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Allentown fair
The voice of Allentown Fair, Rick Mondschein, letting people know about what is going every hour. The Fair is an interesting combination of elements.
3 sides of Allentown Farmers Market combine a lot of food / carnival rides, games / true history of the fair. Depending on where you enter, start with a different experience. I always go in main entrance (17th and Chew). 2 sides feature an excellent variety of food (and prices). Personal fav: South Mountain Memorial Youth / $7.00 burger and fries. Other side is desert at Heaven on a Bun. Between is the midway with rides / games / a lot of fun. Want to avoid that crowd? Cut through the farmer's market. Something interesting here: Several businesses inside have signs "Closed for the Fair".
True history of Allentown Fair can be found at / behind Agriplex: Agricultural. Cows / sheep / goats / excellent learning experience! I asked one of the farmers about how technology is affecting farms, great conversation. Inside Agriplex: wide variety of vendors / cooking, baking competitions, more agricultural experiences / learning opportunities. Check video reviews / tours / photos.
Fairgrounds also has a main stage / grandstand for performances in different genres (2025: country / rock / comedy). They try to have major performing artists for everyone.
With admission of $5 in advance / $10 during the fair, is it worth the money? Yes, for 1 or 2 days. Read on for explanation. With food prices in a wide range, you can take the family without dropping more than one paycheck. Depends on how much you spend with vendors. Fudge / licorice was the major one for me, but completely worth it!!!!
Completely honest, there are major drawbacks to Allentown Fair. It is seriously stuck in distant past. Talked to several people who agree it never changes. Exceptions: vendors / major performances. If you go one day, do 2 laps around, you can pretty much skip the rest. Unless you are planning to experience the food competitions. This also applies to "go one year, you can skip a few". I grew up going to Allentown Fair, have been there for the past several years.
2nd major drawback, stuck in past part: They need to find a way to bring it into this millennium. Interactivity is huge now. People don't want to just look at something. They want to interact with it. I am 54 and this is major with me at any event (art exhibit / bands / events / etc.). In other words, find a balance between past / present / future. Honor the history by evolving it. I realize tight budgets / rising costs every year make this difficult. Solutions can be found with all restraints.
This may appear minor: If you are walking down Agriplex side, may not even realize there are experiences inside. Even Friday night, it was nowhere near as packed as I thought. Signs / attention is needed on main walkway to let the crowd know. Especially if you are not familiar with Fairgrounds layout.
Allentown Fair helps Second Harvest Food Bank opening night. This used to be a "preview" night Tuesday. Official opening night, Wednesday, $3 admission with a can donation. They need to promote this on a much higher level. Didn't even realize the Fair still did this until I went to purchase tickets for the week.
Labor Day is unofficial end of Summer. Allentown Fair is how the Lehigh Valley celebrates it. People come in from around the country. I do have some traditions, especially with the food. Talked to someone who eats their way through it. Trying new foods in addition to favs. Combining several different elements to have something everyone will enjoy. Plan on attending at least one day next year. Get the tickets in advance, more money to spend while you are there!!!!
3 sides of Allentown Farmers Market combine a lot of food / carnival rides, games / true history of the fair. Depending on where you enter, start with a different experience. I always go in main entrance (17th and Chew). 2 sides feature an excellent variety of food (and prices). Personal fav: South Mountain Memorial Youth / $7.00 burger and fries. Other side is desert at Heaven on a Bun. Between is the midway with rides / games / a lot of fun. Want to avoid that crowd? Cut through the farmer's market. Something interesting here: Several businesses inside have signs "Closed for the Fair".
True history of Allentown Fair can be found at / behind Agriplex: Agricultural. Cows / sheep / goats / excellent learning experience! I asked one of the farmers about how technology is affecting farms, great conversation. Inside Agriplex: wide variety of vendors / cooking, baking competitions, more agricultural experiences / learning opportunities. Check video reviews / tours / photos.
Fairgrounds also has a main stage / grandstand for performances in different genres (2025: country / rock / comedy). They try to have major performing artists for everyone.
With admission of $5 in advance / $10 during the fair, is it worth the money? Yes, for 1 or 2 days. Read on for explanation. With food prices in a wide range, you can take the family without dropping more than one paycheck. Depends on how much you spend with vendors. Fudge / licorice was the major one for me, but completely worth it!!!!
Completely honest, there are major drawbacks to Allentown Fair. It is seriously stuck in distant past. Talked to several people who agree it never changes. Exceptions: vendors / major performances. If you go one day, do 2 laps around, you can pretty much skip the rest. Unless you are planning to experience the food competitions. This also applies to "go one year, you can skip a few". I grew up going to Allentown Fair, have been there for the past several years.
2nd major drawback, stuck in past part: They need to find a way to bring it into this millennium. Interactivity is huge now. People don't want to just look at something. They want to interact with it. I am 54 and this is major with me at any event (art exhibit / bands / events / etc.). In other words, find a balance between past / present / future. Honor the history by evolving it. I realize tight budgets / rising costs every year make this difficult. Solutions can be found with all restraints.
This may appear minor: If you are walking down Agriplex side, may not even realize there are experiences inside. Even Friday night, it was nowhere near as packed as I thought. Signs / attention is needed on main walkway to let the crowd know. Especially if you are not familiar with Fairgrounds layout.
Allentown Fair helps Second Harvest Food Bank opening night. This used to be a "preview" night Tuesday. Official opening night, Wednesday, $3 admission with a can donation. They need to promote this on a much higher level. Didn't even realize the Fair still did this until I went to purchase tickets for the week.
Labor Day is unofficial end of Summer. Allentown Fair is how the Lehigh Valley celebrates it. People come in from around the country. I do have some traditions, especially with the food. Talked to someone who eats their way through it. Trying new foods in addition to favs. Combining several different elements to have something everyone will enjoy. Plan on attending at least one day next year. Get the tickets in advance, more money to spend while you are there!!!!
video review / tour
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