LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Last year flood waters damaged the grounds of the Luzerne County Fair, but now organizers say they’re back and better than ever.
“We had a great crowd for the first night. It was beautiful weather and so we’re really excited for the next couple of days,” Amanda Faneck who does public relations/marketing for the fair said.
The lights beamed off the rides early Thursday, but a glow shines even brighter from a wood-carved bald eagle that stands tall on the grounds.
“It’s pride, it’s strength, it’s integrity and that’s who we are,” Brenda Pugh, the chairwoman of the Luzerne County Fair said.
62nd Luzerne County Fair kicks off in Lehman Township
Chairwoman Pugh shows where the piece of art was damaged in last year’s storm that flooded the fairgrounds leveling tents and eventually ending the fair early.
“We had to scrape layers of mud and flood waters off and replace it with different materials. Fill the ruts in our parking lots, but it’s coming, it’s coming,” Pugh continued.
After the eagle was fixed, organizers held a 'concert for a cause' event auctioning off the art to fundraise for the volunteer organizations impacted by the storm.
Raising around $40,000 the eagle was bid on and donated back to the fair.
Now in its permanent place on the grounds organizers tell 28/22 News it's a symbol of strength and community for the fair’s 62nd year running through Sunday.
“See the people come out and having a great time and enjoy watching the little kids have a great time. That’s what we’re here for,” Jason Houghton, the president of Houghton Enterprises said.
“I think it’s always a reminder that you can always survive and that you can always stand up,” Pugh continued.
More than 200 vendors were able to return to the grounds at the Luzerne County Fair following last year's storm.
The fair runs through Sunday, September 8th. The gates are open Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m.
