Lycoming County Fair
Encyclopedia
The Lycoming County Fair is an annual event held in Hughesville, Pennsylvania
. 2010 will be the 140th year the fair has been in operation. Attendance during the 2007 Lycoming County Fair totaled 124,425
The fair also offers daily programs that display exhibits featuring cows, horses, sheep and goats.
The organization actually had its origin in 1868, three years after the end of the American Civil War
. Ten local persons met and organized the Muncy Valley Farmer's Club for the purpose of discussing agricultural topics. Dr. George Hill was chosen to be president
. Two years later in 1870, the club decided to hold its first exhibition in which area people could exhibit their livestock
, grain
s, fruits, vegetables, canned goods and handicrafts. Early maps indicate the first exhibition was held on grounds of the Hughesville Trotting Park located at the southern end of the borough.
The Muncy Valley Farmers' Club continued to grow in its membership and its annual exhibition continued to grow and be successful. With a membership of nearly 200 by 1875, a charter of incorporation was drawn up. Dues were set at $.50 per year.
Despite the continued growth and success of the agricultural exhibition in Hughesville, stiff competition for hosting a county fair was developing in Williamsport.
By the late 19th century fairs had been held in two locations in Williamsport, PA; one in the Vallamont section and the other in Memorial Park near the site of Bowman Field Stadium. Both fairs enjoyed success for a few years. Interest and support for the fair in Hughesville prevailed and eventually Hughesville was chosen to be the permanent site for the Lycoming County Fair, sometime in the early 20th century.
The 1920s brought continued growth for the fair with dramatic increases in attendance. This was due in part to the economic "good times" of the "roaring twenties." The popularity of the automobile
and the paving of highways encouraged people to travel and enjoy their leisure time. Another factor that promoted attendance was the Williamsport and North Branch Railroad
. Headquartered in Hughesville, the railroad ran special "fair excursions" for the benefit of fairgoers.
The 1920s saw the beginning of a special feature that was to be a regular part of the fair through the 20's, 30's and the 40's. Following World War II
, automobile racing on the 1/2 mile dirt track drew large crowds. At that time, the races were sanctioned by the AAA. During these years many of the biggest names in American Auto Racing appeared at Hughesville. The field often included Indianapolis 500
veterans. Among the biggest were Ted Horn
, Tommy Hinnershitz
, Jimmy Bryan
, Johnny Parsons
, Le Wallard, and Joie Chitwood
.
Another special edition to the fairgrounds during this time period was an airplane landing field. Construction of hangars and a 1700 ft (518.2 m). runway was completed. The official opening and dedication took place on September 3–5, 1930. The Hughesville Airport was considered an important refueling stop on a direct route between New York City
and Cleveland, Ohio
. In 1934, state and federal monies made improvements to the facility. The US Postal Service declared a special "air mail day" on May 19, 1938 to honor the Hughesville Fairgrounds Airport. On May 14, 1929, Amelia Earhart
of Trans Atlanic Flight Fame, made an emergency landing in her plane at the landing field on the Hughesville Fairgrounds. Earhart
had intentions of landing at Bellefonte for refueling but lost her way. She noticed then landing field in the middle of the fairgrounds and took advantage of it.
The Lycoming County Fair was curtailed starting in 1942 due to restrictions and demands of World War II
.
Tragedy struck the fairgrounds during the early morning hours of September 4, 1944. During a severe thunderstorm a large exhibition building was hit by lighting. Within minutes the wooden structure was destroyed.
The years following World War II
brought several changes in operation and the airport was soon abandoned. Very little use of the airport was made after the war. Soon the hangars were removed and the area was used for a variety of purposes, including a parking area for fair patrons. A decision was made to end automobile racing during the 50's. Factors included safety concerns, noise and dust issues effecting nearby homes. The date for the fair was changed during the 50's from its beginning (usually in September or October) to mid-July. It was also extended to a ten day fair.
Hughesville, Pennsylvania
Hughesville is a borough in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,220 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Williamsport, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
. 2010 will be the 140th year the fair has been in operation. Attendance during the 2007 Lycoming County Fair totaled 124,425
Entertainment
The Lycoming County Fair offers live entertainment including:- Musical Bands
- Tractor pullsTractor pullingTruck and Tractor pulling, also known as power pulling, is a motorsport competition, popular in America, Europe , Australia and Brazil, which requires modified tractors to pull a heavy sledge along a 35ft. wide and length of 100 metre or 300ft+ track, with the winner being the tractor that pulls...
