LAWRENCE COUNTY Fair officials are expecting record crowds

Fair organizers expect record attendance for their anniversary year.
By JOHN SKENDALL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The Lawrence County Fair is celebrating its 50th year by going back in time.
The fair runs Aug. 11-16 and will feature a car cruise and car show and performances by '50s flashback bands.
Heralded by promoters as "the biggest single event in Lawrence County each year," the fair will display everything from prize rabbits to demolition derbies. Children will spin on carnival rides and show crafts they've spun with needles and thread.
Plus, fairgoers have the chance to experience the British invasion all over again with a performance from a Beatles sound-alike, look-alike band. The band Abbey Road will do its best to fool fairgoers -- wearing period costumes, playing authentic instruments and plucking familiar early-rock chords. The band will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 16.
Aug. 13 at the fair is Flashback to the '50s Day, where old memories will drive by in the form of classic cars and Johnny Halo and the Angels will croon your cares away. The concert starts at 8 p.m.
Organizers said they expect a record crowd at this year's anniversary event, provided the weather holds.
More than the usual
"We like to think of ourselves as more than a county fair," said fair director George Rodgers. He said they aim to offer more than carnival rides and concession stands, although they will have plenty.
Rodgers said the Lawrence County Fair has one of the largest livestock shows in Western Pennsylvania. For the same price as a movie, Rodgers said, parents can bring their children to see animals up-close. Kids can enter a bicycle riding contest and play animal dress-up.
Grandstand events will kick off with Dave Martin's Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11, followed by fireworks. Aug. 12 will include Bull Ride Mania. Aug. 14 will have a tractor and truck pull.
Antique displays at the fair will feature 125 antique tractors and a working sawmill and steam engine.
There will also be a model train exhibition set up in the Antique Building.
The fairgrounds are located on state Route 108, east of New Castle. For ticket information call (724) 654-7745.