawings, with exciting prizes donated by the Clinton County Fair Board. To participate, visit the fair table inside the commercial building for a free ticket each day of the fair. Drawings will take place each night of the fair at 9:30 p.m. at the auxiliary stage—winners must be present to claim their prizes. On the final night of the fair, a freezer stuffed with beef will be raffled off, providing a delectable end to the festivities.
Agriculture remains the heart of the Clinton County Fair, and this year, the fair will introduce the Supreme Showman Competition on Friday, August 2nd. The contest aims to acquaint youth with showmanship skills and requirements of various farm animals. The grand champion showmen will compete against one another at 4:00 p.m. in the Livestock Arena.
The fair continues regardless of the weather, with most events still set to take place, rain or shine. Rides may pause during inclement conditions, and performances may be delayed due to lightning. Fairgoers are advised to wear appropriate attire to enjoy all the activities comfortably.
Also new this year is the introduction of online registration for exhibitors. Interested participants can pre-register online through the Clinton County Fair website or by visiting http://clinton-countypa.fairentry.com/.
The Clinton County Fair Managers, staff, and coordinators extend their heartfelt thanks to this year’s sponsors for their invaluable support. Their contributions ensure the success and continuity of this cherished tradition in Clinton County.
To see the full list of activities, exhibits, entertainment, and contests, be sure to check out the schedule of events on the Clinton County Fair website under the “Our Fair” tab.
Clinton County Fair Grounds: 98 Racetrack Rd, Mill Hall, PA 17751
Clinton County Fair Website: https://clintoncountyfairpa.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/clintoncountyfairpa/
Fair office phone number: 570-726-4148
