84th annual Berlin Brothersvalley Community Fair a harvest homecoming

Sandra Lepley
·3 min read
Ken Miller, a longtime volunteer at the Berlin Brothersvalley Community Fair, takes a break during last year's fair. He and his wife, Carol, are both directors and volunteers. The 84th annual fair begins Wednesday and runs until Saturday.
Ken Miller, a longtime volunteer at the Berlin Brothersvalley Community Fair, takes a break during last year's fair. He and his wife, Carol, are both directors and volunteers. The 84th annual fair begins Wednesday and runs until Saturday.

BERLIN ― The 84th annual Berlin Brothersvalley Community Fair set for Wednesday through Saturday at Berlin school gymnasium and grounds welcomes the community back for a harvest homecoming

This fair is one of few carnivals held statewide on a school property and draws youth and adults alike in a homecoming of family and friends.

According to Brad Flick, president, Berlin Fair is unique for many different reasons, but ultimately it brings the community back together in a welcoming way to celebrate the fall season among friends.

"It is a traditional time of year to bring summer harvest and other unique entries in to display at the fair. It has been going on for generations and the volunteers work hard to ensure everything goes smoothly," he said. "The splendid cooperation, the fine interest and wholehearted support of the people of our community made our fair last year a success."

Pumpkins are a big tradition at the Berlin Fair every year. Here, during last year's fair, gardeners brought their harvest out to enter at the fair.
Pumpkins are a big tradition at the Berlin Fair every year. Here, during last year's fair, gardeners brought their harvest out to enter at the fair.

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This year's officers are Brad Flick, president; Tim Rhoads, first vice president; Brandon Rhoads, second vice president; Karen Hittie, secretary; Mary Margaret Werner, treasurer; Becky Horner, assistant secretary; and Emaline Diehl, assistant treasurer, along with a host of other board members and volunteers.

The Berlin Brothersvalley Community Fair begins from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday with exhibitors' entry day and continues throughout the week until Saturday at the gymnasium of Berlin High School and also at the Clearway Energy facility across from Fetch N Go feed mill along Route 219. Times are noon to 10 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday for public viewing.

"We have planned a program which we feel will be educational, as well as interesting," said Flick. "We expect many fine exhibits and the merchants are planning to erect booths in the gymnasium in which to display their wares."

A public auction will be held in the high school gym at 7 p.m. Thursday with Merle Mishler Auctioneers. All fair baked goods and new merchandise donated by area businesses and individuals will be sold. All proceeds will be used to help pay for fair premiums and operating expenses.

Leanne Coleman (left) of Berlin enters a wildflower arrangement, while volunteer Emaline Diehl checks her in, during last year's Berlin Fair.
Leanne Coleman (left) of Berlin enters a wildflower arrangement, while volunteer Emaline Diehl checks her in, during last year's Berlin Fair.

On Friday, Katie Spiri will present a musical production at the high school auditorium at 7 p.m.

Saturday is a big day at the fair. Exhibits must be removed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Once again this year, the Berlin Community Makerfaire will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday as a way for students to experience free STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities. Students can investigate, explore, build and create using a variety of materials like household items, crafts sticks, paper towel rolls, buttons, pipe cleaners and other things. Students can also learn about Dash-n-Dot coding technology.

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On Saturday, the fair will also include a pet parade sponsored by Emerick's Maple at 10 a.m. in front of the high school lawn. Barbecued chicken halves are back this year and will be sold by the 4-H Exchange Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Tim Rhoads, first vice president of the Berlin Fair, weighs in a pumpkin at last year's Berlin Fair.
Tim Rhoads, first vice president of the Berlin Fair, weighs in a pumpkin at last year's Berlin Fair.

On Saturday at the Clearway Energy facility, there will be a pedal pull at 2 p.m. sponsored by Cotter and Sons Milk Transport; a farm tractor pull at 4 p.m. cosponsored by Clearway Energy, Southwestern Pa. Tractor Pullers, Leydig Farms and Dovan Farms. Weigh-in at Fetch-N-Go will be between 1 and 3 p.m. and there will be no rain date for the tractor pull.

Flick pointed out that the cooperation of volunteers and the participation of the community members, whether they be exhibiting or sponsoring an event, makes the fair successful year after year.

"Our community has long been known for its fertile farms and fine cooks," said Flick. "There seems no better way of advertising these qualities than by bringing them to our fair this year so that visitors from other communities might see the many splendid exhibits of grain, vegetables, flowers, fruit, canned goods and fancywork."

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: 84th annual Berlin Brothersvalley Community Fair a harvest homecoming