fair history

A Proud Beginning: The Birth of the West End Fair

The West End Fair began as the Monroe County Agricultural Society and held its first event on Thursday, September 2, 1920, at Weir Lake. The idea was sparked in 1919 at a meeting of the Weir Lake Development Company when Frank Koehler proposed an annual showcase of local farm products. He personally contributed $100 and pledged to secure another $150 in advertising if the company matched his efforts. In total, $500 was raised, and the West End Fair was born. Nearly 4,000 attendees enjoyed that first fair.

Seven townships—Eldred, Chestnuthill, Polk, Hamilton, Ross, Jackson, and Tunkhannock—originally came together to organize the fair. Tunkhannock withdrew in 1925, but the remaining six townships continue to contribute, each with six directors serving on the fair’s leadership team.

Establishing Identity and Finding a Home

In its second year, the fair was renamed the West End Agricultural Society, establishing a more local identity. It was also decided that the fair would always be held on the last Wednesday of August, a tradition still honored today.

By 1927, the directors and officers had purchased their own land in Gilbert, PA. With that, the West End Fairgrounds became the permanent home of the fair. The grounds, shaded by towering oaks and hemlocks, have long been celebrated for their natural beauty and cool breezes—even during the heat of late summer.

Celebrating Heritage and Local Flavor

Early fairs featured fascinating historical displays, including Native American arrowheads, Civil War and Revolutionary War artifacts, colonial bread baskets, handmade quilts, and wooden shoes. Local bands from nearby communities like McMichaels, Gilbert, and Wind Gap entertained visitors, along with minstrel shows, vaudeville acts, and whimsical contests like cakewalks, tugs of war, nail-driving competitions, and horseback relay races.

In 1930, Senior Citizen Day was introduced, honoring the oldest man and woman in attendance. Today, it remains a beloved tradition, offering reduced admission, special entertainment, and prizes just for seniors.

War, Recovery, and a Growing Legacy

The 1940s brought hardship with World War II, and no fair was held in 1942 or 1943. However, the fair's kitchen gained legendary status during this decade. Operated by the fair association, it served hearty helpings of pork and sauerkraut, along with homemade pies. In 1947 alone, 100 gallons of sauerkraut were served in one day! Though the kitchen is now managed by others, this iconic dish remains a staple of the fair.

From One Day to a Full Week of Fun

The 1970s brought major growth. What began as a one-day event had grown to a six-day fair by 1975. Infrastructure improvements followed, including a new two-story office building and tiered bleachers for popular events like tractor pulls.

Tragedy struck in 1978 when a fire destroyed the main commercial exhibit building, resulting in the loss of valuable contents. While the building was replaced the following year, its historical charm could never be recreated. By 1980, multiple entrance gates had been installed to accommodate growing crowds.

Expanding for the Future

To solve parking issues, the fair association purchased an additional 13 acres in 1986. A year later, construction began on a brand-new grandstand, increasing spectator seating by more than 3,000. In 1989, country star Charley Pride became the first major artist to perform at the fair.

In 1994, the main stage was enhanced with a newly designed fair logo, generously donated by a fair director and their spouse. That same decade saw the expansion of the fairgrounds to accommodate up to 200 vendors. The old fair office was converted into a museum in honor of the fair's 75th anniversary in 1996, featuring rotating exhibits like antique quilts, tools, and holiday displays. The museum has since expanded to a 50-by-100-foot building, showcasing the rich history of the fair and community.

A Living Tradition

From its humble beginnings of 3,000 attendees to today’s 180,000+ visitors, the West End Fair has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. Yet, its core values remain unchanged.

As stated in the original fair premium book:

“The object of the fair is: to promote a healthy interest in the West End of Monroe County in the raising of thoroughbred horses, cattle, sheep, swine, and poultry; to increase the quality and quantity of grains, fruits, and vegetables; to assist in the social uplift of the West End by bringing all classes of rural life together to vie with each other in exhibiting the best that the West End can produce; finally to afford a day of recreation and pleasure.”

We honor these roots while continuing to grow and evolve—preserving the past while developing the future.

Past Presidents of the West End Fair

Fair Milestones Through the Years