HONESDALE, PA — Baby cows, derby racing, live music, and thrilling rides will be arriving shortly at the Wayne County Fairgrounds for their annual county fair. The summer must-see event will be hosted from August 4-12. The fairgrounds will open at 9 a.m., the midway and rides open at noon, and the grounds will close at 11 p.m.

Visitors can purchase tickets at the main entrance or at select local businesses such as Dirlam Brothers Lumber Co,  Iron Hill, and the Turkey Hill Convenient Store. Tickets include parking and free rides with admission and are $12 per person for all guests above 2 years of age. 

On Friday, August 4, all guests aged 62 and over are eligible for half-price tickets from 9 a.m. to close. On August 4 and 9, veterans who present a veteran ID are eligible for half-price tickets. Seasonal tickets can also be purchased for $50 which only includes admission to the grounds. 

The Wayne County Agriculture Society established the fair in 1862. Over the past 160 years, the Wayne County Fair has seen nearly 100,000 guests each summer. 

The nine-day fete will feature various entertainment activities for all guests.

Grandstand Schedule:

Friday, August 4: Harness racing at 1 p.m.

Friday, August 4: Demolition derby at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the main office from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Adults are $10 and children 12 & under are $5. 

Saturday, August 5: Harness racing at 1 p.m.

Saturday, August 5: Southern Steel Band at 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 5: Van Halen Nation at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 6: Farm tractor pull at noon. All contestants must be 18 & older or have signed parental permission. 

Sunday, August 6: Pedal pull at 3 p.m.

Sunday, August 6: The Loungo Bros - AKA The Poets at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, August 7: Pony pull at 2 p.m.

Monday, August 7: 4x4 Gas Pick-up & Semi Truck Pull at 7 p.m. 

Tuesday, August 8: Horse pull at noon

Tuesday, August 8: Diesel Pick-up Pull at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 9: Harness racing at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, August 9: Green River Band at 7:45 p.m.

Wednesday, August 9: Fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Thursday, August 10: Harness racing at 1 p.m.

Thursday, August 10: Demolition derby at 7 p.m. Prior-day ticket rates apply.

Friday, August 11: Monster Truck Freestyle produced by JM Motorsport Productions, Inc. at 7 p.m. Adults are $15 and children 12 & under are $10. Tickets are available on the Wayne County Fair’s website. 

Friday, August 11:  Kid’s Power Wheels contest during JM Motorsport monster truck show. Open to children ages 4-9 with a $5 entry fee. 

Saturday, August 12: Woodsmen's Competition at 2 p.m.

Saturday, August 12: Black Cat Hell Drivers at 7:30 p.m.

Music and more

Throughout the week, the fairground stage will introduce a wide variety of artists spanning from all realms of music. Bluegrass, classic rock, and country music are a few genres that will be featured from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the small stage. 

A magical music show will be performed daily by Buffalo and Brandy. Children will have the opportunity to participate on stage and perform for their friends and family. 

On the grounds

Amongst the bustle of the busy fairgrounds, entertainment options will be scattered throughout the festival site. 

August 4 and 5: Blacksmith shows from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

August 6-12: Glass Blowing Display by Ryan Gothrup from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

August 7-12: T.J. Hill Magician 

August 4-12: Niels Duinken Juggler

August 4-12: Larry the Chain Saw Carver from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

August 4-12: Rosaire's Racing Pigs at 1: 30 p.m., 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9 p.m.

August 4-12: Dino Roar at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. 

Eyes on the prize

Not a fan of being jostled around and upside down on carnival rides? At the Wayne County Fair, guests are welcome to participate in a plethora of competitions. 

Bakers are put to the test in the annual homemade chocolate cake, angel food cake, and apple pie contest. The competitions are open to all amateur bakers who are Pennsylvania residents. Each competitor will submit their recipes to validate that all components are made from scratch. Cash prizes are available for those placing first through third. 

Junior bakers can show off their skills in the PA Preferred Junior Baking Contest. The future bakers of America, ranging from ages 8 to 18, can enter delicious desserts like cookies, brownies, and bars for the judges to taste. Similar to the adult contest, all recipes must be made entirely from scratch. Cash prizes are available for those placing first through third. 

Machine fanatics can compete in various mechanical mayhem events such as the tractor pull, demolition derby, and truck pulls. All drivers must be 18 years old or 16 with a minor release form signed by a parent or guardian. Entry fees are $20 per class. 

On Saturday, August 13 at 1 p.m., axe throwing, tree felling, log rolling, and chainsaw competitions are open to all woodsmen. Class cash prizes range from $100 to $50.