Revitalizing the Washington County Fairgrounds
By Haven Stetor
The Washington County Agricultural Fairgrounds are more than just the site of the annual Washington County Fair. They are part of the past, present and future of Washington County. Thanks to generations of sponsors, dedicated volunteers and strong community support, the fairgrounds have seen exciting improvements over the past few years that will enhance the fair experience for future guests. With upgraded facilities, expanded spaces and thoughtful modern updates, these improvements preserve the fair’s rich traditions while creating a refreshed and welcoming environment for future generations to enjoy.
This year marks the 227th Washington County Fair. Taking place from August 9 to 16, this marks a proud milestone that reflects the fair’s deep roots and lasting legacy. As new and returning guests arrive at the fairgrounds this year, they will notice a variety of improvements designed to elevate the overall experience.
In the years leading up to the 2023 fair, significant changes were implemented, including the unveiling of a 225th anniversary mural. Sponsored by EQT, the mural showcases elements of agriculture and community represented at the fair. The mural was painted by Diane Adams, an accomplished oil painter, airbrush artist, watercolorist and muralist. Adams has created numerous large-scale murals, including a series of historic paintings in Claysville, which have been reproduced in print and displayed in galleries.
In addition to the mural, an oil painting by world-renowned artist James Sulkowski was commissioned. Sulkowski’s work has been featured at many notable landmarks, including the White House. His painting depicts the transformation of the fairgrounds from its early days as a farm to the modern facility it is today. Signed and numbered prints of the painting are available for purchase at the fair office.
The fairgrounds also incorporated the Memorial Plaza in 2023. This meaningful addition offers visitors a lasting way to honor loved ones, celebrate memories or show support for the fair through personalized pavers. The pavers are still available for purchase, giving community members an ongoing opportunity to leave their legacy at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
In addition to sponsoring the 225th Anniversary Mural, EQT also helped fund improvements to the main entrance gate, transforming it into a more welcoming and polished first impression for all who attend.
The grounds have also benefited from multiple facility upgrades. In 2023, the draft horse barn underwent renovation and repainting. The pony barn and the 4-H horse barn also got attention with interior painting and structural repairs to keep the building up to date. Restroom renovations were completed across the property, providing updated amenities for both visitors and exhibitors. Along Arden Road, a new wall with concrete donated courtesy of Tarr Concrete, and a black chain link fence were installed, enhancing security and curb appeal. Meanwhile, the steer barn grooming area was expanded to accommodate growing participation among youth and livestock exhibitors.
These 2024 photos show fairgrounds improvements throughout the fairgrounds property
Technological enhancements have also been part of the fairground’s transformation. Upgrades in lighting, sound systems and Wi-Fi access have improved both day-to-day operations and the overall guest experience. These changes include an updated grandstand sound system for clearer audio during events and a Cell on Wheels (COW) to improve cell service during peak fair hours.
While all of these changes have improved the overall functionality and guest experience at the fairgrounds, efforts to enhance the space are far from over. Looking ahead, additional projects are already in the planning stages. Among these exciting developments is the CNX Historic barn project, which involves disassembling and repurposing a historic barn using its original materials. Plans are also underway for a state-of-the-art equestrian center and horse arena to better support horse shows, clinics and exhibitions while expanding year-round use of the grounds. Hall 1 is set for a multi-phase renovation, beginning with an addition with upgraded restrooms and a new storage room. Future phases will include a new roof and air conditioning installation, enhancing the space’s functionality and comfort.
Additional improvements that have been completed include a new rail fence around the racetrack thanks to Log Cabin Fence Company. Plans are underway to replace the post-and-rail fence around the horse ring with new posts and rails that will match the fence around Main Street. This project is expected to be completed by this year’s fair.
These past and upcoming projects reflect a continued commitment to growth while preserving the traditions that make the Washington County Fairgrounds a landmark in the community. While Fair Week draws approximately 64,000 visitors annually, the fairgrounds are a staple for the community year-round. Over 350 events and rentals are held on the grounds annually, and they see an additional 70,000-plus guests throughout the year for livestock shows, auctions, expos, weddings and more. These improvements ensure that the fairgrounds remain a versatile and vibrant space, continuing to serve as a gathering space for a variety of memorable events throughout the year.
