"Everyone's Going" is the theme this year of agricultural fairs across Pennsylvania.
The exposition slated from Tuesday to Saturday in western Greene County goes by an additional old-time saying -- "You'll never die happy until you go to the Jacktown Fair."
The Jacktown Fair was organized on July 6, 1866, by the Richhill Agricultural Horticultural and Mechanical Society. "There was a need for a formal meeting not only for recreation but to compare work habits and products," a history of the fair notes.
"The Jacktown Fair is unique," the history states. "It is a holdover from the horse and buggy days when every community had its fairgrounds ... ."
The fairground is located in the village of Wind Ridge, once known as Jacksonville. Oak trees where fair-goers can find shade still dot the property.
Like the other agricultural expositions in the state, the Jacktown Fair highlights agriculture with contests and displays of farm animals, produce and 4-H projects.
"The goats are picking up this year," said Walter A. "Buck" Burns, president of the fair board.
The Jacktown Fair also has its own unique attractions.
In addition to the displays of gourds and baked goods, there is also a contest for homemade beer and wine. Burns said the beverages are judged on such attributes as clarity and packaging; there is no taste testing.
There are also some different contests.
A weightlifting competition draws competitors from a number of high schools in Greene and Washington counties.
Then there's the liar's contest slated 7 p.m. Thursday. Burns said the audience votes on their favorite yarns.
The Jacktown Fair also celebrates the community of Wind Ridge.
That celebration kicks off with a community parade 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. With more than 100 units expected to take part, it will be a big parade for a small town.
While other fairs have cake-decorating contests, the Wind Ridge festivities includes the Jacktown Fair House Decorating Contest.
The fair has other draws, including a carnival and concessions.
The biggest special event this year, Burns said, is the Pioneer Monster Truck and Freestyle Motorcross Show at 7 p.m. Saturday.
The demolition derby at 7 p.m. Friday will also be the start of something big. Burns said the Jacktown Fair is the beginning leg of a new competition that will pit its winners against the winners of demolition derbies at the Greene and Washington county fairs. A super derby will be held in September.
There are preliminary events such as a 10 a.m. worship service today and entries on Monday. Fair amusements are open from 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Admission is $8 nightly, or $25 for a weekly pass. The fee includes admission, rides and grandstand events, plus five chances to win on the daily number.
The Jacktown Fair is held in Wind Ridge, along Route 21, about 20 miles west of Waynesburg and six miles east of the West Virginia line.