- Horse RacingHorse racingHorse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
- Horse showHorse showA Horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide, from local to the international levels. Most horse shows run from one to three days, sometimes longer for major, all-breed events or national and...
s - Demolition DerbyDemolition derbyDemolition derby is a motorsport usually presented at county fairs and festivals. While rules vary from event to event, the typical demolition derby event consists of five or more drivers competing by deliberately ramming their vehicles into one another...
- Figure 8 racingFigure 8 racingFigure 8 racing is a form of racing that combines elements of oval racing, demolition derby, and road racing.-Track:Racing is done on a track shaped like an 8. The cars cross paths at the center of the 8, which is known as the "crossover". Because of this layout, crashes are inevitable...
- Comedy Shows
- FireworksFireworksFireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event is a display of the effects produced by firework devices...
The fair also offers daily programs that display exhibits featuring cows, horses, sheep and goats.
Board of directors
The Lycoming County Fair Association board of directors include:- Jack T Smith: PresidentPresidentA president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
- James Springman: Vice PresidentVice presidentA vice president is an officer in government or business who is below a president in rank. The name comes from the Latin vice meaning 'in place of'. In some countries, the vice president is called the deputy president...
- Steven Hess: TreasurerTreasurerA treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
- Karen Yaw: SecretarySecretaryA secretary, or administrative assistant, is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit...
- Dale Levan: Concessions Manager
- Richard Gardner
- Robert Heydenreich
- Dean Kepner
- Shawn McCoy
- Dennis Simons
Other activities
Throughout the year the fairgrounds are used to host many other events besides the fair. Some of those events include:- Farm and heritage antique machinery shows
- Automobile showsAuto showAn auto show, or motor show, is a public exhibition of current automobile models, debuts, concept cars, or out-of-production classics. It is commonly attended by automobile manufacturers. Most auto shows occur once or twice a year...
- Rodeos
- CircusCircusA circus is commonly a travelling company of performers that may include clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and other stunt-oriented artists...
- Horse showHorse showA Horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide, from local to the international levels. Most horse shows run from one to three days, sometimes longer for major, all-breed events or national and...
s - Music festivals
- Tractor pullsTractor pullingTruck and Tractor pulling, also known as power pulling, is a motorsport competition, popular in America, Europe , Australia and Brazil, which requires modified tractors to pull a heavy sledge along a 35ft. wide and length of 100 metre or 300ft+ track, with the winner being the tractor that pulls...
- Motorcycle racesMotorcycle racingMotorcycle sport is a broad field that encompasses all sporting aspects of motorcycling. The disciplines are not all "races" or timed-speed events, as several disciplines test a competitor's various riding skills.-Motorcycle racing:...
- Billtown Blues Festival
1800's
The fair traces its history from 1870 and in 2009 celebrated its 139th anniversary.The organization actually had its origin in 1868, three years after the end of the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. Ten local persons met and organized the Muncy Valley Farmer's Club for the purpose of discussing agricultural topics. Dr. George Hill was chosen to be president
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
. Two years later in 1870, the club decided to hold its first exhibition in which area people could exhibit their livestock
Livestock
Livestock refers to one or more domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as food, fiber and labor. The term "livestock" as used in this article does not include poultry or farmed fish; however the inclusion of these, especially poultry, within the meaning...
, grain
Food grain
thumb|150px|Barleythumb|150px|LentilGrains are small, hard, dry seeds harvested for human food or animal feed Agronomists also call the plants producing such seeds grains or grain crops....
s, fruits, vegetables, canned goods and handicrafts. Early maps indicate the first exhibition was held on grounds of the Hughesville Trotting Park located at the southern end of the borough.
The Muncy Valley Farmers' Club continued to grow in its membership and its annual exhibition continued to grow and be successful. With a membership of nearly 200 by 1875, a charter of incorporation was drawn up. Dues were set at $.50 per year.
Despite the continued growth and success of the agricultural exhibition in Hughesville, stiff competition for hosting a county fair was developing in Williamsport.