Young leaders on Junior Fair Board keep fair traditions thriving
By Emily King
For Kelly Yocca, the Washington County Agricultural Fair was synonymous with childhood. She grew up on a farm in Amwell Township, raising beef cattle with her family. She and her two brothers participated in 4-H until they were 18, showing market hogs, steers and goats. The week of the fair was the culmination of all their hard work throughout the year. When Yocca went off to college, her involvement in 4-H and the fair waned, as she cheered on friends and family from the stands instead of competing. But the itch to be involved in the fair again never left.
“The week of the fair was always my favorite part of the year and always what I looked forward to most,” says Yocca. In 2022, she proposed the idea of a Junior Fair Board to the Washington County Agricultural Fair board, which was met with great enthusiasm. Now serving
as secretary of the Fair Board and chair of the Junior Fair Board, Yocca is dedicated to fostering youth engagement and building the next generation of fair leaders in Washington County.
The mission of the Junior Fair Board is to provide Washington County youth with the opportunity to gain leadership experience, promote agricultural education, engage in community service and contribute fresh ideas to enhance the fair each year. Yocca and her co-chair, Audra Brigich, are tasked with selecting the members of the Junior Fair Board each year.
Applicants for the Junior Fair Board must meet several requirements: they must be between the ages of 14 and 21, have a GPA of at least 2.5, attend a high school within the county, reside in Washington County or be a member of a 4-H or FFA Club/Chapter in Washington County. They fill out an application that asks questions about their activities, leadership experience and their reasons for wanting to be on the board.
“I look for candidates who truly have a passion for the fair. Whether that is with your involvement in projects, or it is your love in attending. From my own experience and from what I witness, you don’t always give your all if it isn’t something you truly care about, especially for a committee that is strictly all volunteer work,” says Yocca.
The bulk of the board’s work involves promoting and preparing for the fair.
“I follow their lead on what they want to plan for the community, what they want to plan for 4-H/FFA and what they want to plan for the week of the fair. It is up to them what we do and how we do it,” says Yocca.
Being on the Junior Fair Board is a commitment of time and hard work, as the board has a myriad of responsibilities related to the fair and other events throughout the year. This year’s Junior Fair Board, a driven and creative all-female crew, has already planned and hosted a successful Touch-a-Truck event for their community. They have big plans for engaging with the
Photos courtesy of Kelly Yocca
From left, Junior Fair Board members Piper Kemis, Charlotte Magon, Shelby Powers, Emma Redd and Irelynd Avolia.
community and young fair-goers during the week of the fair and beyond. After the fair, they will turn their focus to local schools, creating agricultural learning opportunities for area children.
The Junior Fair Board meets once a month, and then bi-weekly as the opening day of the fair approaches.
Although their own fair projects are a priority, board members have the opportunity to be involved throughout the week of the fair, from behind-the-scenes work to engaging young attendees with photo opportunities and scavenger hunts.
“The board also tends to be ‘on-call’ throughout the week, where if we are short help at a specific event or need them to get some supplies for a certain area, they are there, as long as they are not busy with any of their projects,” says Yocca.
Junior Fair Board members are required to attend at least one Fair Board meeting to get insight on how the fair is planned and executed, and their Junior meetings are run similarly. Yocca aims to establish a mentor-mentee relationship between the young members and their adult counterparts.
“This year we have an amazing group of girls who really have a strong passion for engaging the community of Washington County and finding ways to bring them to the fair,” says Yocca.
The Junior Fair Board is more than a leadership opportunity — it’s a hands-on learning experience that empowers local youth to take ownership of one of Washington County’s most cherished traditions. Under the guidance of passionate mentors like Kelly Yocca, these young leaders are not only shaping the future of the fair but also strengthening the community ties that make it thrive.
The 2025 Washington County Junior Fair Board
Emma Redd: Her first time on the board, Emma has been showing at the fair her whole life. She shows lambs, pigs, cows, horses and goats.
