Big things coming to this year’s Great Stoneboro Fair

STONEBORO, Pennsylvania (WKBN) – Summer might be winding down, but the oldest fair in Mercer County is getting ready to kick off with a bang.

The 156th Great Stoneboro Fair opens Wednesday and has old favorites including vendors, fair food, musical entertainment, 4-H and more. There are animals for judging like cows, sheep and goats, a cow-milking contest, horse and pony shows, and new and antique farm equipment, among many other things. This year, however, there are some pretty big new things, especially for thrill riders.

“This year, the new ride is called the Beast Ride. It was shipped over from Italy and weighs 92,000 pounds,” said Shirley McIntire, president of the Great Stoneboro Fair. “This year, we have the axe women log rollers. We have the helicopter ride on Saturday and Monday from noon until dusk. It equals out to a two-and-a-half minute ride.”

There’s a lot for the kids to do as well, including rides, a new Bengal Tiger show, a hay maze, a Rock ‘N Circus and even a Foam Zone.

“We had it last year and the kids loved it. The gentleman that comes in has a big plastic mat and a cannon that shoots the foam and the kids try to get under it,” said McIntire. “It’s a real hit for the kids. We like that because that’s the name of the game is the kids. As long as you can see the kids smiling and having a good time, then we’re happy.”

Fairgoers can also enjoy a variety of shows at the Grandstand including Bull Mania, Barrel racing, a demo derby, and a truck and tractor pull. There’s also a special theme to this year’s fair.

“The theme is ‘Flourishing with opportunity rooted in agriculture,’ and that is what every fair is about… the agriculture,” said McIntire. “We don’t want to lose that. There’s too many farms being sold, and we still want people to be interested and can still do it.”

The Great Stoneboro Fair runs from Wednesday, August 28, through Labor Day and is located at 2831 Mercer Road in Stoneboro. Presale tickets cost $12, and the cost of admission once the fair opens is $15.

For more information, call (724) 376-2852 or visit StoneboroFair.info.

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