FAIRS: With many taking the Father’s Day weekend to enjoy the outdoors, we thought it was a great time to talk about this resource for summer fun.

Travelers in Pennsylvania can use the 2017 Pennsylvania Fair Guide, available in print and online, to find family-friendly destinations across the commonwealth.

“Keystone Country fairs showcase agriculture and rural living, while providing a celebration of community featuring delicious food and amusements of all kinds,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “They are family-friendly gateways to agriculture, giving visitors the chance to experience agriculture up close and to learn how farmers are feeding a growing world.”

The guides offer information on 109 county and community agricultural fairs across Pennsylvania. They are available at travel plazas and legislative offices across the state as well as online at www.agriculture.pa.gov by searching “fair guide.”

The guide also highlights the 15 fairs that offer live harness racing — part of one of the nation’s leading fair racing programs.

The state’s fairs began June 15 with the Mountain Springs Fair in Berks County and conclude October 21 with the Dillsburg Community Fair in York County. Fairs last anywhere from three to 10 days.

Our own McKean County Fair in Smethport runs from Aug. 13 to 19.

“Our fairs are more than livestock and tractors and crops – they celebrate the art behind the products that we make,” Redding added. “Be part of the tradition. Find your local fair and bring the best of your kitchen, garden, or shop to compete.

“Watch for publication of your local fair’s premium guide this summer, which will provide information on classes and rules for competition at the fair,” Redding suggested. Classes often include woodworking, needlework, clothing, flowers, fruits, vegetables, wine and baked goods.

PA Preferred™ returns as sponsor of the fair chocolate baking contests. Contact your local fair for information about contest rules. PA Preferred is the official brand of agriculture products made or grown in Pennsylvania. Visit PAPreferred.com.

In addition to fairs, Pennsylvania is home to other educational and affordable agricultural destinations, including farmers markets, wineries and farm stay bed and breakfasts.

Learn more about Keystone Country and these agritourism destinations at www.visitpa.com.

Happy Father’s Day!