Shelby Powers: This is Shelby’s third year on the Junior Fair Board and second year as co-president. She has been showing market rabbits and poultry at the fair
From left, Kelly Yocca, Emma Redd, Shelby Powers, Irelynd Avolia, Piper Kemis and Audra Brigich at the raffle basket table at the end of the Touch a Truck event this year.
since 2016.
Irelynd Avolio: This is Irelynd’s first year on the Junior Fair Board, and she shows market hogs and lambs.
Charlotte Magon: This is Charlotte’s third year on the Junior Fair Board. She loves being involved in her community,
helping manage the milkshake booth and representing the fair.
Piper Kemis: Piper is 20 years old and has been participating in the fair for her whole life. She shows dairy goats, breeding and market rabbits, market goats, hogs and lambs.
Shots from the Junior Fair Board’s fair camp in June
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CRASH COURSE IN TRADITION: HOW A SCHOOL BUS DERBY
BECAME A COUNTY CLASSIC
BY HAVEN STETOR
The Washington County Agricultural Fair has been a community staple for centuries. It’s a place where Washington locals showcase their crafts, livestock, homegrown produce and unique talents. From 4-H club competitions to a milk chugging contest, the fair celebrates the region’s agricultural roots and strong community spirit.
Each year, generations return to share old memories and make new ones, capping off Wednesday with a crowd favorite: the school bus demolition derby.
While the derby is now a fan-favorite band night tradition for both students and fairgoers, few know it all began in 1998 when Betty Camden introduced the event. Inspired by a school bus demolition she saw in Butler, Camden wanted to bring the excitement to Washington to get more youth involved in the fair.
Her connection to the fair began at a young age. As a child, she spent her days at the fair while her grandmother entered quilts to be judged. She visited at least twice a week to help out and enjoy the festivities. That early involvement grew into a lifelong connection.
Eventually, she was elected to the fair board, first serving as secretary before moving into the high school band night event coordinator role. Her fresh ideas helped energize the event, and she later took on the role of band night ambassador, helping organize and execute the derby.
What started as one of her ideas has grown into a beloved tradition among the Washington community. The event typically brings together 12 to 14 marching bands from across the county. In the days leading up to band night, students gather to decorate old school buses with colorful designs and school pride.
The artwork follows an annual theme, chosen by the previous year’s winning school. This year’s theme is inspired by Dr. Seuss, and all participating buses must incorporate it into their designs, along with their school name. The art is then judged, with the top three schools receiving prizes: $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third.
Camden remembers those days fondly: “There was usually more paint on the students than the buses,” she said, laughing.
The derby is less about competition and more about community. On the night of the event, fair board members and volunteers, many of whom represent the school that they once attended, climb behind the wheel for an exciting yet safe demolition match. The bus drivers were origionally known as Betty’s “Dirty Dozen” because of a successful movie at the time.
Safety is the top priority. Drivers follow one strict rule: never hit the driver’s side door. Breaking it leads to disqualification, helping ensure the derby stays fun, exciting and, most importantly, safe for everyone involved.
Adding to the excitement is a spin-to-win wheel for the bands playing that evening. After every four performances, the wheel is spun to award the participating school with a $250 prize. Three schools win throughout the night, making it a lively and engaging experience for both performers and fans.
At the end of the derby, the school whose bus survives the demolition earns $500, bringing even more energy and friendly competition to the night.
Today, Camden applauds all of the members of the fair board who continue to think outside the box to engage fairgoers of all generations. While she currently resides in Orlando, Fla., working as a Disney cast member alongside her husband, Philip, she stays up to date with all of the events that the fair board incorporates every year. She compared the Washington County Fair to her experiences at Disney World, stating that every fair served as a learning opportunity to meet new people and make a difference.
As the fair continues to grow and evolve, Camden cherishes the memories she gained from her years of involvement and hopes to return to the derby in person this year. Watching the event she once helped create live on through new generations fills her with pride, with 13 of the bands participating this year. Whether in Washington or cheering on from Orlando, Camden remains a lifelong supporter of the Washington County Fair and all that it stands for.
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County fairs help the economy grow
This story originally ran in the Feb. 7, 2025, edition of the Observer-Reporter.
