BLOOMSBURG, Pa. — We are less than three weeks away from one of the biggest attractions in Central Pennsylvania, the 169th Bloomsburg Fair.
"We're just carrying the torch," says fair president Randy Karschner. "We didn't really build it. The people ahead of us build it, and they've made it so easy for us to run."
For amazing sights, at rarely achieved heights… there will be hot air balloon rides this year
"We want to be able to bring in this part for the fairgoers to have something else to do," said Jacob Frame, a pilot with Lancaster Balloon Rides.
The rides are weather-dependent, and options depend on how adventurous you want to be.
"So, we'll have tethered rides available like you said, the first Friday and then the second Friday and the second Saturday, and then Thursday through Sunday. We'll have free flights where you won't be tethered. You can take off and actually go for a balloon ride with our team," explained Frames.
While the hot air balloon rides are a first time in the entertainment section, here at the Bloomsburg fair, in the livestock department, there's a first-ever showing of a new type of cow.
"We say miniature a lot, but they're not bred down. This is their standard size. A Dexter cow is normally 36 inches high to maybe 48 inches," explained Mike Reinard of Valley Smithy Farm in Snyder County.
Trixie and her siblings will be front and center for the Dexter show.
"They're training them and showing them just like the big cows. But I think they're easier. They're easier to handle, because they're not so big and heavy," said Karschner." and they are much cuter.
"They are just a wonderful, cute little cow. We call them pasture candy out there. They look beautiful and very calm, easy to work with," said Reinard.
Once again, you will not be able to see chickens or other birds on display at this year's fair.
"Now with the regulations the way they are we can, and I hope that turns around someday, because it's just taken away from the fair experiences, because the people come to see the animals,"
said Karschner.
But that doesn't mean those who work hard to raise chickens, or other birds will not be recognized for their hard work.
"So, we're asking participants to take a picture there, poultry, send it in. We're bringing them out hanging them into cages, we're going to judge them and act just like there's a live bird there and display them all week for people to come watch," explained Jeff Ralston, the superintendent of rabbits, poultry & education at the fair.
Folks here at the Bloomsburg Fair tell Newswatch 16 they know these changes to the poultry exhibits are necessary, but they are hoping they are temporary. Something that is not temporary and is also changing is the entertainment
"There is something for everybody here at the Bloomsburg Fair, no matter what you are seeking," said Karschner.
"We have The Beach Boys on Friday night, selling really well. It's supposed to be their last tour. We'll see. Saturday night we have Riley Green which is really doing well on the country charts and also with him Marcus Welliver which is a local name trying to make it to Tennessee and I think he's gonna," said Brian Wawroski, the superintendent of the Grandstand.
Following the live music, rodeos, demolition derbies, monster trucks, and more will fill the grandstand's arena. Folks at the fair encourage you to get your tickets early to guarantee your spot in the audience.
To learn more about the fair's schedule or purchase tickets, visit its website by CLICKING HERE.