Pike County Fair opens Tuesday

Tommy Cash headlines Saturday finale, By Jerry Goldberg MATAMORAS - It’s time for the fair again. The Pike County Agricultural Fair this year will be held at the Best Western Inn at Hunts Landing in Matamoras, from Tuesday, Aug. 22, through Saturday, Aug. 26. Bitsey Kopfinger is the fair’s originator and long-time chairperson. “The fair was held in Matamoras till ’98, then we moved to the former Magic Valley Amusement Park site in Lehman Township. Now we are back bigger and better than ever,” said Kopfinger. “I have been doing this since the mid ‘80’s when we were known as Pike County Days and it’s in my blood. It is like having a giant family; everyone associated with this event are friends,” she added. Kopfinger said she expects over 15,000 people over the five day run. The crowds are needed to help recover the costs. “We will be giving away at least $10,000 in prize money to contestants. It costs us over $130,000 to put the event on. The tents alone are $8,500 and the electrical work runs us $20,000. We have to pay for all the entertainment and there are lots of other expenses that keep adding up,” she said. General admission will be $2 per person; kids under 6 are free. There will be 14 amusement rides, 74 vendor booths and trailers, agricultural exhibits, the Miss Pike County Contest, entertainment on stage every night, baking and pie eating contests, animal judging contests, and many other family attractions. On Wednesday, more than 10 fire departments are expected to compete for the “Courage Cup.” On Saturday night, Johnny Cash’s brother, Tommy Cash, will be performing “A Brother’s Tribute to Johnny Cash.” The 14 amusement rides are being provided by Irvin Good of Goodtime Amusements, who has been with the fair since 1989. Kopfinger said Good runs a clean family show. The rides are checked carefully each year to make sure they are safe. The Best Western Inn at Hunts Landing is hosting the fair for the first time this year. “The fair should be more successful than when it was held at Airport Park since it will be more visible on our property,” said Steve Mayers manager of the Best Western. “We expect an increase in room rentals and look forward to a long relationship with the Agricultural Fair.” The fair has a one-year contract but is expected to sign a 12-year deal for continuation of the event at the Best Western, Mayers told the Courier. With its rides, exhibits, contests, and entertainment, the fair is aiming to provide wholesome fun and enjoyment for all, Kopfinger said For more information call 570 296-8790. Pike County Fair events schedule • Tuesday, Aug. 22 2:00 p.m. Registration of agricultural exhibits 7:00 p.m. Agricultural tent 4:30 p.m. Opening - Have fun with Aurelia - stage 5:00 p.m. Opening ceremonies - Westfall Township officials 5:30 p.m. Senior King and Queen Contest - Open to ages 55 and over 6:00 p.m. The Comedy of Dapper Dan - stage 6:15 p.m. Little Miss/Mr. Pike County Contest - stage 7:00 p.m. Miss Pike Country Contest - pre -registration required - open to ages 16 -20 - stage 8:30 p.m. The Sidekicks Band - stage 10:00 p.m. Fair closes • Wednesday, Aug. 23 8:30 a.m. Judging of agricultural exhibits - closed to public 4:30 p.m. Fair opens 5:30 p.m. Dapper Dan entertains throughout the ark 7:00 p.m. “Galla, For You” - stage 8:30 p.m. From Nashville - Aaron Kelly - “A Legend In the Works” - stage 10:30 p.m. Fair closes • Thursday, Aug. 24 Protector’s Evening 4:30 p.m. Fair opens 4:30 p.m. Agricultural demonstrations - agriculture area 5:00 p.m. Office of the sheriff - stage 6:00 p.m. Pa. State Police - stage 6:30 p.m. National Park Service - stage 7:00 p.m. Fire competition - all area companies vying for the “Courage Cup” 9:00 p.m. “Cimmaron” - Nashville recording artists - state’s hottest country band - first appearance in the Poconos - stage 10:30 p.m. Fair closes • Friday, Aug. 25 4:30 p.m. Fair opens 5:00 p.m. Dapper Dan & his chicken in the park 7:00 p.m. The magic of Joe Raven - stage 8:30 p.m. Back by popular demand - Dan & Galla Musical Show - stage 10:30 p.m. Fair closes • Saturday, Aug. 26 11:30 a.m. Fair opens 12 Noon Marching band competition 12:30 p.m. Sheep shearing - agricultural & animal area 1:00 p.m. Pie Eating Contest - stage Area 2:30 p.m. Cheerleading contest - stage Area 3:30 p.m. Dapper Dan with his Chicken - stage 4:00 p.m. Watermelon seed spitting contest - open to all! - band stand 5:00 p.m. To start a great evening: Joe Raven & His Magic - stage 6:15 p.m. Ninth Annual Milking Contest - preregistration necessary. Make up a team and try for the “Booby Prize”! Great Fun! - arena - free 8:30 p.m. The Pike County Fair presents - Tommy Cash - A brothers tribute to Johnny Cash - from Nashville - stage - bring a chair and enjoy. 10:30 p.m. Pike County Fair Closes. See you in 2007