AGRICULTURAL

160th Wayne County Fair: Traditions returning to Fairgrounds near Honesdale

Peter Becker
Tri-County Independent

The 160th Wayne County Fair is set Friday August 5 through Saturday, August 13 at the fairgrounds a mile north of Honesdale off Route 191.

Balance what's new with many returning favorites and deep traditions that have been the heart of this county fair for over a century and a half— and we have the Wayne County Fair, an enduring tradition of the northern Poconos.

Jeffrey Firmstone, whose voice has often been heard over the loudspeaker announcing harness races and other events, is one of several long-standing directors and vice-president of the Wayne County Agricultural Society, which hosts the fair. He shared highlights of the 2022 edition and some reflections.

The pay-one-price is $12, which Firmstone stressed that while the price has increased, it is a great bargain with unlimited rides, most grandstand shows and parking included. He said this has been very popular with families.

Larger fairs, he said, typically make you pay per ride or have pay-one-price only on certain days.

New this year, in addition to senior citizens (age 62 and up), military and veterans will receive a discounted ticket price of $6.00 on Friday, August 5 and Wednesday, August 10.

The huge amount of energy and work to put on the fair, he said, is indeed fun and rewarding when they see the public of all ages come and enjoy themselves at the fair, making family traditions and memories that will last a lifetime.

Wayne County Wanderings:Celebrating 159 Years of the Wayne County Fair

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Celebrating traditions at the Fair

Harness racing has been a staple of the Wayne County Fair since the far was first held in 1862. There is no extra price to watch the horses race, Saturday, Aug. 6 at 1 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 7 at noon; Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 4 p.m.; amd Thursday, Aug. 11 at noon. There is also a Horse Pull, Friday, Aug. 5 at noon. The fair, a mile north of Honesdale, is slated August 5-13.

Some schedule highlights include Demolition Derby on the two Friday nights, a long-time favorite that is back in full tilt. Love of trucks and tractors abound, with the traditional tractor pulls — both the brawny adult version and the kid's pull. Also on the schedule are monster trucks, truck pulls and the Black Cat Hell Drivers.

Harness racing, which traces its origin to the very first fair 160 years ago, is held four times.

Anyone loving animals and farm life can relish the 4-H livestock shows, seeing the cattle, pigs, goats and sheep up close, the Wayne County Historical Society's farm museum exhibits; and the variety of bunnies at the fair's north end.

Poultry, however, is taking a break this year. Firmstone said that the PA Department of Agriculture has banned the showing of chickens and other fowl at this time due to the Avian Flu epidemic.

Premium books have been published, inviting all those with a green thumb or a love for baking, sewing, gardening or crafts, to prepare their entries and sign up for a chance to earn a prize ribbon. The books also include the contests for showing their livestock or rabbits.

The premium book includes the rules and regulations for every contest, guidelines for animal care, showmanship standards, information for each of the 23 departments, entry forms, and a judging schedule. Registration deadline for many contests was July 1. Visit the fair website for details: waynecountyfair.com.

The Woodsmen's Competition will be held on the last day of the fair.

Numerous 4-H an FFA livestock shows are scheduled at the 160th Wayne County Fair (August 5-13), culminating in the 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale at the arena and large dairy barn, Saturday, August 13 starting at 10 a.m. The fairground are in Dyberry Township, one mile north of Honesdale off Route 191, the same location it has been since 1862.

Concerts and more at the Wayne County Fair

Some new features include Gypsy, a tribute band celebrating Steve Nicks and Fleetwood Mac; a Wild West show and a special gate price for military and veterans.

Catch the Gypsy band in front of the grandstand August 6. The Best of the Eagles are in concert August 10.

There are numerous acts on the Small Stage, including Andy Ritz with his "Wild West Showdown". Buffalo & Brandy returns with their children's musical participation show. There are several more musical acts there.

Then there's Rosaire's Racing Pigs, Dino Roar (a dinosaur on the lower midway), T.J. Hill Magician strolling the grounds, and Ryan Gothrup demonstrating glass blowing.

Wayne County Fair carries on during pandemic

Kids Pedal Pull is scheduled Sunday, August 7 at 5 p.m. at the 160th Wayne County Fair (August 5-13).

In 2020 the fair was canceled due to the COVID pandemic, only the third time in fair history (the other times were in 1888 due to finances and 1942 due to flooding). Firmstone said that the fair returned in 2021 and everyone was glad to be back.

For the second time ever, they topped 100,000 in attendance. How many will come this year, he noted, is always weather dependent.

The fair will carry on without two of their long-time, dedicated volunteers: Nina Martin, who was secretary for approximately 45 years, died this past March at 95. Diane Mott, who served as treasurer 42 years, died last October.

Both did a great amount behind the scenes to make the nine-day fair possible every year.

"People like that you don't replace, you just go on," Firmstone said, noting how the fair has been built on committed volunteers. "It's in our blood," Firmstone reflected.