Greene County Fair 2025

Greene County Fair returns August 3-9

By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer

Ahead of each year’s Greene County Fair, its board of directors changes a few events and activities to gauge what visitors wish to see.

It doesn’t mean an unbroken trend of higher numbers — sunny days will always be more popular than rainstorms. But the fair board’s balance of novelty and tradition is paying off, Carol Adamson, president of the Board of Directors.

“Weather always plays a factor but overall, the fair is growing and we’re excited to improve and offer special events every night,” Adamson said. In preliminary events, at 4 p.m. July 26, Greene County will see its newest royalty in the Fair Queen contest and Little and Mini Princess contests. On

Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. the public can visit for the 4-H Horse and Pony Club Roundup. The next day, exhibitors will check in their livestock or home and garden exhibits, and horse lovers can watch the competition at the Draft Horse Halter show at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

However, things officially kick off on Monday, Aug. 4, designated as Greene County Kids Day. The first 500 youth 12 and under are admitted free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

The fun includes a Greene County Fair Queen and Princess Meet and Greet from 4 to 6 p.m., and youth activities from 4 to 8 p.m. sponsored by the Greene County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.

Beginning at 5 p.m., a variety of entertainment will keep visitors on the edge of their seats, including a petting zoo, magic shows, Wild West

shows, a first-ever mascot meet and greet, carnival rides and the Lead Line contest.

Tuesday is Senior and Veterans Day and officially begins the 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) livestock shows, followed by an evening of entertainment for all ages. The ‘50s-themed fun that night takes people to Tupelo with an Elvis Presley impersonator at 6:30 p.m.

“Last year, we brought in the Disney character singers for a show so this year, we’re trying Elvis for the first time,” Adamson said. “We’re always looking to add new things.”

One tradition that’s being carried forward: A succession of events at 7 p.m. sure to fill the grandstands. The crowd-favorite Rafter Rodeo returns on Wednesday, Aug. 6. It’s followed on Thursday night by the

truck and tractor pull, which will be joined by another one on Saturday night.

Adamson said Friday night will bring out a crowd because no one wants to miss the Demolition Derby. Not to be overlooked, many of the smaller shows and activities are popular in their own right.

“We have a wood carver that comes out for the week and he’ll sell his wares on Saturday,” Adamson said. “There’s live music every night in the Show Arena and of course the amusement park rides, which is a big one for many people.”

Adamson said it would probably surprise fairgoers to learn how much work goes into preparing and planning for a fair.

Every role is important, she said.

“Some of our board members

go to the state meetings in January to get fresh ideas each year,” she said. “We need young people who want to get involved and share their thoughts. You don’t have to serve on a board to be important; it takes us all to make the fair everything it can be.”

She recalls the days when families would come to the fair for the horse races on the track. They headed to the fair each summer for much the same reason we still do today.

“We might not have the horse races now but families could come in, get some of that classic fair food, watch and show and reconnect with friends and neighbors, and that’s really what it’s all about,” Adamson said. Visit greenecountyfair.org/ schedule for a full schedule of events and activities.

Facts about the Greene County Fair

• The first Greene County Fair was held 156 years ago, in 1867.

• The first fair was sponsored by the Waynesburg Central Fair Association.

• The first fair was held at the original fairgrounds location, which was on the south side of Waynesburg, east of Morgan Street.

• The 1867 fair offered a number of attractions, such as horse racing and livestock, as well as gambling attractions.

• The featured performer at the 1887 fair was Professor Oscar Hunt, “The Daring Astronaut.” Hunt performed acrobatic stunts on a trapeze attached to a hot air balloon.

• During the early 1890s, the fair association was forced to dissolve, and all properties were sold for $6,200 to E.M. Sayers at a sheriff’s sale on Aug. 12, 1893.

• A new association took over the fair in the mid-1890s.

• The fairgrounds were sold in 1901 and divided into building lots.

• There were no fairs held at the location from 1902 to 1910. During those years, an event billed as the Greene County Fair was held in Carmichaels.

• By 1911, the new Waynesburg Fair and Agricultural Association was formed. The association purchased a 60-acre farm from R.S. Sayers for $12,000; the farm became the location of the fair as it exists to this day.

• The grandstand was built in 1912 with a seating capacity of 2,500.

• At the 1913 fair, a new exhibit hall was opened to accommodate the increasing number of visitors to the fair. Approximately 25,000 people attended the fair that year.

• The Greene County Commissioners purchased the 41-acre fairgrounds from the fair association in 1940 for $12,500, the exact amount of the debt incurred by the association.

