Several state officials will attend the Jacktown Fair today for a public hearing of the state House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

The hearing to discuss the future community fairs will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Midway Stage.

"As the nation's oldest continuous fair, the Jacktown Fair typifies the challenges rural communities face in maintaining these traditional events. I thought it imperative for House Agriculture Committee members to get a firsthand experience at Jacktown and for local officials to offer their perspective on these community exhibitions," state Rep. Bill DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, said in a press release.

"This hearing will provide a forum for fair organizers and community volunteers to discuss the future of community fairs and provide input on how we can help maintain fair operations in the future," said Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre. "Fairs are a longtime Pennsylvania tradition that bring communities together and showcase our state's top industry. We want to help preserve this tradition to ensure that generations of Pennsylvanians to come can enjoy all of the great things these fairs have to offer."

Since 1866, the historic Jacktown Fair has delighted community members and visitors with its mix of traditional and new events. Sponsored by the Richhill Agricultural Society, the 142nd Jacktown Fair features horse and tractor pulls, live musical entertainment and a variety of livestock events.

Several local fair officials are expected to join committee members at the hearing.

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