Jul 20, 2018 2 min read

This year’s Washington County Agricultural Fair will kick off its celebration of Western Pennsylvania culture and heritage Aug. 11 and will feature some new events along with some traditional ones.

The fair runs through Aug. 18 at the county fairgrounds. The annual bash showcases the region’s agricultural resources while also featuring entertainment, food and carnival games and rides.

Though the week will be jam-packed with old favorites – including 4-H market livestock sales Aug. 17 and 18, a staple of the fair for more than 50 years – fair board President Todd Richardson said organizers revamped the events schedule to “freshen things up a little bit.”

“We’re trying to get a few new things this year to draw a crowd,” he said.

For the first time in about a decade, the fair will hold a four-wheeler and dirt bike race on the evening of Aug. 16. On Aug. 18, Jeeps will slop through a mud pit in a resurrection of the competitive mud bog.

The annual demolition derby has moved to Tuesday, Aug. 14, from its usual spot on the last night of the fair. It will be preceded by a monster truck showcase. In between these two events, young daredevils will take the spotlight in a kid-friendly version of the derby.

“Kids will get old Power Wheels and crash ’em up,” Richardson said. “It’s designed for younger ones who want to be like mom and dad and their uncles.”

Richardson emphasized this will be a “fairly safe operation,” as the collisions will occur at a low speed in battery powered miniature vehicles. Participants will also be required to wear seat belts and helmets.

Retired school buses will rev up their engines for the bus demolition derby Aug. 15, following performances from area high school bands.

The Clarks, an alt-country band that has produced 11 studio albums, will rock the fairgrounds’ grandstand Aug. 11. Musical groups will continue to crank out live tunes from a variety of genres throughout the week.

Passes for all-week admission to the fair are available for purchase now until Aug. 8 for $30. These passes cannot be used for rides and can be picked up at the fair office at 2151 N. Main St. Weeklong passes will not be available after Aug. 8.

Read more about the fair and find a schedule of events online at www.washingtonfair.org.