Late summer events in the Alleghenies
By: Sarah Taylor
The Pennsylvania Alleghenies economy is booming, and it’s in part thanks to the amazing regional events that attract people from across the state, and sometimes even from across the country, to the region’s nine different counties.
For example, last summer, the IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley generated over $4.4 million in Centre County, while the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts attracted over 100,000 attendees over the course of four days. The People’s Choice Festival and the Bellefonte Cruise both attracted a substantial amount of visitors. And who could forget the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival?
These events have already passed for 2024, though. What’s on the docket for the rest of the season?
To start, Pennsylvania’s second largest agricultural event of the year, the Huntingdon County Fair, takes place in early August, and then, there’s the Centre County Grange Fair, which, in the past, has generated approximately $2.9 million for the local economy. Here are some of the other top Allegheny events you have to look forward to.
2024 Fulton County Fair – July 28-Aug. 3
McConnellsburg, Fulton County
Fulton County PA Fair
This county fair embraces the competitive spirit, with a baked goods exhibit, a rabbit and livestock show, a youth and adult air rifle shooting competition, Fulton Co. youth market steer show/showmanship, tractor pulls, little miss princess contest and goat show. With live music and plenty of carnival rides, there’s something for everyone at this county fair.
Fayette Community Carnival – July 30-Aug. 3
McAlisterville, Juniata County
Fayette Community Carnival
With a corn hole tournament, cash bingo, antique car show, nightly entertainment, rides, food, games and a parade, this community carnival is destined to be memorable.
41st Annual Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair – Aug. 2-3
Downtown Bellefonte, Centre County
Bellefonte Fair
Arts, crafts and food vendors line the streets of historic downtown Bellefonte, along with live music and entertainment. With dedicated kids activities, there’s fun for the whole family.
Billy Strings – Aug. 2-3
Bryce Jordan Center, Centre County
The bluegrass singer is coming to State College. Be sure to get your tickets now!
Lake Raystown Resort Annual Car Show – Aug. 3
Lake Raystown Resort, Huntingdon County
2024 Lake Raystown Resort’s Annual Car Show (Facebook)
Stop by to look at the cool cars, listen to live music and grab a bite to eat. All of the car show’s proceeds are donated to Sideline Cancer, so come out and have some fun while supporting a great cause.
Huntingdon County Fair – Aug. 4-10
Huntingdon, Huntingdon County
Huntingdon County Fair (Facebook)
Welcome to Pennsylvania’s second-largest agricultural event of the year. With demo derbies, a talent show, live music, truck and tractor pull and a fair queen, the Huntingdon County Fair has it all.
Portage Area Summerfest – Aug. 9-11
Portage, Cambria County
Portage Area Summerfest (Facebook)
This summerfest has fireworks, car shows, basket rattles, entertainment, food and craft vendors and kids’ games. The best part? There’s free admission and parking!
Centre County Grange Fair – Aug. 16-24
Centre Hall, Centre County
Pschemp, Wikimedia Commons
For generations, the Grange fair has been a family and community favorite. This county fair has livestock exhibitions, concerts, classic fair food and carnival rides.
Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival – Aug. 17-18
Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset County
Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival
This festival hosts seven bands, local artisans, food vendors, period reenactors, children’s activities and wagon rides.
Mike Phillips’ 2024 “N-Scale Weekend” – Sept. 14-15
Altoona, Blair County
The Altoona Association of Model Railroaders (Facebook)
Hosted by the Altoona Association of Model Railroaders, this weekend centers around an impressive array of over 24,000 square feet of model trains. Even if model trains aren’t your specialty, you should go just to see how insanely crazy and detailed the models are.
Which events will you be attending? Be sure to tell us in the comments and sign up for The Alleghenies weekly newsletter
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