Great Allentown Fair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Allentown Fair |
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| Genre | Agricultural |
| Dates | Annually in late August and early September (August 28 to September 2 in 2024) |
| Location(s) | Allentown Fairgrounds, 302 N. 17th St., Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Years active | 1852–1861, 1863–1916, 1919–41, 1946–2019, 2021– |
| Website | http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ |
The Great Allentown Fair is a super fun yearly event held at the Allentown Fairgrounds in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It's run by the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. This fair is one of the oldest in the United States. It is also one of the biggest in Pennsylvania.
The fair started way back in 1852. Its first goal was to show off new farming ideas. It also aimed to entertain people. Over the years, the fair has grown a lot. It now offers even more fun things to do and yummy food. While it still celebrates its farming roots with petting zoos, animal contests, and a farmer's market, today's fair also has lots of entertainment. You can find a big carnival, exciting talent shows, and awesome concerts.
Contents
History of the Fair
How the Fair Began
The very first fair was held by the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. It took place from October 6 to October 8, 1852. The fair was on a 5-acre plot of land in Allentown. This first fair was a huge success!
Because it was so popular, the Society bought a bigger piece of land in 1853. This new spot had ticket offices and a two-story building for exhibits. The second fair was held there later that year. One of the most popular acts back then was Stephen Lentz's Flying Coach. This was a brass band that played music from a hay wagon.
Fair During Wartime
In 1862, the fair did not happen because of the American Civil War. The fairgrounds were used as a training area for soldiers. The fair started again in 1863. In 1876, a big show was put on to celebrate 100 years of the United States Declaration of Independence. It was a reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Many local Civil War soldiers and veterans took part.
During the 1870s and 1880s, the Allentown Fair became even more popular. It grew too big for its old location. So, in 1889, the Society bought new land. This new fairgrounds had a new half-mile race track. It also had grandstands that could seat 2,500 people. To celebrate the new location, the fair was renamed the "Great Allentown Fair."
Fair in the 20th Century
From its early days, horse racing was a favorite event at the Allentown Fair. By 1902, the fairgrounds' track was known as one of the best. In 1905, a famous racehorse named Dan Patch set a speed record there. In 1911, the large grandstand you see today was built. It increased the seating to 10,000 people.
Between 1907 and 1914, airship races were a big attraction. In 1909, two airships raced over Allentown. One had the American flag, and the other had the German flag. The American airship won! The next year, in 1910, pilot Glenn Curtiss flew his plane over the fair. This was the first known airplane flight in the Lehigh Valley.
In 1920, the first auto race was held at the fair. Famous race car drivers like Mario Andretti, A. J. Foyt, and Parnelli Jones all raced at the Great Allentown Fair. In 1960, a serious accident happened during a race. Although the last official auto race was in 1968, demolition derbies continued to be popular.
The fair was not held in 1917 and 1918 during World War I. The fairgrounds became Camp Crane, a training center for the U.S. Ambulance Service. Over 20,000 soldiers lived there in tents. The fair was also paused from 1942 to 1945 due to World War II. In 1951, Gen. Douglas MacArthur visited the fair. This was a very important moment in the fair's history.
Starting in the 1950s, music concerts became a big part of the fair. They brought in famous performers and large crowds. In 1958, Buddy Holly performed at the fair. In the 1960s, stars like Roy Rogers, Lawrence Welk, and Johnny Carson appeared. In 1964, Andy Williams introduced the Osmond Brothers at the fair. Kate Smith also performed there for the first time. In 1966, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass played a show. A photo from their performance is on the back of their album S.R.O..
On August 8, 1974, Liza Minnelli delayed her concert. This was so everyone could listen to President Richard Nixon's resignation speech. Her performance later that night set new records for ticket sales.
Fair in the 21st Century
In 2020, the fair was canceled for the first time since World War II. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But it happily returned in 2021!
Fun Things to See and Do
The Great Allentown Fair has many exciting attractions, including:
- Agriplex/Agriland: These are the fair's areas focused on farming.
- Grandstand: This is a large outdoor stage. It hosts the fair's main musical acts.
- Farmerama Theater: This is an outdoor stage where talent contests are held. Other daytime shows also take place here.
- Main Entrance Plaza: This area features special shows, like juggling acts.
- Music Tent: A tent where different bands perform live music.
- Powers Great American Midways: This is the fair's exciting carnival!
Grandstand Shows
In 1911, a large grandstand was built. It cost $100,000 and could seat 7,070 people. It was first used for horse racing and auto racing.
In 1956, the grandstand started hosting major musicians and bands. Guy Lombardo was the very first big act to perform there.
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