By Jeff Kotula
C ounty fairs are an annual tradition in Washington County, and even if you have never placed a boot on a farm, the experience of attending a fair allows us to reconnect with our agricultural heritage and reminds us of the hard-working people bringing food to our tables.
However, fairs are also economic drivers, and a recent study by the Pennsylvania Depart ment of Agriculture demonstrates that fairs have a significant impact on our local and statewide economies.
The study that was recently announced by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding at the 2025 Pennsylvania State Associ ation of County Fairs Convention found that Pennsylvania’s 107 county and local fairs contribute $1.14 billion to the state’s economy annually. As part of the state’s overall $76 billion tourism industry, the study found that fairs support nearly 11,000 full-time jobs and attract four million visitors a year. These impressive numbers are complemented by visitors spending $673 million in rural communities where fairs are mostly held and generating $21.2 million in tax revenue annually.
were equally impressive.
The annual economic impact of the Washington County Agricultural Fair, which recently celebrated its 225th anniversary, was estimated at almost $23 million. It supports over 200 jobs with $8 million in earnings. According to the study, the fair’s estimated annual attendance is nearly 65,000, which accounts for approximately $11.1 million in visitor spending. It is also important to note that the fair is organized by a dedicated group of volunteers and is supported by local companies in business sectors such as energy, banking, equipment providers, and manufacturers as well as health care, auto dealers, utilities, and real estate. When the study was unveiled, Redding commented that “county and local fairs are where agriculture and tourism meet” and this confluence of farming and economy is fully supported by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. We remain committed partners of both the Washington County Agricultural Fair and West Alexander Fair by promoting these wonderful events, expanding their market reach, and investing in their long-term capital improvements. This collaboration has achieved results by attracting larger local crowds as well as welcoming visitors from nearby counties and neighboring states like Ohio and West Virginia.
The report also examined six case studies to further illustrate the economic impact of fairs from varying areas and sizes across the state. The Washington County Agricultural Fair was utilized as one of the examples, highlighting both its influence and significance to our local economy. The results
Our local fairs are a significant part of Washington County’s own $700 million local tourism economy and goes to show that all those funnel cakes really do add up.
Jeff Kotula is the president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency.
2025 Washington County Agricultural Fair Schedule of Events | August
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025
3:00 PM Judging in the Halls
H2 4:00PM Bake Sale
7:00PM Antique Tractor Pull
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2025
RANGE RESOURCES DAY
9:00 AM 2025 Fair Opens
GS 9:00 AM Lawn & Garden Tractor Pull
ST 10:00 AM Junior Baking Contest
ST 10:30 AM Crock Pot Contest
ST 11:00 AM Homemade Chocolate Cake Contest
ST 11:30 AM Angel Food Cake Contest
ST 12:00 PM Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest
SA 1:00 PM Pedal Power Tractor Pull
H3 1:00 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
H2 1:00 PM Fleece to Shawl (3 hrs.)
ST 2:30 PM Stone Age Show
H3 5:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
ST 6:00 PM Fair Opening Ceremony
ST 7:00 PM Fair Queen Contest
SA 7:00 PM Hay Hauling
GS 7:00 PM Demolition Derby
H3 8:00 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
ST 9:00 PM Stone Age Show
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
LOG CABIN FENCE DAY
Senior Day - $5.00
PL 9:00 AM Tractor Driving Contest
H5 9:00 AM Open & Jr. Rabbit Show
WR 10:00 AM Wool Judging
GS 11:00 AM Harness Racing
H2 11:00 AM Spinning Contest
ST 11:00 AM Senior Citizen Activities
9 – 16, 2025
ST 3:30 PM Stone Age Show
SA 4 :00 PM Market Hog Show
H3 4:30PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
ST 6:00 PM Stone Age Show
GS 7:00 PM Pro Stock Tractors & Hot Semis
ST 7:00 PM Ruff Creek
H3 7:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 2025
HAPCHUK INC. DAY
GS 10:00AM Harness Racing
ST 11:00 AM Church Service
SA 11:30AM Boer Goat Show
ST 1:00 PM Babies on Parade
SA 1:00 PM Pets on Parade
GS 2:00 PM Rodeo - Diversified Energy
GS 2:00 PM Antique/Classic Car Show
ST 2:00 PM Meet the 2025 Fair Queen
SA 3:00 PM Market Goat Show
ST 3:00 PM Stone Age Show
H3 5:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
GS 7:00 PM Rodeo – Diversified Energy
SA 7:00 PM Horse & Pony Pull
ST 7:00 PM Morgan Gruber Acoustic Trio
H3 7:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
ST 9:00 PM Stone Age Show
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025
BIONI INDUSTRIES DAY
Veterans Day - $5.00
SA 8-9 AM Market Rabbit Weigh in
SA 9:00 AM 4-H Meat Rabbit Pens & Showmanship
SA 9:00 AM Beef Cattle Open & Junior
SA 9:30 AM Poultry Show & Showmanship
H4 11:00 AM Plant Propagation Demo.
