Opening day at the Schuylkill County Fair is bliss for volunteers

For Paul Kennedy, there’s nothing quite like sunrise on the opening day of the Schuylkill County Fair.

As the morning light begins to glint over the mountains, illuminating the fairgrounds nestled below, Kennedy, fair association president, is already awake, taking in the sight.

“It (opening day) is when we get to unwrap our present to our community,” Kennedy said. “It’s like Christmas morning to me every year.”

That “present” sprawled among 76 acres of fairgrounds is the product of an entire year of planning and preparation.

For Kennedy and the hundreds of fair association volunteers who lend a hand, the effort couldn’t be more worthwhile.

“I’m just excited for the fair, I enjoy every day” said Dee Boris, fair association board member. “There’s something for everyone … It’s just a nice family, country atmosphere.”

The fair, which runs this year from July 31 to Aug. 5, boasts a cornucopia of family fun: thrilling rides kids can’t get enough of; exciting events like the tractor pull; livestock and crop exhibits that showcase the best Schuylkill has to offer; a heavenly selection of fair favorite cuisine; live music and more.

All that value, for a $5 admission fee, and children under 10 get in free. It’s a bargain that Boris says she almost can’t believe.

“There’s something for everyone. The guys can go up to the track, the kids can come down and go on the rides, check out the food, the vendors. Bring your lawn chair, sit outside, and watch the entertainment under the stars,” Boris said. “For $5, you can’t beat it.”

This year, Boris said fairgoers can look forward to a beefed-up lineup of livestock.

“We’re happy to say that our livestock areas are going to be full. Our horse area is going to be filled this year. It hasn’t been filled in a while,” Boris said. “Last year, we might’ve had maybe four horses. This year we’re having 14.”

That means more animals than usual up for auction, and more chances for kids with local 4-H and FFA youth organizations to display their talents.

“We expect a record-breaking youth (livestock) sale,” Kennedy said.

Also unique to this year will be several events throughout the week honoring the fair’s 40th anniversary.

The celebration will kick off Monday with a flag-raising ceremony featuring U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, who will present a flag that flew over the Capitol, Boris said.

Anniversary events will continue Monday during the crowning ceremony, where new royalty will share the stage with four decades of past queens.

“We invited all past royalty we could find to come be a part of the crowning,” Kennedy said. “It’s going to be awesome to have those women back on the stage.”

In addition, Wednesday’s celebrity tractor pull will start with a military appreciation ceremony featuring the Jefferson Grange and a presentation of colors by Vietnam War veterans.

Wednesday is Military Day at the fair, where veterans are treated to reduced prices, special greetings and other perks.

A fair as large as Schuylkill County’s needs an equally huge birthday cake, and the fair association has that covered.

“It’s big enough that we need a specialized farm tool to move it,” Kennedy said.

The catch? It’s made of bales of hay.

“I don’t know if I’d eat it, but if I was a cow I would,” Kennedy said with a laugh.

Kids will also have their day on Tuesday — the fair’s annual Kids Day features the return of a longtime favorite — the touch-a-truck event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All manner of firetrucks, police cars and other interesting vehicles will be on display for kids to see, enter and touch.

Senior appreciation day will run Thursday, offering discounts for older fairgoers as well as bingo and other special activities.

Kennedy noted that while many old favorites will be making a comeback, volunteers never stop fine-tuning the fair.

“It’s like a band — you play to your audience,” Kennedy said. “That’s part of what’s unique about our fair. We continue to build on our track events. We’ve changed what we do with our entertainment, our food on the midway. Even our advertising, having different social media content …We learn what the trends are, and adapt.”