Published: August 26, 2008 11:30 am            

Cultivating interest | Cambria fair official: Urban areas more involved

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

In keeping with one of the longest-standing traditions in Pennsylvania, the gates of the 117th edition of the Cambria County Fair are about to open.

The fair begins Sunday and continues through Sept. 6 at the fairgrounds, along old Route 219 north in Ebensburg.

For an $8 admission price, people are free to enjoy all the amusement rides, exhibits and grandstand shows.

Patricia Fenchak, agricultural building superintendent of the Cambria County American Legion Recreation Association Inc., which owns and operates the fair, is excited by the level of participation from county residents.

Fenchak knows that the rural community always has been supportive. But because of a wider campaign to increase interest, people from urban areas are getting involved.

“We found different ways to distribute our premium book, which contains entry forms in a variety of categories, and we have seen more people coming from Richland Township and Westmont areas,” Fenchak said.

Cambria County fairgoers know when Labor Day weekend rolls around, they will be treated to thrilling amusement rides on the midway, traditional foods or spending time examining a multitude of agricultural exhibits.

“This has been an outstanding growing season, and we expect a lot of nice examples to be displayed,” Fenchak said.

Organizers continue to offer concerts on the first two days of the fair and by closing out the festivities with a show on the final day.

“We have three up-and-coming country stars who have songs on the charts and are recognized by younger audiences,” Fenchak said.

Each performer will be doing shows at 4 and 8 p.m. on their respective days.

Sunday’s concert features James Otto. Monday’s featured performer will be Matt Jenkins, and Chris Young will take the stage on Sept. 6.

Bleacher seating is available and concertgoers are invited to bring chairs so they can sit on the race track.

Organizers have made it a priority to return the fair to its agricultural roots.

“We have made an effort to pique the interest of 4-H Club members to bring more animals and exhibit them during fair week,” Fenchak said. “This year’s fair also will mark the first time 4-H Club participants will exhibit alpacas, with nearly 20 exhibitors showing animals.”

For the first time, spectators will see the Orlo tractor pull at 4 p.m. Sept. 3. The truck pull will be presented at 7 p.m. Sept. 4.

The small-car demolition derby rolls out at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The big-car derby will be at the grandstand arena at 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

Another first will feature the introduction of a program for peewee fairgoers between the ages of 2 and 4.

“It is designed to introduce children to the fair experience,” Fenchak said.

Classes were created to allow children the experience of creating an entry, with the assistance of a parent.

Activities include creating paper bag puppets, finger painting and beaded jewelry.

As a special incentive, there will be free admission to the fairgrounds up until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sept. 3 and 4. The admission special will not include any rides or grandstand shows.



Showcase

What: 117th Cambria County Fair.

Where: Fairgrounds along old Route 219 north, one-half mile from Ebensburg.

When: Sunday through Sept. 6.

Admission: $8.

Information: 472-7491.

        

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