CLEARFIELD – A 147 year-old family tradition, the Clearfield County Fair, kicks off Sunday at 12:30 p.m. with the Amateur Duet Idol contest followed by the Fair Queen Contest at 3 p.m. at the main stage. Admission to the fairgrounds on Sunday remains free as in past years.
A change in gate admission was made for this year to include all-day access to mechanical rides for $6. The carnival will be 100 percent operational Monday at 4 p.m.
Last year gate admission was $3 and special pay-one-price ride days were offered at an extra cost of $12. The change in the gate structure benefits fairgoers who ride by a savings of $9 over last year. For those who do not wish to ride, an Advance Gate Pass Booklet can be purchased until Sunday for $15. The booklet contains five gate only admission coupons that can be torn out, making it ideal for a group to purchase the pass together and then divide up the coupons. Grandstand/bleacher seating for the Fireman’s Parade (Monday) and Horse Pull (Friday) are also now included with gate admission.
A special performance has been planned for those planning to sit in the grandstand to watch the parade. The Beaver Run Drill Team will be performing Monday on the track in front of the grandstand at 5:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Paid gate admission also includes entertainment at the David H. Litz Stage; Circle C Petting Zoo and Animal Racing; Harness Racing (Monday throughThursday); Firefighter Training Show; and Appalachian Art Studio-wood carving and more.
A cake auction will be held on Monday at 3 p.m. at the Litz Stage. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. The Kids Tractor Pedal Pull returns on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Expo II building. Registration will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Age classes are 4 and under; 5 and 6 years; and 7 to 9 years.
A new twist is added to the Celebrity Cow Milking Contest, Thursday at 6 p.m., as contestants will compete as teams and a select few will have to compete blindfolded.
Area youth will showcase their hard work at the various livestock shows which are held daily. The 4H/FFA Livestock Sale will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. Proceeds of the sale go to the 4H/FFA members to help further their education.
Headlining the concerts this year are Tuesday – The Doobie Brothers; Wednesday – country sensationn Sugarland; Friday – rock the night with Skid Row and Quiet Riot; and Saturday – the legendary Meatloaf. Full Pull Productions Truck and Tractor Pull will be held Thursday and the Imperial Stunt Drivers featuring Tony Peterson will be Saturday at noon. Tickets for these events can be ordered by calling 765-1749 or visiting the ticket window at the fair grounds (Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Gate times are Monday and Wednesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking remains at $3. For a full schedule of events, visit the official Clearfield County Fair Web site.