SMETHPORT — The year’s McKean County Fair highlighted local culture and brought families together — even more than expected, organizers said. Attendance numbers were up by more than 1,000 for this year’s fair, bolstered by the good weather that lasted throughout most of the week. “I think the fair went wonderfully,” said Tanya Okerlund, McKean County Fair board president.
“The hard work of our volunteers came together and our numbers were way up from what they have been the last few years.” She noted that the beautiful, dry weather was a welcome break from tradition, adding she has a hard time remembering the last time the fair saw such mild weather. “Usually it always rains during fair week but we had some nicer weather and that was beneficial for us,” Okerlund said.
“Our gate attendance for the week was up this year at 12,724 versus 11,595 from last year,” said Denise Hale, office manager of the fair. The one day of slightly lower attendance than usual was Saturday, likely due to a rainstorm. Attendance that day was 3,656 people in contrast with the 5,067 who attended on the same day last year.
More than 1,150 locals submitted entries to the fair in 2024. “I don’t have that broken into categories but each person could enter more than one thing so there are many more entries in total than that,” said Hale. “It is not unusual for people to enter more than one thing and some of the animal people may enter 20 or 30 classes.
” The Tractor Parade was more popular than ever before with a total of 63 tractors entering. This event has been going on for a few years now and helps to kick off agriculture week for all the local farmers. Another popular event this year was the demolition derby and the Enduro Race.
The crowds were also excited for the stock car races, which have been absent from the fair since before covid. “There was no fair during covid, next year the race got rained out and the two years afterwards we didn’t have them scheduled,” Hale said. “So that was a really, really good race crowd that night.
” This year saw the Future Farmers of America return to the fair as well. Children in the FFA program worked alongside members of 4H to show their livestock throughout the week. “Having the FFA join us this year was a huge success,” Okerlund said.
“The 4H kids welcomed them and the groups worked well together, showing each other great support.” That kind of homegrown support is what the fair is all about, Okerlund noted. “If it wasn’t for the hardworking volunteers and sponsors who help us put this event on it wouldn’t take place – it is too much for any one person to do,” Okerlund said.
Volunteers not only organize the events, but donate equipment and labor to keep the fairgrounds looking their best. “We have had companies donate more than just money but things like stone, trucks, their trailers and lighting equipment,” said Okerlund. “I am just very thankful to the sponsors and the wonderful fair board that we have.
” Next year’s fair is already planned for Aug. 10 to 16. The Tractor Parade will be held Aug.
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