Jacktown Fair seeks parade participants

The Jacktown Fair, considered the oldest continuously running fair in the nation, will celebrate its 153rd chapter this year, getting underway with the annual parade on July 17.
Parade organizers are seeking applications from those who want to be a part of the fair’s official starting event.
Bands, businesses, churches, fire companies, groups and individuals are all welcome to participate, said Marcia Sonneborn, parade chairman, who has been named the parade’s grand marshal. The fair board is also interested in having antique and classic cars, clowns, fire trucks, horses and local or regional queens and princesses in the parade lineup, she said.
The theme for the fair and the parade this year is “Farms, Families, Fairs, Fun!”
The parade will again have two float contests – the mini float contest, in which contestants construct a float on a child’s wagon, a wheel barrow, garden cart or small cart, and the main contest. Entries for both contests will be judged on their attractiveness, design, workmanship, use of the theme and other elements.
The fair, which runs from July 17 to July 21, is sponsored by the Richhill Agricultural Society, originally named the Richhill Agricultural, Mechanical and Manufacturing Association in its charter from July 6, 1866. The first fair was held Oct. 3 and 4 of that year.
Though there may be older fairs, the Jacktown Fair is considered the oldest continuously operating fair, never having missed a year since its inception.
Those who wish to participate in the parade should contact Sonneborn as soon possible, so the parade’s line can be constructed. To enter the parade or for more information, contact Sonneborn at 724-428-4344 or marciasonne@windstream.net.