Greene County Fair returns with jam-packed schedule
Fairgoers enjoy a ride on the swings, one of the many amusement rides that were in operation at the 2016 Greene County Fair. In addition to a multitude of amusement rides, the 2017 Greene County Fair will offer a wide array of agricultural events, music, food vendors, attractions and games. This year鈥檚 fair will be held Aug. 6-12. (Photo by Brett Spitznogle)
One of the highlights to be found at the 2017 Greene County Fair will be the return of the Monster Truck Rides, which will be available from 5 to 10 p.m. each day during the fair. This year鈥檚 Monster Truck is in the form of the General Lee vehicle that was made famous in the popular 鈥淒ukes of Hazzard鈥� television series.
WAYNESBURG 鈥� It isn鈥檛 difficult to figure out why people return to the Greene County Fair year after year.
The reason is consistency. Fairgoers can expect an equal blend of agriculture/livestock and eclectic entertainment that partner together to 鈥減rovide something for everybody,鈥� said Debbie Stephenson, secretary/treasurer of the fair board, who for the past 20 years has worked tirelessly to keep the fair running smoothly, rain or shine, at the Greene County Fairgrounds.
The theme for the 2017 edition of the Greene County Fair, which will be held Aug. 6-12, is 鈥淐ountry Scenes 鈥� Blue Ribbon Dreams,鈥� a tribute theme to the core of a county fair 鈥� the importance of agriculture and hard work and sacrifice of the county鈥檚 4-H youth, who raise, show and sell their animals.
The agricultural aspect of the fair kicks off with home and garden judging at 9 a. m. Aug. 7, followed that same day with the 4-H, FFA and Open goat show and the wool queen contest. The theme continues Aug. 8 with the 4-H rabbit show, the 4-H, FFA and Open dairy cattle show, and the 4-H market steer show.
On Aug. 9, there will be the 4-H, FFA and Open beef cattle show and the 4-H market lamb show.
But if agriculture and farming are not high on your list of county fair experiences, then Stephenson suggests taking a Monster Truck ride anytime from 5 to 10 p.m. each day during the fair. This year鈥檚 Monster Truck is in the form of the General Lee vehicle that was made famous in the popular 鈥淒ukes of Hazzard鈥� television series.
鈥淲e are really excited about this,鈥� Stephenson said, noting this event is not to be confused with the Monster Truck Jam, which was held in 2015.
The fair also will offer the traditional events, including live musical performances from the Chris Higbee Band at 8 p.m. Aug. 9, and the Original Rag Tag Band at 8:15 p.m. Aug. 10.
Also on tap will be draft horse halter and hitch shows, harness racing, truck and tractor pulls and the popular Croushore鈥檚 demolition derby.
Featured daily through fair week will be Dennis Beach custom wood carvings, the Jan Marchezak Barnyard Petting Zoo and midway rides presented by Tropical Amusements.
New this year will be a visit by the Pennsylvania WoodMobile, which will be exhibited at the fairgrounds Aug. 7 thru Aug. 11, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The WoodMobile educates the public about Pennsylvania鈥檚 forests and sustainable forest management 鈥� securing the wood products needed today while protecting the trees of tomorrow. The mobile exhibit uses interactive activities and displays to promote the responsible use of forest resources and an understanding of the forest industry to the public.
Stephenson said the admission price to the fair each day remains at $8 and everyone coming through the gate must have a ticket.
The fair board has remained committed to keeping the admission price low so families can come out and support this community event.
鈥淭he fair gives those who attend the very best of what we have to offer, all for a reasonable price,鈥� Stephenson said.
The historic Greene County Fair, a beloved tradition since the 1860s, is one of the county鈥檚 longest-running events, an important piece of local history that has always recognized the importance of agriculture and farming.