SMETHPORT — Monday the McKean County Fair started off hopping and the rest of the week shows no signs of stopping. From the judging of the rabbits to the grand parade, Monday’s SPCA Day was a dog-gone great day. For anyone who missed out, don’t fret, there is much more to see and do throughout the week.
This morning starts off with a couple of 4-H open shows at 10 a.m., horse and dairy. Later, at 6:30 p.m., 4-H is offering pony rides.
Today one of the more interesting events on the schedule requires participants to sign a waiver and pay a $20 pit fee. Due to the challenge, participants are reminded there is risk of damage to their vehicles and will need to sign a waiver to participate. But then, they are off to have a good time and entertain the audience. The Jeep Obstacle Course begins at 7:30 p.m. and is sure to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
The Jeep Obstacle Course is designed for all levels, stock to extreme, and will test the suspension, driving ability, and nerves. Dirt, tires, logs, rocks, and a few other surprises are part of the course.
Of course, every night there is music of some kind. Tonight, the live entertainment includes Take 3 at 6 p.m. and Tyler Calkins at 7 p.m. Both are scheduled through 9 p.m.
For all the veterans in the area, Wednesday is your day.
Admission is free onto the grounds all day for all veterans and active duty persons with proof of service. The organizers of the McKean County Fair would like to thank all veterans and active duty personnel for “making our country the land of the free.” The first event of the day is at 8 a.m., 4-H open judging of the swine, beef, and sheep, followed by the 4-H open goat show.
Then at 4 p.m. on the Fran De Lancey mini stage, there will be a Veteran Appreciation ceremony by the McKean County Veterans Affairs office. All veterans and their families are invited to come and enjoy the music, food, and camaraderie of the fair.
Stick around and enjoy the talent contest at 7 p.m. or the drag races that start at 7:30 p.m. Brianna Blankenship is on stage for the night’s live music from 6 to 9 p.m., and the miniature horse pull and senior livestock showmanship challenge take place at 6 p.m. So much to see and do, so little time to take it all in.
Though Thursday is Senior Citizen Day, that does not mean things slow down at the fair.
Get there early, 10 a.m., to see the horse and pony judging. Then, sit back and listen to Tami Johnson, Joe Rolick & John Moore Music from 1 to 2 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m. Hannon’s Remedy takes the stage from 6 to 9 p.m.
And just like that, it’s time for the McKean County 4-H youth livestock auction at 6:30 p.m. at the Larry Ackley Complex of the fairgrounds. Come out and bid on quality hogs, lambs, goats, and steers locally raised by the youth in the region.
Thursday night is also the night for tractor pulls put on by Empire State Pullers and the barn dance from 9 to 11 p.m.
Phew!
Pepsi Family Day events start the day on Friday at noon followed by the Touch-a-Truck event from 1 to 5 p.m.
Who will give up the truck to go see the goat obstacle course and animal dress up event at 4:30 p.m.? Or maybe take a pony ride offered by the 4-H club at 3 p.m.?
It won’t matter as long as everyone is ready for the queen’s coronation contest at 5 p.m. and coronation celebration at 7:30 p.m.
With all that fun, it will be time to relax to some live music with JD Casper and Darkwater Duo on stage from 8 to 11 p.m.
On the last day of the fair, things really heat up. On Saturday, it’s Fire Prevention Day (local fire personnel admitted free all day with proper ID), and from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. local fire departments will be on site doing demonstrations. The day also includes a karaoke contest at 1 p.m., the beautiful baby contest at 2 p.m., an auction at 2:30 p.m. and the demolition derby at 6 p.m.
But, that’s not all. County Lines takes the stage from 8 to 11 p.m. for the final live music performance of the week.
All of above, plus the following everyday: amusement rides from Sunshine Shows LLC, glass blowing by Ryan Gothrup Mobile, a blacksmith (JHA Works LLC), woodcarving by Douglas Ryan, the Flying Wallendas, the Rhinestone Roper Dan Mink, Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show, Bingo in the Grange Building, Marty’s Bubblegum, PA Game Commission, McKean County Historical Society Display.
