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F O O D • G A M E S • R I D E S • D I S P L A Y S

TIMES LEADER • September 2017

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The annual Luzerne County fair is part of a long tradition of entertainment and recreation in the Back Mountain area.

Earlier activities included picnicking and steamboat rides on Harveys Lake, which was readily accessible from Wilkes-Barre from 1896 on, by way of a trolley car line.

To help support this line, the Wilkes-Barre, Dallas and Harveys Lake Railway Company built the Fernbrook Amusement Park. Located on the site of what is today Offset Paperback Company, Fernbrook was an outstanding resort. Among other things, it featured big-name bands and national radio and movie personalities such as Rudy Vallee, Les Brown, Glenn Miller, Wayne King, Guy Lombardo and many others. One of the Dallas area’s most popular events, the Easter Egg Hunt, also took place in Fernbrook.

From 1896 to 1921, the Dallas fair, which combined a picnic, reunion, parade, educational exhibit, competitions and glamour, was perhaps the biggest amusement extravaganza of all. It ran for one week in the latter part of September on “the fairgrounds” in Dallas Township, east of the Current Dallas Senior High School (stone post on

Hildebrandt Road still marks the entrance). The fair drew as many as 6,000 people on the weekend, offering them harness racing, band concerts, games of skill and chance, displays of livestock and farm produce, handicraft products, farm machinery and sideshows with a somewhat off-color reputation. The fair never made a profit, which is probably why it eventually had to cease operations.

The old Dallas fair was only a distant memory in the early 1960s when the Dallas Rotary Club decided it needed a new community program. After months of planning, Club President Myron Baker announced that a fair would be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, 1963, at the Lehman Horse Show grounds – its purpose would be to raise funds for various civic activities. Specifically the beneficiaries would be the Back Mountain Library Fund, Rotary Youth Leadership Cap, Back Mountain YMCA, Wyoming Valley Council of Boy Scouts, Dallas School Library, Lake Lehman School Library, and Gate of Heaven School Library.

Called the Dallas Rotary Fall fair, that first fair began with a parade from Lehman Center to the Horse Show grounds.

Daytime entertainment included a

baby parade and show, a dog training exhibition, a horse show, and a Little League exhibition baseball game. In the evening the Dallas Senior High School Band gave a concert, Boy Scouts presented American Indian dances, and the Dallas High Key Club and Rifle Team and the Junior High Drill Team performed precision drills. After a fashion show (through the courtesy of the Boston Store) and the selection of a fair queen, the festivities ended with tunes played by the Lake Lehman Band and a fireworks display. Financially the fair was a modest success.

The 1964 fair expanded to two days and also in the number of exhibits and activities. For example, the hobby station, with Dr. Lester Jordan as chairman, became a major attraction and remained over the years. A Dutch couple, Mr. and Mrs. Van Bearen, who had hosted a Back Mountain exchange student, made an appearance in their native costumes.

In 1965 the Dallas Rotary Fall fair featured a spectacular, illuminated motorcycle drill by a Reading group, as well as a trained horse and dog exhibition by the Pennsylvania State Police. Unfortunately, rain, always a distinct threat, caused cancellation of the second day of the fair.

The fourth annual Fall fair, in 1966, substituted a motorcade from Carverton Road in Trucksville to the fair grounds for the usual parade. A rock concert by “the Groovy Blues” was a sign of the times. Of considerable interest was the handling of live snakes by Dr. Charles Kuschel of Pittston, who proceeded to “milk” the creatures of their venom (Dr. Kuschel was bitten by a rattlesnake at the 1968 fair and had to be rushed to the hospital. He emerged without serious injury). Interesting in another sense was a demonstration of the Braille system of writing for the blind, a subject most sighted people have little knowledge of.