• The fair closed from 1942 to 1945 during World War II due to wartime shortages of gasoline and tires.

• A building was constructed in 1945 that would house an indoor show ring for cattle exhibitions. The bleachers inside seated 1,200.

• Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, several buildings and a second show arena were added to the fairgrounds.

• County commissioners formed the

first Greene Fair Board in 1975.

• In 2009, the Greene County Commissioners dedicated a newly constructed building at the fairgrounds in honor of John Gapen, a former Greene County extension agent for Penn State Cooperative Extension. Earlier in 2009, the county completed construction

• on the 4,000-square-foot prestressed fabric building, located on the eastern end

• of the fairgrounds. The new building houses the county’s emergency response vehicles and trailers, emergency lighting equipment and other supplies to be used in the event of an emergency or disaster. A Red Cross trailer is also housed in the building, which was paid for with a combination of funds from the Greene County 911/ Hazmat fund, the Greene County Fair Board and the county.

Information obtained from “History of Greene County Pennsylvania,” by G. Wayne Smith and the county’s website, www.co.greene.pa.us. Additional information provided by Debbie Stephenson, former secretary/treasurer of the Greene County Fair.

Greene County Fair offers fun for all

It’s a beloved tradition for families and an excitement-filled week for the young and young-at-heart.

The Greene County Fair will get underway Sunday, Aug. 3, and run through Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Greene County Fairgrounds, 107 Fairgrounds Road in Waynesburg.

The fair is one of the biggest annual events in the county, typically attracting thousands over its run. The fair showcases the best in local agriculture and provides entertainment that ranges from harness racing and tractor pulls to the crowning of the fair queen and fair princess.

It takes a tremendous amount of work to hold the fair every year, with numerous volunteers, including committee workers and the fair’s board of directors.

They all deserve our thanks for their hard work and dedication to the fair. Simply put, without them, there wouldn’t be a fair because putting everything together is much more than a one-week or one-month job.

The main goal of the fair is to promote agriculture, and there certainly will be

plenty of that at the fair with exhibits of all sorts of farm animals and numerous 4-H competitions. But there will also be plenty of fun with musical performances, amusement rides of every kind, the ever-popular bingo and wood carving shows, and the debut of Mascot Mayhem.

The various food booths keep people coming back year after year with such tasty treats as sausage sandwiches, gyros, funnel cakes, French fries, pizza and foot-long hot dogs available. For information about the entrance prices and so forth, see the fair’s website at greenecountyfair.org. Also, be sure to check out this special Greene County Messenger magazine for a full schedule of events.

All in all, this year’s fair should be another great event with something to offer for everyone.

We encourage residents to come out and spend a night reliving memories or creating new ones. In a world where we spend too much time with our noses in our phones and on Netflix, Hulu and the like, it’s good to spend an evening (or two) enjoying some good old-

fashioned fun.

For longtime fairgoers, it’s hard not to begin to reminisce when the smell of funnel cake hits your nostrils, or the sounds of the demolition derby or truck pulls hit your ears. Many in the area grew up attending the fair, and this year’s activities will have all the familiar favorites and much more.

The fair has always been a great family event, and it’s also an affordable one. Considering that money is tight these days, it’s hard to find a cheaper way to spend a night having fun.

We all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day, but what makes the fair so special is that, since it only comes around once a year (save 2020), it is a reason to carve out some time to spend with your family.

Whether your kids are little and ready to see the fair for the first time or your kids are all grown up and would be reliving all their favorite memories, we can’t think of a better way to spend a summer night.

So, make your plans to attend the fair now. It will be over before you know it.

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Greene County Fair Queen Eryka Hackney looks back at a year of service

By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer

Like many, Eryka Hackney always struggled with public speaking. That’s why she applied to compete to become Greene County Fair Queen.

“I kind of did it to prove to myself that I could present myself as more confident,” Hackney said. “It really pushed me and another big plus was my love for agriculture, thanks to my Future Farmers of America (FFA) teacher.”

The West Greene High School senior has participated in FFA for four years. She’ll serve as president of her chapter this fall and has entered vegetables, artwork and photography in the past. She raises rabbits, chickens and goats too.

Her year included plenty of practice at putting herself out there.

During Ag-Literacy Week, Hackney read a story to four elementary classrooms in the county. Afterward, she answered questions — about the crown and sash, of course, but perhaps

more importantly, agriculture, planting and farming.

