Allentown Fairgrounds facts for kids
The Allentown Fairgrounds is a special place in Allentown, Pennsylvania. You can find it at 302 North 17th Street. This big area is home to the yearly Great Allentown Fair. The fair happens every late summer.
The fairgrounds started in 1889. It covers 46 acres, which is like 46 football fields! The Lehigh County Agricultural Society owns and runs this whole area.
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History of the Allentown Fairgrounds
The story of the Allentown Fairgrounds began a long time ago.
Early Days of the Fair
In 1852, the Lehigh County Agricultural Society started the very first Great Allentown Fair. It was held from October 6 to 8. This first fair took place on land east of Allentown's Fourth Street.
The next year, in 1853, the fair moved. The society bought new land for it. They built a ticket office and a two-story hall. People explored these new buildings from September 28 to 30.
Fairgrounds During Wartime
The yearly fair became very popular. But in 1862, it had to stop. This was because of the American Civil War. The fairgrounds became a training camp for soldiers. It was used by the 176th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
The Great Allentown Fair started again in 1863. It continued until 1917. Then, during World War I, the United States government used the fairgrounds. They turned the 46 acres into Camp Crane. This was a training place for the U.S. Army Ambulance Service.
The government paid the agricultural society $37,000 each year to use the land. Camp Crane was named after Brigadier-General Charles H. Crane. He was a surgeon general for the U.S. Army. At different times, 4,000 to 5,000 soldiers trained at Camp Crane.
Post-War Racing Excitement
After World War II ended, something exciting happened. The Central States Racing Association (CSRA) held a "big car" race. These cars are now called sprint cars.
The race was at the fairgrounds. So many people came that the track was full by 3:00 PM. Over 124,000 people paid to get in! Thousands more watched from outside the track walls. Jimmy Wilburn won this big race.
What You Can Do at the Fairgrounds Today
The Allentown Fairgrounds has many fun things to see and do.
- Grandstand: This is a huge outdoor stage. Famous musicians perform here.
- Farmerama Theater: This is an outdoor theater. You can watch talent contests here. There is also other daytime entertainment.
- Music Tent: This tent is for bands. It's used when a smaller space is needed than the Grandstand.
- Main Entrance Plaza: Special shows happen here. You might see jugglers or other acts.
- Agriplex/Agriland: These areas are all about farming. You can learn about agriculture here.
Year-Round Activities
Even when the big fair isn't happening, the fairgrounds are busy. The area under the Grandstand has an indoor farmers' market. It's usually open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Sometimes it opens on other weekdays around holidays.
The Agriplex buildings also host many different events all year. You can find a list of these events on the fair's website.
Gallery
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Grounds and Display Buildings, around 1892
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Allentown Fair Midway, around 1902
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Racetrack, around 1908
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Horse Racetrack, around 1910
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New Pavilion and Baseball Park, around 1910
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Agriculture Building, around 1915
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Cattle Exhibit Building, around 1915
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Allentown Fairgrounds, 1920
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Allentown School District Romper Day, Allentown Fairgrounds, 1961
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Farmers' Market, 2018
Images for kids
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Main entrance to Allentown Fairgrounds, 2019
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Allentown Fairgrounds in Allentown, Pennsylvania, around 1901
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Allentown Fairgrounds Grandstand, 2018
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Allentown Fairgrounds Hotel at 448 N. 17th Street, 2020