In 1969 the Rotary Fall fair underwent a name change, to the Dallas Area Fall fair, as the Dallas Kiwanis and Dallas Lions Clubs joined Rotary as sponsors. This fair

included an outstanding demonstration of dressage, an equestrian term of French derivation encompassing many elements of training the riding horse. The model railroad display by the Wyoming Valley Model Railroad club also drew much favorable attention. Net profit for the 1969 fair was the greatest, up to this point.

The 1971 Fall fair, a three-day affair, was notable for the appearance of the nationally known musical group the New Christy Minstrels. It was in 1971 too that the fair donated $12,000 to the Back Mountain Memorial Library to help establish a permanent auction site; and the combined service clubs – Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis – made a down payment of $1,000 to Mr. Joseph Parks on 12 acres of land to be used for future fairs. As part of the same deal, Mr.

Parks agreed to donate 12 additional acres for the establishment of a medical clinic.

The fair flourished during the rest of the decade, with a new partial funding source: the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under a new name – the Luzerne County fair – it featured square dancers, animal acts, rock and jazz concerts, skydivers, firefighting competitions, fashion shows and numerous other entertainments. The growing proceeds provided funding for excellent causes, such as the construction of a life-support vehicle for the Back Mountain Ambulance Association The 1979 Luzerne County fair was a five-day affair – Sept. 5 - 9 – dedicated specifically to raising money for the support of the Back Mountain Mobile Intensive Care Unit and the medical facility,

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55 YEARS OF MEMORIESThe history of the Luzerne County Fair

Researched and written by Marge Parry, first edition by Sheldon SpearRe-Written for this publication by Judy Kmetz, Colette Mahoney and Dusty Titus

By Eileen [email protected]

LEHMAN TWP. — The Back Moun-tain is land-locked, but that isn’t stop-ping sharks and stingrays from appear-ing at the 55th Luzerne County Fair.

The fair will open at 4 p.m. Wednes-day and feature a variety of new attractions, including live sharks and stingrays, Nerger’s Tiger Show, several new vendors, and some fan favorites, according to Brenda Pugh, chairperson of the fair.

“We try to keep the event fresh,” she said. “This year we have a lot of educa-tional exhibits.”

The Luzerne County Fair attracted nearly 39,000 people to the Back Mountain region in 2016, she said.

“We had one nasty, rainy day last year,” Pugh said, noting that during a rain-free fair season the event can draw an estimated 50,000 people.

This year, fair-goers will have an opportunity for an up-close look at sharks while learning about conserva-tion efforts to save the fish, along with myths that have been debunked.

HAAI Inc., based in Myakka City, Fla., will cart its mobile 5,000-gallon aquarium and showcase sharks obtained from aquariums throughout the country.

Meanwhile, Stingray Encounter LLC will let guests see, touch and learn

about the playful nature of stingrays, and the Nerger’s Tiger Show will fea-ture tigers born in captivity, Pugh said.

She added that local 4-H livestock entries have increased this year, as have rabbit entries.

Folks are invited to enter a variety of culinary competitions, including Blue Ribbon Apple Pie, Angel Food Cake, Salsa and a Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

A complete list of competitions, along with contest rules and entry forms, is available at www.luzernecoun-tyfair.com.

Children 10 and younger can com-pete in the Barnyard Olympics, which

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Sharks, stingrays, tigers the star attractionsLUZERNE COUNTY FAIR

When: Wednesday through next Sunday. The fair will be open from 4 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.Where: Luzerne County Fairgrounds, 3605 Route 118, Lehman Township.Cost: $10 per person, but children 2 and younger will be admitted for free. The $10 price does not include specials.More info: luzernecountyfair.com.Sponsor of the Year: Times Leader Media Group

Aimee Dilger | Times LeaderPiper Smith judges the rabbit competition at the Luzerne County Fair last year.

Aimee Dilger | Times LeaderCindy Nardi and her 2-year-old granddaughter, Lydia, ride the merry-go-round at the 54th fair.

See FAIR | 11

Sunday, September 3, 2017

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which was being completed on Route 118. To emphasize the health theme, personnel from the Nesbitt Memorial Hospital made themselves available for high blood pressure and other screening tests.