She requested a donation from Consol Cares and passed it on to the Greene County Salvation Army to put toward youth shoes, socks and hygiene products for its Stuff the Bus event. She volunteered at the Hoofprints and Angel Wings Rescue and attended the first Pennsylvania Fair Queen Advocacy Day.

Melody Longstreth coordinates the Greene County Fair Queen program. She said the growth Hackney has experienced is truly what the event is all about.

“The program is a contest and not a pageant,” Longstreth said. “There is no scoring for beauty. It’s to provide the opportunity to allow youth the experience of promoting the importance of agriculture and fairs in our community. Their presence at local events for the entire year keeps that goal in front of the public.”

In addition, the Queen’s prize package includes public speaking and interview training from a professional.

“We want to prepare her for college and job interviews in the future along with the confidence to speak comfortably in any situation,” Longstreth said. “Each year, we watch as they grow as a person. It’s always so rewarding to watch the change from the day they are crowned to the day they crown their successor.” Though Hackney has participated in numerous parades and special activities, there are a few moments that stick out for her.

“I really enjoyed spending time at the fair from a different perspective than what you typically see,” Hackney said. “I also got to judge some of the contests at the 50s Fest and that was really cool. There were a lot of favorites. I think this opportunity just offers so many ways to become a better person. You gain communication skills and confidence. You participate in community service and it’s just remarkable to see all that goes into this program.”

Hackney plans to pursue nursing after high school. She hopes to continue to help others in the future.

Greene County Fair Queens through the years

• 1987: Dorie Matscherz

• 1988: Becky Miller

• 1989: Bobbie Whipkey

• 1991: Emily Bowlen

• 1992: Amy Anderson

• 1993: Marti Lightner

• 1994: Jennifer Howard

• 1995: Becky Cramer

• 1996: Joni Fuller

• 1997: Autumn King

• 1998: Elizabeth Curry

• 1999: Edith Higgins

• 2000: Jamie Lynn Grim

• 2001: Alicia Renee Hamel

• 2002: Vanessa Mirkovich

• 2003: Clarissa Mirkovich

• 2004: Cassie Mooney

• 2005: Nicole Finnegan

• 2006: Amelia Simpson

• 2007: Megan Moore

• 2008: Lindsey Longstreth

• 2009: Karlie Hoy

• 2010: Chelsea Moore

• 2011: Samantha Morris

• 2012: Christa Ziefel

• 2013: Chelsea Wilson

• 2014: Sadie Wright

• 2015: Brittany Bonnema

• 2016: Lindsey Gilbert

• 2017: Julie Policz

• 2018: Madison Kovach

• 2019-2020: Sarah Calvert

• 2021: Krysten Debolt

• 2022: Talia Tuttle

• 2023: Adysan Kern

• 2024: Eryka Hackney

List courtesy of greenecountyfair.org.

Greene County Fair Board

President: Carol Adamson

Vice-President: Commissioner Jared Edgreen

Secretary of the Board: Tammy Brookover

Secretary/Treasurer: Courtney Hursey

Fair Manager: Bret Moore

Fair Board Directors: Commissioner Betsy McClure, Kevin Jacobs, Molly Henderson, Kelly Morris, Scott Hackenburg

Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the month in the upper level of the 4-H Building (Building 10) at the Greene County Fairgrounds unless otherwise notified.

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Greene County 4-H and FFA clubs exhibit projects at annual fair

By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer

Not only are animals a top attraction at any fair, the livestock shows at the Greene County Fair are also the culmination of the efforts made by youth in 4-H and FFA.

People can see the fruits of their labor starting 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, when 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) clubs begin their open goat show. That will be followed by a variety of events and entertainment beginning at 4 p.m.

Tuesday offers the open dairy cattle and rabbit shows at 9 and 9:30 a.m. and on Wednesday, visitors can attend the beef cattle show at 8:30 a.m.

The experience often turns participants into life-long fairgoers.

That was true for Carol Adamson, who serves as president of the Greene

County Fair Board. Her father was a beef breeder. She began showing breeding stock at the fair when she was 10.

“In 1964, we had the first market contest and it started out with steers. The following year we added lambs,” Adamson said. “I think there are a lot of second and third generations participating now, and in my own family, our granddaughters are involved.”

Adamson moved on to become a 4-H leader for 40 years before she was asked to serve on the fair board. It was important to her to volunteer.

“[The fair] is a big thing in Greene County. A lot of people will come out for the lamb and steer sale on Aug. 7,” Adamson said.

That show starts at 6 p.m., following the 4-H and FFA awards at 5:15 p.m. 4-H and FFA also kick off fair activities

that morning at 8:30 a.m. with the open sheep show.

