7 Thrilling Reasons To Visit The Clarion County Fair PA: The Ultimate 2026 Guide To Grandstand Action And New Attractions

The Clarion County Fair in New Bethlehem, PA, continues its decades-long tradition as a premier summer event in Western Pennsylvania, offering a perfect blend of agricultural heritage, high-octane entertainment, and family fun. This year, as of December 22, 2025, the excitement is already building for the upcoming season, with the fair board consistently introducing fresh attractions while keeping the beloved grandstand staples that draw crowds to the Redbank Valley Municipal Park every year. The fair is more than just rides and food; it is a vital celebration of the region's farming roots, showcasing the hard work of local youth through the 4-H Livestock Market Program and providing a space for community members to connect. The latest updates promise an even more engaging experience, featuring new educational exhibits and unique entertainment that solidify the Clarion County Fair's status as a must-visit destination.

Clarion County Fair: Location, Dates, and Essential Details

The Clarion County Fair is a central event in the region's summer calendar, known for being a week-long celebration that perfectly captures the spirit of rural Pennsylvania. It is a key gathering point for residents of Hawthorn, Fairmount City, and the surrounding areas.

Fair Profile & Key Information

• Location: Redbank Valley Municipal Park, New Bethlehem, PA
• Next Annual Dates: The Clarion County Fair is traditionally held in late July. The next major event is scheduled for July 21–26, 2026.
• Venue: The fairgrounds are situated within the Redbank Valley Municipal Park, providing ample space for the carnival, exhibits, and the main grandstand.
• Host Community: New Bethlehem, PA
• Mailing Address: Clarion County Fair P.O. Box 280, Hawthorn, PA 16230
• Key Management: The fair is managed by a dedicated team, including President Josh Minich, Treasurer Jackie Quinn, and Secretary Betty DeSantis, who work with Fair Managers Clark Rupp and Jason Krieble.

Admission and Ticketing

Details on daily gate admission and grandstand ticket pricing are typically released closer to the event date. Visitors should look for information regarding advanced sale tickets, which often provide savings. The fair is also supported by sponsors like the PA Lottery, which helps fund various programs and attractions.

Top 7 Must-See Attractions and Grandstand Events

The Clarion County Fair is famous for its dynamic schedule, balancing traditional agricultural competitions with thrilling motor sports and unique live entertainment. The following list highlights the top attractions, including the exciting new additions that have been incorporated into the fair's lineup.

1. High-Octane Grandstand Motor Sports

The grandstand is the beating heart of the fair's evening entertainment, drawing huge crowds for its powerful motor events.

• Tractor Pull & Antique Tractor Pull: A long-standing tradition, the Tractor Pull showcases immense power and precision, with a dedicated night for both modern and Antique Tractor Pulls.
• Truck Pull & Dirt Drag Racing: Organizers announced changes to the 2025 lineup, bringing high-revving Truck Pulls and the addition of Dirt Drag Racing to the track, allowing local enthusiasts to race their vehicles.
• Draft Horse Pull: This event celebrates the strength and heritage of working farm animals, a powerful display of the Draft Horse breed.

2. The Agriculture Immersion Lab

A major step toward modernizing agricultural education, the Agriculture Immersion Lab is a cutting-edge, hands-on exhibit. This lab, often powered by GIANT and supported by the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation, is designed to teach families about farming, animals, and the journey of food. It provides an interactive and engaging experience that moves beyond static displays.

3. Areli Equine Entertainment and Kountry K-9 Show

New attractions like Areli Equine Entertainment bring a professional, high-energy horse show to the fairgrounds, showcasing impressive horsemanship and stunts. Complementing this is the Kountry K-9 Show, a popular performance featuring talented dogs and their handlers in a family-friendly display.

4. The 4-H Livestock Auction

The 4-H Livestock Market Program is a cornerstone of the Clarion County Fair, promoting the future of agriculture by supporting youth farmers. The 4-H Livestock Auction is a critical event where community members can buy local, high-quality livestock, directly supporting the hard work and dedication of the young exhibitors.

5. Home & Family Living Exhibits

Located in the Skating Rink area, the Home & Family Living Exhibit is where local talents shine in categories ranging from baking and canning to needlework and crafts. Entries are judged early in the week, and the displays remain a popular draw for visitors interested in local artistry and domestic skills.

6. Live Music and Entertainment

The fair always features a strong lineup of live musical acts. Recent performers have included Nick Ferraro & The All Stars, providing quality entertainment in the evenings. Additionally, the RVCA Festival of Music often kicks off the fair week, setting a lively tone for the days to come.

7. Unique Family Fun and Food Vendors

Beyond the main events, the fair offers a variety of unique attractions and classic fair food:

• Patriot Games Laser Tag: A modern, fun addition for all ages, offering a competitive and active experience.
• Agri-Puppets in Action: An educational puppet show that uses entertainment to teach families about agriculture and farm animals.
• Car and Jeep Cruise In: A dedicated afternoon event where car enthusiasts can showcase their vehicles.
• Local Food Vendors: No fair is complete without the food. Local favorites include Denny & Pearls Pizza, Brody's BBQ (known for Brody's Baked Macaroni and Cheese), Gourmet Concessions, The Tastee Tailgater, and the Redbank Valley Community Center's offerings.

The Agricultural Heritage and Community Support

The Clarion County Fair, which has celebrated its 87th anniversary, is deeply rooted in the history of Western Pennsylvania. What started as a smaller gathering has grown into a major regional event, with the grandstand being erected during the American Legion's operation of the park.

Commitment to Future Farmers

The fair's commitment to agriculture is evident in its ongoing projects. A significant update is the New Horse Barn Project, which was started in 2024. This project highlights the fair's dedication to improving facilities for its livestock exhibitors and the growing interest in equine events, as seen with the introduction of Areli Equine Entertainment. Sponsorship opportunities for horse stalls were made available to the community, demonstrating the collaborative effort required to maintain this beloved tradition. The fair serves as a crucial platform for youth to learn responsibility, business skills, and animal husbandry through the 4-H program, ensuring that the agricultural heritage of Clarion County remains strong for generations to come.

Planning Your Visit to the Clarion County Fair

To make the most of your trip to the Redbank Valley Municipal Park, visitors should plan ahead, especially for the grandstand events, which can sell out.

Tips for Fairgoers

1. Check the Premium Book: For those interested in exhibiting, the complete Clarion County Fair Premium Book is available online, detailing rules and entry requirements for all categories, from livestock to Home & Family Living.
2. Arrive Early for Grandstand Shows: Events like the Truck Pull and Tractor Pull are extremely popular. Arriving early ensures good seating and allows time to explore the vendor area.
3. Support Local Youth: Make a point to attend the 4-H Livestock Auction or visit the Home & Family Living Exhibits to support the young people of Clarion County.
4. Explore New Bethlehem: The town of New Bethlehem, which hosts the fair, is also known for other local attractions, including the Redbank Valley Trail, a popular destination for hikers and bikers.

The Clarion County Fair is a vibrant, week-long showcase of the best of rural Pennsylvania—a perfect blend of tradition, competition, education, and pure fun. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to Western Pennsylvania, mark your calendar for the next fair to experience the excitement firsthand.

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