SA 2:00 PM Prospect Steer & Heifer Show
ST 3:00 PM Stone Age Show
H3 4:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
SA 6:00 PM Market Steer Show
ST 6:00 PM Stone Age Show
GS 7:00 PM Motocross
ST 7:00 PM Scott Blasey
H3 7:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
SA 8:30 PM Old Timers Showmanship
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2025
ATI DAY
SA 9:00 AM Draft Horse Halter Classes & Mules
Light Horse & Pony Halter Classes, Miniature Burro & Mini Donkey, Sr. Showmanship
SA 9:30 AM Junior Dairy Clipping
SA 11:00AM Under 8 Kiddle Dairy Showmanship
SA 12:00 PM 4-H & FFA Dairy Showmanship
H3 1:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
ST 2:30 PM Stone Age Show
H3 3:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
GS 4:00 PM Cheerleading Exhibition
SA 4:00 PM Market Lamb Show
GS 6:00 PM Senior High Bands
ST 7:00 PM Good Karma
H3 7:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
GS 8:00 PM School Bus Demolition Derby
ST 9:00 PM Stone Age Show
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025
EQT CORPORATION DAY
Children 12 & Under
$5.00 Admission All Day
SA 9:00 AM Breeding Sheep Open & Junior
GS 9:00 AM 4-H Horse & Pony Show
SA 9:00 AM Dairy Show
LC 10:00 AM Stockman Contest – Log Cabin Display
SA 2:00 PM Lead Line Contest
ST 2:30 PM Stone Age Show
SA 3:00PM Fleece to Shawl Auction
ST 4:30 PM 4-H Benefit Auction
H3 5:00 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
SA 5:00 PM Premiere Showmanship Contest
H4 6:00 PM Plant Propagation Demo.
ST 6:00 PM Stone Age Show
ST 6:30 PM Mullet Hairstyle Contest
GS 7:00 PM Koi Drag Racing
ST 7:00 PM Aaron Margaria
H3 7:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
SA 8:00 PM Parade of Champions
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025
MURPHY FAMILY INC DAY / TARR CONCRETE DAY
GS 9:00 AM 4-H Horse & Pony Show
SA 9:00 AM Dairy Goat Show
ST 10:00 AM 4-H Modeling Contest
SA 1:00 PM Animals on Hoof Dressing
ST 2:30 PM Stone Age Show
H3 4:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
ST 5:30 PM Royal Princess Engagement
SA 6:00 PM Market Livestock Sale ~ Rabbits, Goats
GS 7:00 PM Demolition Derby
ST 7:00 PM T he Skyliners
H3 7:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
ST 8:30 PM Stone Age Show
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025
WASTE MANAGEMENT DAY
GS 9:00 AM Farm Tractor Pull
SA 10:00 AM Market Livestock Sale –Lambs, Steers, Hogs
ST 11:00 AM Stone Age Show
ST 3:00 PM Stone Age Show
H3 5:00 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
ST 6:30 PM Bon Journey
SA 6:30 PM Dairy Promotion Cheese Auction
SA 7:00 PM Milk Chugging
GS 7:00 PM Street Stock Trucks
H3 7:30 PM Rock N Roll Pet Kids Show
ST 9:00 PM Stone Age Show