On June 16, 1980, The Fair’s sponsors completed the purchase of 25 acres of land in Lehman Township and Dallas Borough for $25,000, which was raised through a community fund drive. This was also the first year of the Medical Center’s operation. Most of the Fair’s annual proceeds were used to sponsor the Medical Center and the Mobile Intensive Care Unit, which required more than $20,000 annually to operate. In 1986, the Nesbitt Hospital purchased these facilities and thereby freed Fair proceeds for other worthy causes and facility expansion.

Over the years, fairground

improvements have included much excavation, electrical, drainage and paving work. In addition to the early construction of the horseshoe pitching building, permanent facilities now include an office, horse barn, cattle barn, two arts and crafts buildings, two large indoor exhibitor buildings, a horse show arena, and several stands built and operated by member clubs.

The most notable changes in the past 15 years have included the Fair Amphitheater, and new Gate A, C and D ticket booths. New buildings were added for a dressing room, water building, electric building and the small-animals barn. The livestock area also enjoys a new horse ring, footing and fence. In the gate areas, we have a new parking lot at Gate A, and gardens at Gate A and Gate B entrances.

A covered demonstration area was added off the Arts and Crafts building, and new roofs were added on all buildings. A first-aid room was added at the main office. Several security enhancements include dusk-to-dawn lights, security cameras and radios. New paved walkways, guide rails, and additional water and electrical standards have also been installed.

Technological advances have also come to the fair, as seen by our website, www.LuzerneC ountyFair.com, which also includes our annual Premium Guide online as well as entertainment and other information. You can “like” us on Facebook, and we have computerized our entry tags for livestock, horticulture, 4-H and arts and crafts entries.

We were privileged and honored to have had the 2009 State Fair Queen, the beautiful,

personable, and talented Nicole Clemson of Dallas, who represented Luzerne County and all the other fairs at many State Fair events. In 2010 the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture instituted a new recognition award for PA fairs, “Outstanding Fair Ambassador.” This award is to honor an individual or group from each fair who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, volunteerism and dedication. The first Luzerne County Outstanding Fair Ambassador to be honored was Judy Kmetz. The 2011 Outstanding Fair Ambassador award recognized Carole Malig. There have been numerous awards at the annual State Fair convention, including the PSACF Best of Show award, first place in the Billboard ad competition for the past three years, and the 2011 Zone Fair Award for

Zone 2 fairs.Recognized as a “Class

A” Fair by the Department of Agriculture, the Luzerne County Fair remains one of few Fairs in Pennsylvania to be sponsored by a non-profit association. Incorporated in 1980, the Dallas Area Fall Fair, Inc. consists of eight service clubs in the Back Mountain, the Luzerne County Extension Service, and an associate group of community members. In addition to the sponsorship of the annual Fair, the Dallas Area Fall Fair, Inc. manages year-round activities at the grounds, including winter storage and grounds rentals.

As it has for the past 55 years, The Luzerne County Fair continues to be organized and operated by a committee of volunteers that is comprised of individuals from the association member clubs and the community. Current

member clubs that are the heart and soul of the “GREEN TEAM” include: Dallas Rotary; Dallas Kiwanis; Dallas Lions; Dallas Horseshoe Pitching Club; Harvey’s Lake Lions; Lake Silkworth Lions; Luzerne County Extension Service; Lake Lehman Band Sponsors, and Associate Members from the community. Annual attendance is estimated at well over 60,000 for the five - day event that has become an annual family tradition. The Fair has more than fulfilled the aspirations of its original sponsors. It continues to provide funding for beneficial community activities while entertaining thousands of visitors every year as one of the most popular institutions in northeastern Pennsylvania.

