A Family Tradition
It’s no surprise that the Lebanon Area Fair was voted Lebanon Valley’s Best Local Event by area residents; more than 50,000 attendees flock to the Fairgrounds each summer to enjoy the annual showcase of Lebanon County agriculture, great food, carnival rides, track events and live entertainment.
Some 8,000 exhibits are judged and on display in the various halls and barns, with friends and neighbors vying for the coveted first place ribbon, Grand Champion rosette or Best of Show designation. With 4-H, FFA, and farm projects as its focus, the Fair’s competitive exhibits show off a multitude of talents, such as sewing, painting, woodworking, photography, canning, quilting and more. Locals with a green thumb enter produce and flowers – from apples to zinnias, the Fair’s fruit, vegetable, flower and herb classes display just how prolific Lebanon County’s well-tended soil can be. Fairgoers can also expect to see the finest livestock in the County on display: poultry, rabbits, beef cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, dairy cattle, and horses. The majority of the stock are entered by school-age children enrolled in 4-H and FFA projects.
Beyond the exhibit halls and barns, stroll the Midway to enjoy famous Fair food such as french fries, milkshakes, and fried bologna pretzel roll sandwiches. Live musical entertainment takes place throughout the week at the Pavilion and Main Stage, in addition to tractor and truck pulls, tough trucks, rodeo, and the grand finale demolition derby followed by fireworks on the final Saturday of the Fair. The track events are a major attraction at the Fair and thousands fill the grandstands every year. The Midway is also home to carnival rides and games, a petting zoo, and displays by area businesses and nonprofits.
From young to old, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy at the Fair. Stop by and see what makes this 8-day event the County’s largest annual attraction!
History
The first Lebanon Area Fair was held in 1957 and has continued to grow and expand for 50 years. Prior to 1970, the “Lebanon County 4-H Fair” was looking for a place to call home. The Ebenezer School, Fredericksburg Fireman’s Park and H&H Tack Farm all hosted the annual 4-H round up at some point in those 14 years.
In 1969, a group a 4-H leaders arranged to purchase the land now known as the Lebanon Area Fairgrounds. 1970 was the inaugural year for the fair to be held on this land. The only building was an almost completed refreshment stand and all the entries were exhibited under 400 linear feet of tenting.
The present facilities are owned by the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center and include five indoor exhibition buildings, three refreshment stands, five barns, two horse rings and a track area with bleacher seating and a stage. Click here for a printable map of the Lebanon Area Fairgrounds.
After 50+ years, the nonprofit Lebanon Area Fair continues its tradition of supporting and showcasing 4-H, FFA and agriculture in Lebanon and surrounding counties. Thousands of volunteer hours are dedicated each year to conduct this premier agricultural and entertainment event.
Awards:
- 2015 Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs Achievement Award for Zone 4
- Lebanon Valley’s Best Local Event, 2016
- Lebanon Valley’s Best Local Event, 2015
- Lebanon Valley’s Best Local Event, 2014
- Lebanon Valley’s #2 Best Local Event, 2013
- Lebanon County’s Best Fair or Festival and Best Local Event, 2012