Rodeo is returning to Washington County Agricultural Fair

Competitions are slated for 2 and 7 p.m. Aug. 11.

Visitors to this year’s Washington County Agricultural Fair will be greeted with new renovations and the return of the popular rodeo.

A media preview was held Thursday to highlight the improvements made to the fairgrounds, including some projects that took up to five years to complete.

This year’s fair will be held from Aug. 10 to 17 at the fairgrounds, located at 2151 N. Main St. in Washington, Pa.

“We’ve done a lot of improvements over the last year, several new fences, several buildings have been painted and spruced up, new roofs, new siding, things like that,” said fair board President Todd Richards. “A lot has been happening in the offseason — we’re already planning for next year’s fair before we’ve even started this one — so it’s an ongoing process.”

The improvements include renovations to fair halls, renovated bathrooms, renovations to the historic horse barn, paving and a new fence for the 225th Anniversary Plaza.

The fair will feature the traditional events spectators and visitors come to see each year, including high school band night, school bus demolition, demolition derby, street stock trucks, drag racing, antique tractors and concerts.

The fair will feature 2,000 animals, 6,000 youth craft exhibits and 2,600 agricultural exhibits, along with the return of the rodeo.

“We’re excited to bring back the rodeo this year, there’s been a lot of excitement for it, a lot of anticipation, it’s probably been between eight to 10 years since we’ve had the rodeo, so we’re excited for that,” Richards said. “We have several sponsors, we’ve added some pretty good prize money to get some really what you say is the top-tier riders.”

The rodeo was discontinued nearly decade ago as the board decided it wanted to invest in more musical entertainment.

“The community has been asking for a rodeo and every time we ask, ‘What can we do to improve?’ and ‘rodeo, rodeo, rodeo’ is always on the forefront of that survey,” Richards said, “so we took action on that and brought the rodeo back.”

The Buckeye Rodeo is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the grandstand.

The fairgrounds will be more tech friendly this year as the board is bringing back the “Cell on Wheels” (COW), an antenna that improves cellular service for those attending the fair.

The COW was featured at last year’s fair, and due to its success, it’s returning in partnership with Verizon and DQE communications.

“We are excited to expand upon our previous year’s collaboration,” said Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Kotula. “The commitment of Verizon, DQE Communications and our local partners showcases the community’s dedication to overcoming challenges and enhancing the fair experience for everyone involved. Together we are paving the way for a more connected event.”

Richards also acknowledged and thanked the fair’s sponsors.

“The continued growth and success of the fair would not be possible without continued support from local businesses in the form of sponsorships,” he said. “We are grateful for the continued financial support from all of our sponsors, and the fair’s success would truly not be possible without their support.”

Last year, attendance topped 64,000 as the fair generated an economic impact of $6.7 million. Between proceeds and sponsorships, board members said they were able to keep the fair affordable this year.

The admission fee is $15, which includes all the rides, and parking is free for everyone.

Some of the main events at the fair include: • Demolition derby, 7 p.m. Aug. 10 and Aug. 16.

• Buckeye Rodeo, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 11.

• Pro-stock tractors and hot semis, 7 p.m. Aug. 12.

• Motocross, 7 p.m. Aug. 13.

• Scott Blasey from The Clark, 8 p.m. Aug. 14.

• School bus demolition derby, 8 p.m., Aug. 14.

• Ruff Creek, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15.

• Bon Journey, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17.

• Street stock trucks, 7 p.m. Aug. 17. The fair will also feature rides from the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, which has been a part of the event for 113 years.

People attending the fair will be able to park and take a trolley to the fairgrounds from the following locations:

• Eaton Parking lot at 2800 N. Main St.

• Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Welcome Center at 1 Electric Way.

• The trolley museum’s west campus at 1 Museum Road.

The trolley will take guests to the fair from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and will leave the stations every 10-15 minutes.

Trolley rides are $5 for a round trip. Kids ages 2 and younger ride for free. Weekly passes are $25 and can be used all eight days of the fair.

The $5 ticket also includes admission to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, where visitors can check out multiple exhibits, a new welcome center and take a guided tour.

“We started running the trolley to the fair in about 1980, 44 years ago. What’s interesting about us is that all the people who run the trolleys are volunteers,” said trolley museum Executive Director and CEO Scott Becker.

For a full schedule and more information go to www.washingtonfair.org or call 724-225-7718.