Hookstown Fair puts the farm life & family fun at center stage for five nights
HOOKSTOWN ― The Hookstown Fair puts the farm life and family fun at center stage for five nights starting Aug. 22.
"I think we're going to have good crowds because of all the new stuff that's coming in," Patsy Dailey, Hookstown Fair Board president, said.
Tuesday's opening night includes, for the first time in years, a fireworks show.
Tuesday also is Senior Citizen Day with free admission for seniors, and 4 p.m. opening ceremonies with the crowning of the Hookstown Fair Queen.
Also new this year is the Rough Trucks show on Thursday, a demolition derby for fixed-up trucks.
"I guess it's the new big thing," Dailey said.
Running nightly through Aug. 26, the 77th annual event at the Hookstown Fairgrounds, offers midway rides from 3-11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Daily advance tickets cost $10, which includes rides, with $12 at-the-gate admission also including rides. Buy tickets in advance at tri-state retailers such as Bosetti’s Hardware in Crescent Township, DJ’s Quick Stop in Hanover Township, Henry Lee's Deli in Raccoon Township, Jack's Diner in Greene Township, Johnston Market in Hookstown, Parson’s Inc. in Hanover, Ray’s Garage in Frankfort Springs, R.J.T.’s Ice Cream in Independence Township, Shivler's Corner Store in Raccoon Township, South Side Garage in Greene, Wisenor’s Beauty Shop in Hookstown and Young’s Auto Service in New Sewickley Township.
Other main arena events include a rodeo on Tuesday; demolition derbies on Wednesday and Friday; and tractor and truck pulls on Saturday.
Trying something new this year, a lot of the livestock judging will take place afternoons and evenings so more parents can see their children showing their animals.
Live music
The concert lineup includes the Hookstown Fair debut of Hat Trick, playing classic rock and country, starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The rest of the concert lineup:
Tuesday: Noon, The Sound of Charles Lee (soulful classics), 7:30 p.m. Roy Orbison tribute performed by Steve Dorsey, 9 p.m. Elvis tribute performed by Ernie Valley.
Thursday: 7 p.m. Gatlin (folk, country and classic rock).
Friday: 7 p.m. Morgan Gruber (classic and modern country).
Saturday: 1 p.m. SlapShot (classic rock and country); 7 p.m. 4th Gear (classic & modern rock).
Daily demonstrations include chainsaw carving and canines from Happy Trails Training.
Don't forget the 4-H Demonstration Contest at 9 a.m. Saturday, followed by free ice cream at 11 a.m.
The fair also has a Cupcake Contest with a $150 grand prize, judged on flavor, texture, inside characteristics and outside characteristics.
Let's eat
Daily dinner at the grange begins Monday, with hours 11-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11-9 Friday and Saturday.
Whole dinners with two sides cost: $15, half dinners with one side are $10, featuring pulled pork and half chickens smoked on-site daily.
Daily specials:Monday: Meatloaf or ham steak.Tuesday: Swiss steak or baked ziti.Wednesday: Roast beef.Thursday: Loaded pulled pork fries. Friday: Beer battered cod or shrimp with hush puppies. Saturday: Pork chops.
Side Options: Haluski, tossed salad, pierogies, pickled beets, scalloped cheesy potatoes, cole slaw, hand-cut French fries, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, baked beans, vegetable of the day and mac & cheese.Desserts: Assorted homemade cobblers and fruit crisps.Beverages: Coffee, water, fresh brewed tea, soda.Kids menu: Mini-corn dogs, one side, pudding or fruit cup and juice box for $10.
Food vendors include Penny's Delight from Ambridge at the 4-H stockroom's kitchen, and Richardson's food truck from New Castle selling Mississippi pulled chicken.
Stay informed on the fair with updates at hookstownfair.com
Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Hookstown Fair celebrates the farm life & family fun
