102nd West End Fair begins Sunday

GILBERT, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It’s a foggy, quiet morning on the west end fairgrounds in Gilbert on Friday.

More than 200 tents and stands are empty. Come Sunday though the grounds will be filled for the 102nd West End Fair.

Several weeks and lots of hands, even those learning young.

Testing out the ‘Farmer for a Day’ exhibit, fairgoers can get their hands dirty and learn about what our local farms do for our region.

Generations of their hard work are spotlighted throughout the fair’s museum. The history running deeper than just the grounds.

“I’m a second-generation fair director and seeing people sitting out in that entertainment area, where they sat 20 years ago and now their kids are sitting there and their grandkids are there. That to me just gives me the best feeling in the world,” says Julie Weiss.

Changing with the times, fairgoers will see new security protocols take place as they’ve added weapons detection at entrances in addition to its long-standing no-weapons policy.

“If you go to any major concert or big event, you’re always doing something like that, so I think in this day and age we’re all kind of used to that and that’s what we do.”

Prioritizing safety, but also fun, as activities like storytime with Western Pocono Community Library and laser tag have been added for the first time.

The West End Fair runs Sunday through Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.

Returning for a second year. Its ‘sensory-friendly morning’ event will take place on Tuesday from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.

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