Since 1986, through the PA Fair Fund, Pennsylvania has supported agricultural fairs, agricultural organizations for youth, and statewide organizations that hold agricultural events.
Five distinct areas make up the PA Fair Fund including:
Capital Improvement Matching Grants - assists agricultural fairs with resources to build new and maintain existing physical structures on their fairgrounds. Fairs are eligible to receive grants up to $25,000. Application deadline is June 30 of every year.
Agricultural Fair Operating and Premium Reimbursement - helps support PA's county and community fairs with annual operating and premium costs. Application deadline is November 15 of every year.
State Agricultural Organization Funds Reimbursement - helps support organizations conducting annual events with an agricultural mission. The funds help reimburse organizations for expenses including administrative costs, utilities, and planning and preparation. Application deadline is November 15 of every year.
County FFA Funds Reimbursement - helps support county FFA organizations with annual expenses for activities that promote leadership development like public speaking, judging contests, scholarships, administration costs and more. Application deadline is November 15 of every year.
County 4-H Funds Reimbursement - helps support county 4-H organizations with annual expenses for activities that promote leadership development like public speaking, judging contests, scholarships, administration costs and more. Application deadline is November 15 of every year.
The PA Fair Advisory Board meets annually to review grant applications and outline a payment plan contingent upon available funding.
HPAI Control Zone
The best place to go for the most up to date information regarding the HPAI control zone is: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. This map changes on a daily basis. At this time, the statewide ban of all exhibitions of poultry and their hatching eggs remains in effect. No exhibition of poultry or other susceptible species may occur at the fairs or in the control zone-this includes raptor shows, bird showcases, etc.
More Information
Fair Office
Department of Agriculture
2301 North Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 787-6298
fairs@pa.gov
Forms
2024 Annual Plan For the Fairs (PDF)
2023 Alternative Poultry Showing at the Fairs Form (PDF)
Biosecurity Guidelines for Exhibition Managers (PDF)
Biosecurity Guidelines for Exhibitors at PA Shows (PDF)
Hayride Attraction Application Checklist (PDF)
Hayride Attraction Variance Order (PDF)
Hayride Attraction Compliance Letter (PDF)
Hayride Attractions FAQ (PDF)
Veterinarian-Client Patient Relationship Form (PDF)
2024 Friend of the Fair Award Nomination Form (PDF)
2024 Fair Poster Contest Criteria and Entry Form (PDF)