The Washington County Agricultural Fair a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is Pennsylvania’s oldest fair dating back225 years to October of 1798. When Washington County was celebrating its first fair, John Adams, our nation’s second president, was in office. At the time, only sixteen states existed. The primary mission of the fair is to promote and advance the interest of agriculture, horticulture, homemaking subjects, arts and sciences, 4-H clubs and FFA organizations and activities. The Washington County Agricultural Fair is an eight-day event attracting more than 65,500 spectators annually. The 225th Anniversary Fair runs August 12-19. The 225th Anniversary Fair Planning Committee is actively organizing the fair and special anniversary activities. The committee is chaired by Jeff Kotula President, Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency.
“While we are celebrating the 225th Washington County Agricultural Fair, the foundation of this event is timeless. It has always been a way to honor our county’s rich farming heritage and, more importantly, the generations of families that have raised the crops and livestock that we depend on every day. It is away for us to appreciate what those families and farms mean to our county and country.” said Jeff KotulaChairman, Washington County Agricultural Fair 225th Anniversary Planning Committee.
Agriculture is the largest industry in Washington County. The USDA ranked Washington County fourth overall in the Commonwealth with 1,760 farms: this is the largest by far in Western Pennsylvania trailing only to Lancaster, York, and Berks County amongst the state’s 67 counties. The industry is as vital to feeding our region today as it was 225 years ago.
The Washington County Agricultural Fair and the fairgrounds are key economic drivers for Washington County and surrounding communities. The fairgrounds include five exhibit halls, ten barns, grandstand, show arena, show tent, and picnic pavilion.
The fairgrounds are active on a year-round basis attracting various shows and exhibits. Most of these events are “rentals” where organizations lease the facility. The largest of these events is the two-week Pennsylvania Arts & Craft Christmas Festival which draws nearly 15,000 visitors annually. The next four largest events include the All-Clad Factory Outlet Sale, ARH Gun Show and Sale, Duncan & Miller Glass Museum Show and Sale, Family Festival and Washington County Home Show. Most events occur over multiple days and weekends and the total Fair and Expo Center attendance exceeds 135,000 annually.
For more information, visit the fair website at www.washingtonfair.org or call the Fair office at724-225-7718. Daily admission is $10 including carnival rides and parking is always free.
