Coexistence Corner

The Great Allentown Fair

By Nate Feldman

I've always enjoyed fairs for their atmosphere.  The bright lights and large crowds are fun to be around.  Fairs also teach us to appreciate the basic things, such as farming life, which is something that we all depend on but perhaps overlook sometimes.  One fair in particular I like to visit is the Great Allentown Fair.

The Allentown Fair has been around for 167 years.  It takes place the week leading up to Labor Day.  The fairgrounds is located across from the Lehigh Valley Hospital on the corner of 17th and Chew Streets in Central Allentown.  It celebrates local agriculture with farmers showcasing their best crops and animals.  There is basic livestock, such as chickens, cows, and sheep, other animals like rabbits and pigeons, as well as more exotic animals like Alpacas. 

The fair has a carnival atmosphere with countless games and rides, ranging from a Ferris Wheel, a carousel, and a maze, to thrill rides like roller coasters.  The paths are lined with food concessions of all sorts.  There are also food and art exhibits inside the Agri-Plex building.

Next to the Agri-Plex, there is a small play area, known as Lil' Farm Hands, where children can pretend to do different farming activities, such as husking corn and milking cows. 

People can also enjoy top notch entertainment with performances by both local and nationally known artists of all kinds.  There are singers and dancers.  This year's highlight was a concert by the famous pop duo Hall & Oates.

The Allentown Fair has been entertaining the local community for a long time and will continue to do so well into the future.