Pennsylvania’s 107 county and local fairs are where the agriculture and tourism industries meet – contributing $1.14 billion to the state’s economy annually as a seasonal backbone of the Commonwealth’s $76 billion tourism industry.
Visitors to PA fairs spend $673 million, mainly in rural communities, supporting more than 10,700 full-time jobs, and generating $21.3 million in tax revenue annually.
Harrisburg, PA – At last night’s 2025 PA State Association of County Fairs Convention, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the results of an economic impact study ordered by the PA Department of Agriculture finding that Pennsylvania’s 107 county and local fairs contribute $1.14 billion to the state’s economy annually. A seasonal backbone of the state’s $76 billion tourism industry, PA fairs support more than 10,700 full-time jobs, and four million annual fair visitors spend $673 million in the largely rural communities where fairs are held.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 bipartisan budget invested $4 million in Pennsylvania county and local fairs through the PA Fair Fund, supporting capital improvement projects, statewide ag organizations hosting fairs, and youth development through FFA and 4-H. That investment has paid off, not just in tourism dollars from visitors who also generate $21.3 million in tax revenue statewide, but in supporting Pennsylvania’s continued national leadership in direct-to-consumer farm sales.
"Every dollar Pennsylvania invests in our fairs is a dollar invested in opportunities for a community to thrive, for young people to learn valuable life skills, and for visitors to meet the neighbors who feed them and enrich their lives every day." Secretary Redding said. “Fairs offer unique opportunities to experience local culture and traditions and make lasting family memories. Fairs fill hotels and inns with visitors who spend in stores and restaurants and inject tourism dollars into hometown economies. Pennsylvania fairs present opportunities for our farmers to sell directly to visitors and compete for prizes that demonstrate the quality of their products and give their small businesses credibility and trust in the marketplace year-round."
Pennsylvania’s 107 county and local fairs are where agriculture and tourism meet – drawing in four million visitors last year to celebrate our Commonwealth’s rich agricultural legacy and enjoy quality Pennsylvania-farmed products Last year, Governor Shapiro launched the Great American Getaway brand to encourage tens of millions within a few hours’ drive to visit Pennsylvania – and built on that launch by securing $15 million for tourism marketing in last year’s bipartisan budget.
The study of Pennsylvania fairs was the first of its kind in more than a decade.
The study includes a deep dive into the impact of local organizations who run the fairs and fairgrounds, as well as case studies of six diverse local and county fairs:
- Great Allentown Fair – a six-day fair held since 1852, with an estimated attendance of 167,300, and economic impact of $62.5 million, supporting more than 600 jobs with over $22 million in earnings.
- Bloomsburg Fair – an eight-day fair begun in 1855, attended by 351,000 visitors, with an estimated $80 million-plus impact, supporting over 700 jobs earning more than $28 million.
- Warren County Fair – with a 95-year history, the five-day fair attracts 53,900 visitors and has a $13 million impact, supporting over 100 jobs with $4.5 million in earnings.
- Washington County Agricultural Fair – the eight-day fair attracts 64,300, and has an estimated nearly $23 million impact, supporting over 200 jobs earning $8 million.
- West End Fair – established in 1920, the seven-day fair in Gilbert, Monroe County draws 126,100 guests and has an impact of more than $35 million, supporting 300 jobs with more than $12 million in earnings
- Westmoreland Fair – begun in 1957, the fair attracts 67,200 guests over nine days, generating nearly $17 million and supporting more than 200 full-time jobs with $6 million in earnings.
Find the full report, a summary, and more information about Pennsylvania’s 107 county and local fairs, as well as a 2025 Fair Schedule to help plan your Great American Getaway this year at agriculture.pa.gov.
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