62nd Luzerne County Fair kicks off in Lehman Township

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The weather was top of mind in Luzerne County for visitors to the opening of a popular fair.

Last year, flood waters washed out the entire property of the Luzerne County Fair , cutting the season short.

The first day of the fair happened under clear skies.

Organizers and visitors 28/22 News spoke with are anticipating it stays that way for the 62nd celebration after the 61st was a washout.

People made their way around Luzerne County Fair Grounds Wednesday under bright promising weather conditions, tasting the sweet and salty fair foods, placing bets on their favorite wheel, and watching circus acts take the stage.

“You can tell they really put work into making this year better than last year because last year was such a washout that it seems like they worked really hard to make it as enjoyable as they can for the people that come,” said Lackawanna County resident Gianna Delfino.

More than 200 vendors, free entertainment, and rides surround the fairgrounds this year.

The party-time petting zoo, offering educational and agricultural elements to the annual event is the fair’s newest addition.

Organizers say they wanted to make this year better than ever after strong storms flooded the entire property and knocked out power on day two last year.

“Man when the water came rushing down through. It was crazy,” said Sandy Spray with J & JR Scooter Wheel Chair and Stroller Rentals and Sales.

The greatest damage the fair had ever seen affected hundreds of people, vendors, and staff members, evacuating everyone and shutting the gates down early.

“For a young boy for the most part I remember we would get some rain storms up here, especially on Saturdays but nothing compared to what had happened last year,” said Joe Stanavage with Joe’s Homemade Pierogies.

For Joe’s homemade pierogies and donuts, it’s been 40 years coming to the Luzerne County fair and after last year, this one is all about recouping.

“We had some damage to our tents, we had some damage yeah a lot of recovery,” Stanavage explained.

There was also a lot of wishing for calm weather.

“We hope the weather works out for us and people keep coming out for day two so on and so forth,” Stanavage added.

28/22 News on Thursday will talk with fair officials about the steps they took and the changes made to ensure flooding does not happen at the fair grounds again.

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