SMETHPORT – The 119th McKean County Fair is set to return Aug. 10 to 16 with a full slate of agricultural showcases, thrilling entertainment and the time-honored traditions that bring our community together, year after year.

Today is the final day to submit your entries, which are due at 5 p.m. Entries can be submitted online at mckeancountyfair.net or in person at the fair office.

This year’s fair will bring the debut of the Junior Fair Board, a new initiative led by Jeff Spencer and former fair queen Jaidyn Goodman. This group of young leaders will help with fundraising, event planning and day-to-day fair operations. All the while, they will gain valuable experience as they work with members of the regular fair board.

“It’s exciting to see the younger generation getting involved,” said Fair Board President Tanya Okerlund. “They are so energetic and full of ideas and that is exactly what we need to keep this tradition alive.”

Okerlund hopes the junior board members can help suggest ideas that will keep the fair relevant for many years to come. Many members of the fair board are older, Okerlund explained.

“We know what we want but we are looking for input from the kids on what the younger generation would like to see at the fair,” said Okerlund. “We try to have something for everyone.”

Renovations to the Memorial Grange Building will be finished just in time for opening day. The building now features new bathrooms, a kitchen, insulation and eclectic to support year-round use. A new cooking demonstration, “Cooking with Kids,” will be held there during fair week. Children will be invited to make a Cajun dish using local ingredients.

“It will be a great use of the new facilities in the grange,” said Christy Burkhouse, treasurer. “It is nice to have the show in there and not have to worry about the weather.”

Another exciting show will be the Side-by-Side Rodeo, slated for 7 p.m. Aug. 12. The event, which has been held for the last several years, is quietly gaining popularity amongst local motorsport fans.

“Everyone can come down, enter their side-by-side and compete in rodeo-type events,” said Burkhouse. “People love to watch their friends compete and cheer them on.”

As co-chair of the Junior Livestock Committee, Burkhouse is naturally looking forward to the Junior Livestock Sale, slated for 6 p.m. Aug. 14. In years past, only members of the local 4H could participate in the sale. But recently, it was decided that members of the FFA chapter could join in on the fun as well.

“It took some time last year to get all the bumps worked out but I think we are in a good place with the sale this year,” said Burkhouse. “I am excited to see the kids and see what they have been working on.”

With so much to see, taste and do, the McKean County Fair continues to be a cornerstone event of the season.

“Summer wouldn’t be the same without the fair,” said Okerlund. “We work hard every year to preserve it because we don’t want to lose this tradition.”

Burkhouse agreed. She said as a child she spent her summers mostly in the livestock barn, and she wants the same for the little ones in her life.

“I do this because of the wonderful childhood memories I have of the fair,” said Burkhouse. “It is important to me that my niece and nephew get that same experience I had growing up.”

The fair is jam-packed with activities this year. Throughout the week, fairgoers can enjoy a slew of ongoing attractions such as Sunshine Shows LLC carnival rides and games, Kountry K9 Trick Dog Show, Circus Incredible, Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show, Cross Patch Wagon Train and even a butterfly experience. There will be many demonstrations from skilled artisans, including Bonnie Tromel’s spinning and weaving demos, Eric Jones with sand sculpting and caricature art, blacksmithing with Jason Anderson and custom sawmilling and chainsaw carving with Doug Ryan.

There will be no admission charged on opening day, Aug. 10. The Opening Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a vespers service at 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 11 is SPCA Day, when fairgoers are encouraged to donate to animals in need. Families and animal lovers alike will enjoy the pet show at 1 p.m. Exhibits in the Charles Irons Building will be judged at 1 p.m. as well. At 7 p.m. the fair’s beloved Grand Parade rolls through the track. A barrel race will follow at 8 p.m. and the evening will end with a lively barn dance with McDeeJay held from 9 to 11 p.m.

Aug. 12 is Energy Day. The day starts with the 4H, FFA and open beef judging at 10 a.m. Bingo will run throughout the day, with sessions held from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. The carnival opens at 5:30. Attendees can stop by the baked food sale at 6 p.m. and the 4H horse and pony rides at 6:30 p.m. The talent show will be held at 7 p.m.

Veterans will be honored Aug. 13. All veterans and active duty personnel will be admitted free with proof of service. The day will feature the swine, sheep and goat judging in the morning and early afternoon. There will be a Veterans Dinner held from 5 to 7 p.m. and a special Veterans Day program with Chris Eckert is slated for 5 to 8 p.m. The Senior Livestock Showmanship Challenge will be held at 6 p.m. with the ever popular stock car races to follow at 7.

Aug. 14 is Senior Citizen’s Day. All people 62 years or older will be admitted for free. The morning’s activities include the horse and pony judging and dairy show. A Senior Citizens’ Program will be held at 1 p.m. featuring oldies and gospel music. The Senior King and Queen will be crowned at 2. The Junior Livestock Sale is slated for 6 p.m. with a tractor pull to follow at 7. Members of Believers Chapel Worship Team will hold a service at 7 p.m. There will also be a barn dance from 9 to 10 p.m.

Aug. 15 is the Farm Safety and Save-A-Lot Family Day. Kids will love the Touch-a-Truck experience from 1 to 5 p.m. The results of the Beautiful Baby Contest will be read at 4 p.m. with the Queen’s Coronation to follow at 6. Motorsport fans will enjoy the Enduro Race at 7 p.m. Julia Neville will delight the crowd when she plays from 9 to 11 p.m.

The fair concludes Aug. 16 with Fire Prevention Day. There will be free admission for local fire personnel with proper identification. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., local fire departments will host live demonstrations. A karaoke contest will be held at 1. Registration for the Artisan Alley Auction begins at 2 p.m. with the auction to follow at 2:30. The greatly anticipated demolition derby will be held at 6 p.m. with live music from Julia Neville and Alias from 8 to 11 p.m.

For a full schedule of events or to find out more information, visit mckeancountyfair.net or call the fair office at (814) 887-5361.