MACKEYVILLE, PA- The 50th Clinton County Fair kicks off soon for a week highlighting agriculture in Clinton County. The fair will run daily from July 29 thru August 5.
The first Clinton County Fair was held way back in 1972. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the 2020 fair didn’t happen, making 2023 the 50th anniversary celebration.
The fair was the first, and is the only, fair to happen in Clinton County, Bard Forshey co-fair manager said.
“It was during 1971 and the early part of ‘72 that a group of Clinton County residents developed the annual event based on agriculture, 4-H and commercial exhibits and more,” Forshey continued.
The fair’s first two years were hosted in a farmer’s field before moving to two other locations as it grew. In December 1983, 66 acres were purchased for the fair and is the current site in Mackeyville.
In addition to the fair, the grounds offer camping and grounds rental throughout the year and is host to dozens of events in the county. Also the fairgrounds is home to the Clinton County Speedway which runs from April-September each year and sees some 3,000 spectators during race nights. The speedway is running its 35th season this year as well. In addition, the fairgrounds also offers winter storage each year. More information on grounds rental, storage and camping can be found on the fair website at clintoncountyfairpa.com.
The fair draws some 30,000 people and 200-plus campers each year, Forshey said.
“Everything is getting bigger and better and stronger,” Robin Seyler, a fair board director, said. While a lot of changes have happened over the years, 4-H students remain a focal point of the week, Seyler said. Organizers worked hard this year in trying to get more students involved. The board hosted several nights at Keystone Central School District schools inviting students to enter art and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) projects in the fair.
Donna Wech, co-fair manager said, “This year’s fair we are excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary and continue to look into the future. The theme is Remember the past and growing the future. We are excited to showcase agriculture in Clinton County and all it has to offer our area. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the fair and see all of our history.” She noted that this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary there will be daily history exhibits and daily giveaways folks can sign-up for.
This year’s fair will feature the traditional agriculture exhibits, animals being shown by the 4-H and FFA and fair food. In addition, there will be antique tractors displayed, Back this year for the first time in more than 10 years is bull riding on Thursday August 3. Tickets are available for sale and purchase at various local businesses. Visit the fair website to learn more www.clintoncountfairpa.com. Rides will be available by Double M Amusements.
New this year begging Monday July 31 will be Glass Blowing demonstrations and workshops sponsored by Ingram Fuels
The fair will also include an action-packed schedule of events at the track; including Clinton County Speedway Races, Figure Eight and Demolition Derby, 4×4 Truck Pulls, Street Classes and Hot Classes, Tractor Pulls Farm Stock, Modified and V8’s and Lawn and Garden and Antique Tractor pulls.
The fair would like to thank some of the sponsors of the 2023 fair, PA Lottery, UPMC, Horizon Federal Credit Union, FCCB, Clinton County Community Foundation, Inc., Donald G. Walker Funeral Home and Moriarty Funeral Home and Crematory and numerous other sponsors including the volunteers who put countless hours in making the fair a success.
Daily admission is $5 after 7 am on the weekends, three each weekday and children 12 and under are admitted free. Daily parking pass is $2 per car. Tuesday Seniors free and Friday Veterans free.
Therecord-online will be highlighting events at the fair throughout the week on its website and social platforms.
