Annual Prince William County Fair open Aug. 14-22

Nothing is as Americana as a county fair.

And since 1949 Manassas has hosted the largest county fair in the state of Virginia—the Prince William County Fair.

It was founded by a group of young World War II veterans who wanted to promote the agricultural industry in the county.

The annual event from Aug. 14 to 22 includes livestock and produce exhibits, home arts and crafts entries, thrill rides, live music, food, nightly entertainment, baby contest, rodeo, demolition derbies and much more.

Through the years it has been a fun and educational attraction and this year will be no exception at the 66th annual fair, Aug. 14 through Aug. 22 at the Fairgrounds, a mile south of Manassas on Va. Route 234.

Daily shows include three repeats from last year, No Joe’s Clown Circuit, Jeff Robbins Mountain Music, Ackmonster Chainsaw Artist Brian Ackley and new will be Welde’s Big Bear show, Jurassic Kingdom and Comedy Illusionist Reggie Rice.

Grandstand events will be three demolition derbies (Friday, Aug. 14, Wednesday, Aug. 19 and Thursday, Aug. 20) truck and tractor pull on Saturday, Aug. 15, Dave Martin’s Rodeo on Sunday, Aug. 16, bull riding and barrel racing on Monday, Aug. 17, garden tractor pull on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and monster trucks on Friday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 22.

Traditional “free fun” activities that make the fair so special will include the Agri-Culture Barn, the Children’s Barn, the Heritage Barn, the pet shows, the baby contests and the commercial booths.

The fair opens at noon on weekend days and 5 p.m. all weekdays except $2 Tuesday when the gates will be open at 2 p.m.

Half price day will be Monday, Aug. 17 with ½ off gate admission; $2 Tuesday, Aug. 18 with all admission $2 per person and all rides $2 per ride and ladies night on Wednesday, Aug,. 19 with ½ price admission for all ladies at the gate.

The fair will kick off with $5 Friday with all admissions $5 and $15 wristbands for unlimited rides at Deggeller Attractions’ Midway.

Deggeller will have more than 30 rides and attractions at the fair, including three new ones such as the big roller coaster and the Glass House. More kids friendly rides will be available as well as resting benches around the midway.

The commercial building will house 66 vendors inside and 30 outside, many coming to the fair for the first time.

Prince William County Animal Shelter will have their adoption vehicle at the fair on Saturday, Aug. 15.

In appreciation of Virginia’s number one agricultural industry, Mattaponi Winery will host a daily wine tasting.

Michael Felk, in period costume, will bring to life the 18th century art of tinsmith.

Home arts has added three new sponsored contests, a soft stuffed animal toy, or doll to be donated to CASA; breakfast rolls made from “scratch”; and muffins also made from “scratch.” There will also be a Macaroni Kid Art Contest in which any type of pasta can be used to create an artwork.

In addition to the Midway food vendors, there will be 12 independent vendors offering everything from hot dogs to homemade ice cream to crab cakes.

The fair is sponsored by the Prince William Veterans Farm Club, Inc.

President Catherine Clemen said “we strive to make improvements to the fair each year. We want everyone to be thoroughly entertained and have fun with us,” she concluded, noting that more information signs will be installed this year to help visitors get around the fairgrounds easier.