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continued from page 2 55 YEARS OF MEMORIES

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September 6-1055th

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4:00pm Fairgrounds Opens to The Public

4:30pm Arts & Crafts Buildings Open

5:30pm HAAI, Inc. Live Shark Encounter- Kiddie Land

6:00pm Measner Magic- Kiddie Land

6:00pm SwikaS Amusements your Midway Host Opens

6:30pm Nerger’s Tiger Show - Main Ring Near Fair Office


8:00pm Measner Magic - Kiddie Land

8:30pm Nerger’s Tiger Show- Main Ring Near Fair Office

4pm-Close Live Stingray Encounter - Kiddie Land

(There will be 30-Minute Breaks throughout the day)

11:00pm Grounds Close



5:30pm Open Steer Judging & 4-H Market Animal Judging

Livestock Tent




6:30pm Open Goat & Sheep Judging- Livestock Tent

7:00pm Antique Tractor Parade

7:30pm Rick K & The Allnighters- Main Stage




4pm-Close Live Stingray Encounter - Kiddie Land




4:30pm Arts & Crafts Buildings Open


5:30pm HAAI, Inc. Live Shark Encounter - Kiddie Land

6 :00pm Measner Magic - Kiddie Land

6:00pm 4-H Fun Show - Horse Arena


8:00pm - Craig Wayne Boyd Winner of Season 7 of The

Voice - Main Stage




4pm-Close Live Stingray Encounter- Kiddie Land



11:00am Grounds Open to Public

10:00am - 4pm Halter and Riding Classes Horse Arena


1:00pm Fair Princess Contest - Livestock Tent

2:00pm HAAI, Inc. Live Shark Encounter - Kiddie Land






7:00pm Antique Tractor Parade


8:00pm Walker Hayes “You Broke Up with Me” - Main Stage



11am-Close Live Stingray Encounter - Kiddie Land



11:00am Grounds Open to Public12:00pm SwikaS Amusements your Midway Host Opens12:00pm Kiddie Tractor Pull- Horse Arena1:00pm Horseshoe pitching for the Whole Family!!- Near Security Trailer2:00pm Nerger’s Tiger Show- Main Ring Near Fair Office2:30pm Measner Magic - Kiddie Land3:00pm HAAI, Inc. Live Shark Encounter- Kiddie Land3:30pm Barnyard Olympics Horse Arena Sponsored by H & R Block4:00pm Nerger’s Tiger Show- Main Ring Near Fair Office4:30pm Measner Magic- Kiddie Land5:00pm HAAI, Inc. Live Shark Encounter - Kiddie Land5:00pm Tractor Obstacle Rodeo - Horse Arena5:30 - 7:30pm Music Box Performing on The Main Stage6:30pm Measner Magic - Kiddie Land7:00pm HAAI, Inc. Live Shark Encounter - Kiddie Land7:30pm Nerger’s Tiger Show- Main Ring Near Fair Office8:00pm Little Theatre Performing on the Main Stage11am-Close Live Stingray Encounter - Kiddie Land(There will be 30-Minute Breaks throughout the day)8:00pm Barns Close9:30pm Grounds Close

WednesdaySEPT. 6TH

FridaySEPT. 8TH

SundaySEPT. 10TH

ThursdaySEPT. 7TH

SaturdaySEPT. 9TH

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Every person who brings a nonperishable food item will get in for $8. The items collected will be given to the local food banks on behalf of Luzerne Bank and the Luzerne County Fair.

Seniors 62 and older pay only $5, sponsoredby the Pennsylvania Lottery.

New this year will be a Family Fun Day.Children 12 and under get in for $6, andadmission is free for children 2 and under. The day is sponsored by S&S Amusements and the Luzerne County Fair.

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Aimee Dilger | Times Leader2016: Kris Smiga and Lea Clarke, both 15, get into the swing of things at the fair.

Fun at the fair

2008-2009: Nicole Clemson became the

2009 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen

after being named queen of the Luzerne

County Fair the previous year.

Courtesy photo

If you’re going to the Luzerne County Fair this month, let these pictures from the past

three years be your inspiration. (We threw in a fair queen photo from 2009

for good measure.)

