Community, History, and Heart: Jacktown Fair Celebrates 160 Years

A beloved tradition since 1866, the Jacktown Fair has brought community, history, and small-town fun together for the ultimate summer celebration. Beginning as a small agricultural gathering, the Jacktown Fair has morphed into a five-day celebration with delicious food, thrills, and unforgettable memories. 

The Jacktown Fair will be held from July 15-19, 2025 in the rolling hills of Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss it!

Take a step back to July 6, 1866 when the Richhill Agricultural, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Charter was formed. The “Jacksonville Fair” made its debut on October 3 and 4, 1866. Earlier fairs held farmer contests and horse racing, later evolving into an “international circus” with trapeze artists and tight rope walkers. 

As time went on, the fair shifted into a nighttime event, growing in size and show, drawing larger crowds from surrounding areas. While traditional horse racing eventually faded out, the popular horse pulls took their place.

The Jacktown Fair Parade and the crowning of the Fair Queen are now some of the most anticipated parts of fair week—but they actually began as special additions for the Fair’s 100th anniversary celebration in 1965. Introduced to mark a century of Jacktown tradition, the parade brought the community together like never before, with colorful floats, performances, and local pride marching through the streets toward the fairgrounds.

That same year, the Fair Queen contest was introduced, adding a new layer of celebration and community involvement. The crowning of the Fair Queen has since become a cherished tradition, honoring local young women for their leadership, spirit, and connection to the community.

What began as centennial additions have now become signature events that carry forward the legacy of the Jacktown Fair—reminding us each year of how far the fair has come, and the community spirit that’s kept it thriving for 160 years.

This year, the Jacktown Fair Parade will officially kick off the 2025 festivities on Tuesday, July 15th. Line the streets, enjoy the entertainment, and celebrate the beginning of another unforgettable fair week in Wind Ridge!

The fair offers a wide range of activities and contests for all to enjoy. With everything from gentle kiddie rides to classic thrill rides, there’s something for every age group. Test your skills at one of the many game booths scattered throughout the fairgrounds—fun prizes and bragging rights are up for grabs!

Fair food only comes around every once in a while, so grab it while you can! From classic funnel cakes to loaded nachos to fresh-squeezed lemonade, treat yourself at all the many different types of food vendors. Come hungry!

On Wednesday, July 16th, its youth night where kids 14 and under get to ride for free! There will also be youth night games for all children. Later in the evening, the Truck Pulls will be happening on the track. Make your way down and listen to the engines roar while they pull weighted sleds. Don’t leave too early or you’ll miss the DNT Fireworks show! 

Can’t get enough of the Truck Pulls? The Tractor Pulls take place that very next evening. Listen as tough tractors drag weighted sleds across the track until there is a winner. 

If you need more of a high-speed action, head back to the track for the ATV, UTV, and Dirtbike Drags on Friday, July 18th. These are head-to-head drag races where we can see who the fastest in Jacktown is.

Saturday, July 19th concludes the fair with a cornhole tournament. See teams compete for bragging rights and a title. Later that evening, get ready for loud engines, large crashes, and nonstop action. The Jacktown Fair wraps up with the ultimate showdown, don’t miss the chaos and crunch of the Demolition Derby!

Every evening, the fairgrounds come alive with bingo and live music. A different band performs each night, offering a new sound and style with every show. You can also wander through the barns to see the livestock that will be showcased in competitions later in the week.

Whether you’re returning for memories or visiting for the first time, the Jacktown Fair offers a mix of tradition, excitement, and community for all to enjoy. You know what they say, you can’t die happy ‘til you’ve been to the Jacktown Fair!

For more information about scheduling and admission, check out the Jacktown Fair website at https://www.jacktownfair.org/