A Fair Beginning: The Origins of Greene County’s Fair

The Greene County Fair has hosted generations of livestock shows, entertainment, and family fun for over 100 years. What began as a small-town gathering has grown into a beloved summer tradition packed with carnival rides, delicious food, livestock competitions, and performances that make lifelong memories.

In addition to the carnival rides, the fair offers a wide variety of activities and shows that have become beloved annual traditions over the years. Each year brings its own unique charm—some with a simpler touch, others filled with spectacular performances and grand entertainment.

The Greene County Fair: A Tradition Since 1867

The year 1867 marks the first occurrence of the Greene County Fair. The first location of the fair was on the grounds of the present-day Waynesburg University football field. Being a rural area, agriculture had an essential role in the community. Livestock exhibits were featured, as well as a home and garden exhibit. These early competitions allowed local residents to display needlework, baked goods, and arts and crafts. 

Over 158 years later, the Home and Garden Exhibit remains a cherished tradition at the Greene County Fair. Honoring its rich agricultural roots, the fair continues to showcase livestock shows and auctions, celebrating the area’s farming heritage. A delightful addition to the lineup is the barnyard petting zoo, bringing joy to visitors of all ages and adding even more charm to the fair experience.

A Time of Transitioning and Development

In 1887, the fair began to get a little wild with the performance of a lifetime. Professor Oscar Hunt, “The Daring Aeronaut” was an acrobat who performed stunts while attached to a rising hot-air balloon. 

No fair was held between 1902 and 1910, with the Carmichaels Fair serving as the Greene County Fair. Then, in 1911, the newly formed Waynesburg Fair and Agricultural Association purchased new land and held its first fair, where it continues to be held today.

Several years after the aeronaut made his debut in Greene County, the first Air Show featured “Birdman” Joe Stevenson flying an 8-cylinder, 80-horsepower plane in 1912. While the fair doesn’t feature an air show today, S.O.A.R. of Greene County is hosting Aviation Day at the Greene County Airport on Saturday, August 16, 2025, offering visitors the opportunity to fly above Greene County. 

By 1920, the fair had grown significantly, featuring orchestral music, acrobatic performers, and even airplane rides. The thrills didn’t stop there, automobile racing debuted in 1926, and by 1931, a Ferris wheel ride cost just 5 cents.

Today, the fair continues to shine with exciting live musical performances and captivating shows. This year’s lineup features talented acts like Steve Harlow, The Projects, Coal Leathers, Flight Risk, and a special Live Elvis Tribute Show by Devon Cowell. Visitors can also enjoy the incredible wood carving artistry of Nate Howard, the mesmerizing Magic Jamie Strolling Magic Show, and the high-energy fun of the Mascot Mayhem show—promising entertainment for all ages! View 2025 Greene County Fair Schedule

Modern Traditions Take Root

By 1959, the fair made headlines when it hosted the Pennsylvania State Police Rodeo as its main event. The show drew record-breaking attendance and was a crowd favorite. Corporal Eugene Broadwater, a seasoned rodeo performer, wowed spectators by participating in nearly every act. A former trick rider of four years, he also trained German police dogs to perform alongside him—adding an exciting twist to the show. That same year, the fair introduced a tractor driving contest, where participants navigated their tractors through a specially designed course.

Fast-forward 65 years, and tractor driving remains a staple at the fair. The Greene County Fair has continued to embrace its frontier spirit, featuring western-themed entertainment like the Andy Rotz Wild West Show, which runs throughout the week, and the one-night-only Rafter Rodeo—bringing the thrill of the wild west to local audiences.

In 1971, the 4-H Horse and Pony Show became a staple event, maintaining its annual appearance and further connecting the community to its agricultural roots. Now, 53 years later, horse shows still kick off the week-long celebration. Events such as halter and hitch shows, along with the 4-H Horse and Pony Club Roundup, highlight the talent, dedication, and hard work of Greene County’s youth and farmers.

By 1984, the fair expanded even further, adding a variety of exciting shows and performances. Longtime favorites like the tractor pull and demolition derby were crowd-pleasers, and the Joie Chitwood Thrill Show—a high-octane car stunt performance—left audiences on the edge of their seats. Musical entertainment was provided by the lively “Old Time Fiddlers,” adding a toe-tapping soundtrack to the festivities.

Forty years later, these events are more popular than ever. The fair now hosts two powerful truck and tractor pulls, where drivers compete to drag a heavy sled the farthest across a dirt track. The Chaos in Coal Country Demolition Derby delivers high-impact excitement, as roaring engines and crashing metal thrill fairgoers of all ages.

Building it up

Amy Willison was crowned as the first Greene County Fair Queen in 1986. Nearly 40 years later, the tradition of the fair queen is still carrying on. 

In 1990, the carnival atmosphere was at an all time high with the number of shows and performances at the Greene County Fair. The Carla Wallenda Aerial Thrill Show And Circus made history by being the first featured act that lasted during the entirety of the fair. A Mosaic musical performance was done by a group from St. Anne’s Church. John Bressler also performed his country music show.

Several exciting events made the 1990s some of the most thrilling yet. The Mason-Dixon Riders Association brought high-energy action with all-terrain vehicle and motorcycle races. The Hollywood Stunt World Automobile Thrill Show wowed crowds with an unforgettable lineup of pickup trucks, police cars, motorcycles, and towering monster trucks. Classic favorites like the demolition derby and tractor pulls added to the adrenaline.

Livestock events also saw impressive growth, with expanded lamb and market steer shows, as well as more horse pulls and harness races—highlighting the fair’s continued celebration of agricultural excellence and community tradition.

In 1998, the fairgrounds came alive with the sound of country music as the popular country-western band Confederate Railroad took the stage for a lively performance that drew music lovers from near and far. That year also featured the ever-popular tractor pull, showcasing power and precision, along with not one, but two demolition derbies—doubling the excitement and delivering twice the crashing, crowd-pleasing action. 

157 years later, the Greene County Fair continues to be a vibrant celebration of tradition, community, and fun. Whether you’re coming for the livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, a game of Bingo, or simply a funnel cake and a good time, one thing is certain: the Greene County Fair is a place where cherished memories are made—and new ones are always just around the corner.