By the late 19th century fairs had been held in two locations in Williamsport, PA; one in the Vallamont section and the other in Memorial Park near the site of Bowman Field Stadium. Both fairs enjoyed success for a few years. Interest and support for the fair in Hughesville prevailed and eventually Hughesville was chosen to be the permanent site for the Lycoming County Fair, sometime in the early 20th century.
1900's
The first indication of the actual purchase of land, the result of extensive research by a local lawyer, was in 1915. Court records show that by 1930, some 50 acres (202,343 m²) of land had been deeded to the Lycoming County Fair Association.The 1920s brought continued growth for the fair with dramatic increases in attendance. This was due in part to the economic "good times" of the "roaring twenties." The popularity of the automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
and the paving of highways encouraged people to travel and enjoy their leisure time. Another factor that promoted attendance was the Williamsport and North Branch Railroad
Williamsport and North Branch Railroad
The Williamsport and North Branch Railroad was a short line that operated in north-central Pennsylvania between 1872 and 1937. After a long struggle to finance its construction, it was completed in 1893. It derived most of its freight revenue from logging and to a certain extent from anthracite...
. Headquartered in Hughesville, the railroad ran special "fair excursions" for the benefit of fairgoers.
The 1920s saw the beginning of a special feature that was to be a regular part of the fair through the 20's, 30's and the 40's. Following World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, automobile racing on the 1/2 mile dirt track drew large crowds. At that time, the races were sanctioned by the AAA. During these years many of the biggest names in American Auto Racing appeared at Hughesville. The field often included Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
veterans. Among the biggest were Ted Horn
Ted Horn
Ted Horn , born Eylard Theodore Von Horn, was an American race car driver. He won the AAA National Championship in 1946, 1947 and 1948 and collected 24 wins, 12 second-place finishes and 13 third-place finishes in 71 major American open-wheel races prior to his death at the DuQuoin State...
, Tommy Hinnershitz
Tommy Hinnershitz
Thomas Paul Hinnershitz was an American race car driver.Hinnershitz was active through the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s on dirt, asphalt and boards, driving Sprint Cars, at that time slightly smaller versions of Indianapolis cars that could be raced on half mile dirt race tracks.-Career...
, Jimmy Bryan
Jimmy Bryan
James Ernest Bryan was an American racecar driver. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bryan died as a result of injuries sustained in a champ car race at Langhorne Speedway.-Career:...
, Johnny Parsons
Johnny Parsons
Johnny Parsons is an American racecar driver.-Racing family:Parsons is the son of Arza and 1950 Indianapolis 500 winner Johnnie Parsons. His parents divorced, and Johnny was raised with half-brothers Dana and Pancho Carter, the product of Arza'a marriage with Duane Carter. The Carters grew up...
, Le Wallard, and Joie Chitwood
Joie Chitwood
George Rice "Joie" Chitwood was an American racecar driver and businessman. He is best known as a daredevil in the Joie Chitwood Thrill Show....
.
Another special edition to the fairgrounds during this time period was an airplane landing field. Construction of hangars and a 1700 ft (518.2 m). runway was completed. The official opening and dedication took place on September 3–5, 1930. The Hughesville Airport was considered an important refueling stop on a direct route between New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state. The city is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately west of the Pennsylvania border...
. In 1934, state and federal monies made improvements to the facility. The US Postal Service declared a special "air mail day" on May 19, 1938 to honor the Hughesville Fairgrounds Airport. On May 14, 1929, Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Mary Earhart was a noted American aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean...
of Trans Atlanic Flight Fame, made an emergency landing in her plane at the landing field on the Hughesville Fairgrounds. Earhart
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Mary Earhart was a noted American aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean...
had intentions of landing at Bellefonte for refueling but lost her way. She noticed then landing field in the middle of the fairgrounds and took advantage of it.
The Lycoming County Fair was curtailed starting in 1942 due to restrictions and demands of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Tragedy struck the fairgrounds during the early morning hours of September 4, 1944. During a severe thunderstorm a large exhibition building was hit by lighting. Within minutes the wooden structure was destroyed.
The years following World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
brought several changes in operation and the airport was soon abandoned. Very little use of the airport was made after the war. Soon the hangars were removed and the area was used for a variety of purposes, including a parking area for fair patrons. A decision was made to end automobile racing during the 50's. Factors included safety concerns, noise and dust issues effecting nearby homes. The date for the fair was changed during the 50's from its beginning (usually in September or October) to mid-July. It was also extended to a ten day fair.