Fairs Offer Travel Destinations, Promote Agriculture
HARRISBURG – As many families seek summer fun nearer to home this year, the 2009 Pennsylvania Fair Guide makes planning trips to the state’s 116 fairs easier than ever, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said.
“Pennsylvania fairs are an important part of our unique heritage, and attract six million visitors each year to amusement rides, entertainment and agriculture,” said Wolff. “Fairs are a family tradition and the fair guide provides easy access to information about fairs throughout the state, helping ensure the tradition of fairs is passed on to the next generation.”
The 2009 fair guide provides convenient information on fairs by region, including their locations and dates.
Century and Bicentennial Fairs, which are those that have been operating for at least 100 and 200 years, are recognized in the fair guide. Currently there are 36 Century Fairs and four Bicentennial Fairs.
The guide also recognizes the 15 fairs that offer harness racing.
Wolff said that some of the fairs featured in the guide are in danger of being canceled or downsized because of Senate Bill 850, the Senate-passed budget plan that eliminates state fair funding.
The Mt. Nebo Grange Fair in Ohio Township, Allegheny County, was called off last month in anticipation of zero state funding.
“Many fairs rely on state funding to operate,” said Wolff. “Unfortunately, with this funding in jeopardy, some fairs may not be able to function this year at all.”
Wolff said the budget proposed by Governor Edward G. Rendell, in contrast to the Senate plan, would continue to make investments in agriculture, including the fairs. The Governor’s proposed budget includes $2 million in state funding for fairs.
In addition to fairs, Pennsylvania is home to educational and affordable agricultural destinations across the state, including farmers markets, wineries and farm stay bed and breakfasts.
Keystone Country, Governor Rendell’s agritourism initiative, highlights these destinations on an easy-to-use Web site located at www.visitpa.com/KeystoneCountry. The site features an interactive map that is searchable by city or region, and lists nearby restaurants, lodging and activities.
To access a 2009 Pennsylvania Fair Guide, visit and click on “Consumers” and then “Pennsylvania Fairs.” For more information on Pennsylvania fairs or agritourism, contact Kristi Rooker at 717-346-4202 or krooker@state.pa.us.
