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One of the major
events in Lycoming County each year is the annual Lycoming
County Fair, held in mid-July. The fairgrounds is located in
the borough of Hughesville in the southeastern part of the
county. The fair traces it's history from 1870 and in 2011
celebrated its 141th anniversary.
The organization actually had its origin in 1868, three
years after the end of the Civil War. Ten local persons met
and organized the Muncy Valley Farmer's Club for the purpose
of discussing agricultural topics. Dr. George Hill was
chosen to be president. Two years later in 1870, the club
decided to hold its first exhibition in which area people
could exhibit their livestock, grains, fruits, vegetables,
canned goods and handicrafts. Early maps indicate the first
exhibition was held on grounds of the Hughesville Trotting
Park located at the southern end of the borough. It was a
successful event.
In 1873 a small newspaper became a feature of the annual
exhibition. Named the "Canusarago Daily Herald," it was
printed the six days of the exhibition, Monday through
Saturday and featured events, programs, activities, premium
winners and other interesting happenings of the exhibition,
as well as news of the nearby area. "The Herald" was the
first newspaper to be printed in Hughesville and a
subscription for the six issues cost $25.00.
The Muncy Valley Farmers' Club continued to grow in its
membership and its annual exhibition continued to grow and
be successful. With a membership of nearly 200 by 1875, a
charter of incorporation was drawn up. Dues were set at $.50
per year.
Despite the continued growth and success of the agricultural
exhibition in Hughesville, stiff competition for hosting a
county was developing in Williamsport. By the late 1800's
fairs had been held in two locations in Williamsport; one in
the Vallamont section and the other in Memorial Park near
the site of Bowman Field Baseball Stadium. Both fairs
enjoyed success for a few years. Interest and support for
the fair in Hughesville prevailed and eventually Hughesville
was chosen to be the permanent site for the Lycoming County
Fair, sometime in the early 1900's.
An interesting note is apparently the association did not
own the land on which the annual exhibition was held. The
first indication of the actual purchase of land, the result
of extensive research by a local lawyer, was in 1915. Court
records show that by 1930, some 50 acres of land had been
deeded to the Lycoming County Fair Association.
The 1920's brought continued growth for the fair with
dramatic increases in attendance. This was due in part to
the economic "good times" of the "roaring twenties." The
popularity of the automobile and the paving of highways
encouraged people to travel and enjoy their leisure time.
Another factor that promoted attendance was the Williamsport
and North Branch Railroad. Headquartered in Hughesville, the
railroad ran special "fair excursions" for the benefit of
fairgoers.
The 1920's saw the beginning of a special feature that was
to be a regular part of the fair through the 20's, 30's and
the 40's. Following World War II, automobile racing on the
1/2 mile dirt track drew large crowds. Known as "big cars."
At that time, the races were sanctioned by the AAA. During
these years many of the biggest names in American Auto
Racing appeared at Hughesville. The field often included
Indianapolis 500 veterans. Among the biggest were Ted Horn,
Tommy Hinnershitz, Jimmy Bryan, Johnny Parsons, Le Wallard,
and Joie Chitwood.
Another special edition to the fairgrounds during this time
period was an airplane landing field. Construction of
hangers and a 1700 ft. runway was completed. The official
opening and dedication took place on September 3 - 5, 1930.
The Hughesville Airport was considered an important
refueling stop on a direct route between New York City and
Cleveland, Ohio. In 1934, state and federal monies made
improvements to the facility. The US Postal Service declared
a special "air mail day" on May 19, 1938 to honor the
Hughesville Fairgrounds Airport. On May 14, 1929, Amelia
Earhart of Trans Atlanic Flight Fame, made an emergency
landing in her plane at the landing field on the Hughesville
Fairgrounds. Earhart had intentions of landing at Bellefonte
for refueling but lost her way. She noticed then landing
field in the middle of the fairgrounds and took advantage of
it.
The Lycoming County Fair was curtailed starting in 1942 due
to restrictions and demands of World War II.
Tragedy struck the fairgrounds during the early morning
hours of September 4, 1944. During a severe thunderstorm a
large exhibition building was hit by lighting. Within
minutes the wooden structure was destroyed.
The years following World War II brought several changes in
operation and the airport was soon abandoned. Very little
use of the airport was made after the war. Soon the hangers
were removed and the area was used for a variety of
purposes, including a parking area for fair patrons. A
decision was made to end automobile racing during the 50's.
Factors included safety concerns, noise and dust issues
effecting nearby homes. The date for the fair was
changed during the 50's from its beginning (usually in
September or October) to mid-July. It was also extended to a
ten day fair.
From that time to the present, the members of the
association have worked tirelessly to enlarge the fair with
more, better programs and activities as well as improving
the physical facilities in order to make the fair more
appealing and attractive. Among the improvements and
additions: construction of a new entertainment stage,
booking of "big" name entertainment, addition of Sunday
vesper service (1954), replacement of several exhibition
buildings, two restrooms with showers, horticulture and
grange building, Red Cross building, two craft and
commercial buildings. Paving of midway, purchase of 35 acres
of additional land. Promotion of outstanding harness racing.
Demolition derbies, automobile thrill shows, and tractor
pulls. Adding more exhibits and enlarging of office
facility. Plus fireworks. Proof of this worth occurred
at the 123rd fair in 1993 when an all-time attendance record
was set. Over 141,000 people attended that year.
The fairgrounds have not been idle at other times of year.
Other activities: farm and heritage antique machinery show,
automobile shows, rodeos, circus, horse shows, music
festivals, tractor pulls, motorcycle races, and Hughesville
Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2002. For 134 years
the Lycoming County Fair, often referred to as 'the
"Hughesville Fair"' has been a success story. Many people
have worked for years for the county fair - officials,
directors, employees, exhibitors and concessionaires.
The association is actively involved in the following
organizations: PA State Association of County Fairs, Outdoor
Amusement Business, PA State Showmen's Association,
International Fairs and Expositions, Williamsport Lycoming
Chamber of Commerce and Susquehanna Valley Visitors Bureau.
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