Aimee Dilger | Times Leader2016: From left, Alex Krushnowski, 11, Annmarie Carey-Bullock and Jaxon Carey-Bullock, 8, race down the Super Slide.

For Times Leader2016: For Jaxon Gorman and his mother, Candi Eckler, of Hanover Township, the fair was all about the food and special time together.

Times Leader file photo2015: Carol Manzoni, of Forest Heights Farms in Jackson Township, looks after Bomber, a female Texas Longhorn.

Aimee Dilger | Times Leader2014: One of Mayya Panfilova’s ‘Trained House Cats’ jumps at the chance to perform.

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My name is Carey-Anne Renee Keiper, and I am the daughter of Rich and Michele Keiper. I am from the Harveys Lake/Lehman area of Luzerne County. I enjoy showing my horse in 4H and with the Keystone Junior Rodeo Association. I also enjoyed playing lacrosse and field hockey for the Lake-Lehman School District. I am a 2017 graduate of Lake-Lehman High School. My plans are to attend American Sign Language classes in the fall. Then, hopefully, I will obtain a career in translating for the deaf.

The Luzerne County Fair has been a big part of my life. I have been coming to the fair with my family since before I could walk. I have been showing my animals at the fair since I was 8 years old. I believe the fair is a great way to educate the community about agriculture in our area. Agriculture is so impor-tant, and our youth needs to know how our food gets from the farm to our tables. The Luzerne County Fair shows this through our many exhibits, the livestock and the livestock auction.

I am very excited and thankful to be the 2017 Luzerne County Fair Queen. I am looking forward to representing and promoting the Luzerne County Fair for the 2017-2018 season. I would like to thank all the volunteers who make the Luzerne County Fair possible.

– Carey-Anne Renne Keiper

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is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. next Sunday. Kids can try their skill at events such as the egg toss, cow mooing, stick horse racing, bubble blowing and pyramid building.

A Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull for children between the ages of 4 and 10 will be at noon Sunday, and registra-tion will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Show Tent area. Pedal tractors will be provided.

A Tractor Obstacle Rodeo will test the skill level of local drivers in a timed course featuring five different chal-lenges.

Live entertainment will fea-ture Rick K and the All Night-ers at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; Craig Wayne Boyd at 8 p.m. Friday; Walker Hayes at 8 p.m. Saturday; and Theater and Family Fun Night with The

Music Box Players from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., next Sunday.

“There is no extra charge for the entertainment,” Pugh said.

The Luzerne County Fair, a nonprofit organization, wouldn’t be able to offer such a variety of attractions and services if it didn’t have busi-ness supporters or hundreds of volunteers who prepare

the grounds, work in the ticket booths and provide other help during the event, Pugh said.

Volunteers come from several civic and service clubs, such as the Lions and Kiwanis clubs, the Lake Lehman Band, and the Back Mountain Regional Fire and Emergency Management Ser-vice, according to Alan Pugh, the fair’s communications committee chairman.

“We had about 80 Miseri-cordia students here the other night, washing and painting benches and setting things up for the fair,” he said last week.

“We make a donation back to the clubs who volun-teered,” Brenda Pugh said. “I like to think of it as the com-munity helping its commu-nity who is helping the com-munity. It is a nice cycle.”

Reach Eileen Godin at 570-991-6387 or on Twitter @TLNews.

From page 3

Fair HURRICANE HARvEY FUNdRAISEROn Thursday, The Luzerne County Fair will donate $2 for every $10 admission and $1 for every $5 senior admission to the Red Cross to help the flood victims in Texas and Louisiana. Donations also will be accepted throughout the fair.


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Times Leader file photoAustin Bonavita, of Auburn, shows his Holstein cow, Raylene, at the 2015 Luzerne County Fair.

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sept. 6-10 - the times leader concerts, games of skill and chance, displays of livestock and farm...

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