Local History

The Valley Forge Music Fair: Legendary entertainment from the 1950s through the 1990s

The Upper Merion area in the years after World War II, like much of the rest of the country, was experiencing a time of economic growth, cultural stability and a suburban housing boom helped by the Federal Housing Administration's mortgage loans and benefits from the GI Bill. Along with the influx of residents came a need for entertainment venues aside from those in the city. In 1955, three local businessmen, Shelly Gross, Edward Felbin and Lee Gruber came up with an idea for the music fair to host road companies of broadway shows during the Spring, Summer and Fall. The group purchased what was once 10 acres of farmland just south of King of Prussia. They raised $100,000 by asking 100 friends to contribute $1,000 each. Construction began in May 1955 with a bowl shaped amphitheater with a round stage surrounded by terraced seating for more than 1600 people. The first venue was under a tent supported by 18 poles located throughout the seating area.

The first season opened in June of 1955 with the musical Guys and Dolls followed by nine other summer stock shows, and subsequent seasons in the 1950s continued with theater shows. In 1960, the Music Fair got a major overhaul with a new tent system with cantilever supports eliminating the need for poles, as well as better seating and a new sound system. Also during the 1960s Gruber and Gross began booking rock, country, jazz and other musical performances as well as comedians in addition to the Broadway shows. In 1971, the giant red and orange tent came down and was replaced with a brand new year-round air conditioned and heated facility. It was built with an increased seating capacity of 2750, and opened in July 1972. In addition to the entertainment, the location became a popular location for corporate meetings and high school graduations. Throughout the 1970s, '80s and into the '90s, popular shows and entertainers frequently sold out the venue. Kenny Rogers held the record for the most appearances with over 100 including a popular Christmas show. So many stars of all musical genres performed over the years including: Fats Domino; Peter, Paul and Mary; Dionne Warwick; Liza Minelli; Harry Chapin; Charlie Daniels and dozens more. Comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Dom DeLuise and Tim Allen all did shows there as well. In 1988, founder Lee Gruber died suddenly, and in 1992, Shelly Gross turned over running the business to his son, Rick, who had been working there since he was in high school. By the mid-1990s, the land that the Valley Forge Music Fair occupied was worth more as a retail shopping venue. In 1996, a full season of shows was booked including Tom Jones, Julio Iglesias, The Temptations, The Monkees, a run of the musical My Fair Lady, and a final annual Kenny Rogers Christmas Show. On January 2, 1997, the absolute last show was for children: the Mystical Magical Musical Show. The Music Fair was torn down shortly thereafter and replaced by the Valley Fair Shopping Center. It is still fondly remembered by those who saw the many shows there, and by the employees who worked there who have even held reunions over the years. Please consider joining The King of Prussia Historical Society. We are wholly dependent on memberships and donations to continue our mission of keeping our local history alive. Visit our website at KoPHistory.org or find us on Facebook.

Preserving Upper Merion’s Past To Enlighten Its Future PO Box 60716 King of Prussia, PA