Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

BLOOMSBURG — The 163rd edition of the Bloomsburg Fair is set for Sept. 21-29 and it will again feature several headliners on the grandstand stage, including 1980s legend Rick Springfield, country star Vince Gill and rocker Melissa Etheridge.

That’s to go along with the usual staples — just about every food selection you could imagine plus a variety of livestock, produce and arts and crafts displays.

The fair will also feature a new carnival operator for the first time in decades — Amusements of America.

But it’s the entertainment that attracts thousands to the venue each year and this year’s schedule is packed with star power:

• Friday, Sept. 21 — Daughtry

• Saturday, Sept. 22 — Tractor and truck pulling

• Sunday, Sept. 23 — Casting Crowns

• Monday, Sept. 24 — Ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, 13, who won the “America’s Got Talent” competition last summer.

• Tuesday, Sept. 25 — Cole Swindell

• Wednesday, Sept, 26 — Rick Springfield presents Best in Show with Eddie Money, Greg Kihn and Tommy Tutone

• Thursday, Sept. 27 — Melissa Etheridge

• Friday, Sept. 28 — Vince Gill

• Saturday, Sept. 29 — Brett Eldredge with Devin Dawson and Abby Anderson

“We have a great lineup of entertainment,” said John Brokenshire, a member of the fair’s board of directors. “We expect another great year.”

The fairgrounds will also host a Stuart Tank to honor all World War II veterans. Stuart tanks were manufactured in Berwick at the former American Car & Foundry (AC&F) plant.

Brokenshire said the proceeds from the fair help fund the Bloomsburg Fair Scholarship Program and a lot of money raised goes back into improving the facilities on the fairgrounds.

Several speakers at Wednesday’s Media Day presentation said the fair has a significant impact on the local economy. Nearly all hotel rooms in the region will be filled, officials said, in addition to businesses being patronized by fairgoers and fair workers alike.

Fair facts

• At the first Bloomsburg Fair in 1858, the entry fee was 10 cents.

• In 2018, the Bloomsburg Fair has grown to be one of the largest in Pennsylvania.

• The fairgrounds on the west end of town consist of 200-plus acres.

For more information, such as ticket prices: www.bloomsburgfair.com.

IF YOU GO

What: 163rd annual Bloomsburg Fair

When: Sept. 21 through Sept. 29 (Admission is charged from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. except Sept. 21 when gates open at 2 p.m.)

Admission: $8 at gate but advanced tickets offer discounts. On the fair’s Preview Day, which is Sept. 21, admission is only $3 for those over 12. Those under age 12 get free admission daily. Monday, Sept. 24, features free admission for senior citizens 65 and older. Students ages 13 to 18 get free entry on Tuesday, Sept. 25, and Friday, Sept. 28.

Parking: $5

Ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_Darci-Lynne-3.jpg.optimal.jpgVentriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer

Vince Gill
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_Vince-Gill-3.jpg.optimal.jpgVince Gill

Melissa Etheridge
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_Melissa-Etheridge-3.jpg.optimal.jpgMelissa Etheridge

A crowd is seen on the Bloomsburg Fair midway in this file photo. This year’s edition kicks off Friday, Sept. 21.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_crowdfair-3.jpg.optimal.jpgA crowd is seen on the Bloomsburg Fair midway in this file photo. This year’s edition kicks off Friday, Sept. 21. Times Leader file photo

By Bill O’Boyle

[email protected]

IF YOU GO

What: 163rd annual Bloomsburg Fair

When: Sept. 21 through Sept. 29 (Admission is charged from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. except Sept. 21 when gates open at 2 p.m.)

Admission: $8 at gate but advanced tickets offer discounts. On the fair’s Preview Day, which is Sept. 21, admission is only $3 for those over 12. Those under age 12 get free admission daily. Monday, Sept. 24, features free admission for senior citizens 65 and older. Students ages 13 to 18 get free entry on Tuesday, Sept. 25, and Friday, Sept. 28.

Parking: $5

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.