Of course, exhibits aren’t just reserved for livestock.

The Home & Garden Hall opens at 4 p.m. Monday evening and will display the projects youth have created over the past 12 months.

Other clubs include photography, baking, public speaking and textiles. Local bakers will compete to see who can best satisfy a sweet tooth in the annual contests for angel food, apple pie, chocolate cake and cookies. Though they are not open to the public, the results will be livestreamed on Aug. 4. Other exhibits include vegetables, fruits and floral gardening, afghans and quilts, rugs, apiary and maple products such as syrup and honey.

Visit greenecountyfair.org/schedule for a full schedule of events at the Greene County Fair, Aug. 3-9.

Saturday, July 26

2025 Greene County Fair Schedule

4 p.m.: Fair Queen Contest

4 p.m.: Little & Mini Princess Contest

Saturday, August 2

10 a.m.: 4-H Horse & Pony Club Round-up

Sunday, August 3

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Check-in: Livestock

10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Check-in: Home & Garden

10 a.m.: Draft Horse Halter Show

1 p.m.: Draft Horse Hitch Show

5 p.m.: Wool & Hay Show (closed to public)

5:30 p.m.: Vesper Service

Monday, August 4

Kids Night

9:30 a.m.: 4-H, FFA and Open Goat Show

4 p.m.: Home and Garden Exhibit Hall Opens

4 p.m.-6 p.m.: 2023 Fair Queen Meet and Greet

4 p.m.-8 p.m.: Kids’ Activities

5 p.m.-11 p.m.: Amusement Rides

6 p.m.: Magic Jamie Live Grandstand Show

7 p.m.: Leadline Contest

7 p.m.-9 p.m.: Roaming Mascots

7 p.m.: Mascot Mayhem (Meet and Greet to follow)

Tuesday, August 5

Senior & Veterans Day

9 a.m.: 4-H, FFA and Open Dairy Cattle Show

9:30 a.m.: 4-H, FFA & Open Rabbit Show

11:30 a.m.: 4-H and FFA Exhibition, Live Carcass Lamb Class Noon: Bingo

2 p.m.: Home and Garden Exhibit Hall

2 p.m.-4 p.m.: Greene County Mini Senior Fair

5 p.m.-11 p.m.: Amusement Rides

6 p.m.: 4-H and FFA Market Steer Show

6 p.m.-9 p.m.: ‘50s-Themed Activities

6:30 p.m.: Live Elvis Tribute Show with Devon Cowell

Wednesday, August 6

9:30 a.m.: 4-H, FFA and Open Beef Cattle Show

4 p.m.: Home and Garden Exhibit Hall

4 p.m.: Bingo

5 p.m.-11 p.m.: Amusement Rides

6 p.m.: Live Music in Show Arena feat. Steve Hallow

6:30 p.m.: 4-H and FFA Market Lamb Show

7 p.m.: Rafter M Rodeo

Thursday, August 7

8:30 a.m.: 4-H, FFA and Open Sheep Show

4 p.m.: Home and Garden Exhibit Hall

4 p.m.: Bingo

5 p.m.-11 p.m.: Amusement Rides

5:15 p.m.: 4-H & FFA Awards

6 p.m.: 4-H & FFA Market Steer & Lamb Sale (interested buyers should contact Greene County 4-H)

6 p.m.: Live Music in Show Arena

7 p.m.: Truck & Tractor Pulls

Friday, August 8

10 a.m.: 4-H and FFA Tractor Driving Competition, followed by Stockman’s Contest

4 p.m.: Home and Garden Exhibit Hall

4 p.m.: Bingo

5 p.m.-11 p.m.: Amusement Rides

6 p.m.: Live Music in Show Arena feat. Cole Leathers

7 p.m.: Hardcore Demolition Derby

Saturday, August 9

4 p.m.: Home and Garden Exhibit Hall

4 p.m.: Bingo

5 p.m.-11 p.m.: Amusement Rides

5:30 p.m.: Wood Carving Auction

6 p.m.: Live Music in Show Arena feat. Flight Risk

7 p.m.: Truck and Tractor Pulls

Daily Shows & Events

Daily, Monday-Saturday

5 p.m.-10 p.m.: Barnyard Petting Zoo

6 p.m.-10 p.m.: Andy Rotz Wild West Show

Daily, Monday-Thursday

5 p.m.-10 p.m.: Magic Jamie Strolling Magic Shows

Daily, Tuesday-Friday

5 p.m.-10 p.m.: Wood Carving Show by Nate Howard

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