The PA State Fair Convention was recently held at the Hershey Convention Center.  There were 1660 people there representing the 109 fairs from across Pennsylvania.

Pictured (in the center) is Dr. Michael Kowalewski, Harford Fair president, receiving the Zone II – P.S.A.C.F. Achievement Award for Outstanding Accomplishments at the 2015 Harford Fair.  Presenting the award are members of the board of directors for Zone II, Judy Kmetz from the Luzerne County Fair and Roger Dirlam, president of the Wayne County Fair.

At the annual meeting during the convention on Friday morning, Harford Fair received the Zone II – P.S.A.C.F. Achievement Award for Outstanding Accomplishments at our 2015 Fair.  There are 109 fairs and they are divided into four zones.  Each zone selects one fair to receive this award each year.  Congratulations to everyone who helped to make Harford Fair a prize winner.

Despite the prediction of heavy snow, the Harford Agricultural Society had a good representation along with 1660 fair personnel from across the state who gathered for the Pennsylvania State Fair Association Convention (PASCF) at the Hershey Convention Center.  The year around efforts of all associated with the fair certainly paid off with several areas of state-wide recognition for the Harford Fair.  At the annual meeting, Harford Fair received the Achievement Award for Zone II for outstanding accomplishments at the 2015 fair.  At the Farm Show, Jeralyn Adams won first place for her delicious apple pie and the Harford Agricultural Society received first place for its PA Preferred Product Display in the state competition for the second year.   During the Communications Breakfast, Harford Fair won second place on its placemat and third place on its premium book.  During the memorial service honoring all fair personnel from across the state who passed away during the past year named from the Harford Fair included Frank Ridgeway, Charlotte Squier, and Phil Titus.

Harford Fair directors and secretary gathered with the 2015 Harford Fair Queen, Rachel Johnson, following the Coronation Banquet at the PA State Fair Convention in Hershey.  Pictured left to right are first-vice president Jason Miller, Treasurer Mark Pease, president Dr. Michael Kowaleski, 2015 Harford Fair Queen Rachel Johnon, Board Secretary LouAnn Kiefer, executive committee members Brain and David Tyler, and second vice president Cindy Reynolds.  Other directors in attendance during the convention but absent for the photo included Adam Diaz, Kurt Kulick, and Heidi Stephens-Pavelski.

The 2015 Harford Fair Queen, Rachel Johnson, a freshman at Penn State, proudly represented the Harford Fair throughout the convention.  Her parents, Christina and Glen Whitney, attended the convention and shared in a variety of events.  Rachel competed with 60 other girls representing their fairs from across the state.  After interviews, speeches, and special activities, Rachel participated in the highlight of the convention, the Coronation Banquet on Saturday evening.  The Tioga County Fair Queen, Darby Kasper, was crowned the 2016 PA State Fair Queen. Juniata County Fair Queen Molly Caroline Arnold was crowned First Alternate and Fulton County Fair Queen Jill Palmer was named Miss Congeniality.

The convention affords fair personnel from the 109 fairs the opportunity to attend round table discussions as well as educational seminars presented by national speakers.  The information will be utilized in planning and making improvements for the 2016 Harford Fair, August 22-27.  In addition to informational sharing, there was a vast trade show with over 155 vendors which offered ideas and samples of food, ribbons, entertainment, amusements, and other specialties associated with fairs.

Harford Fair directors in attendance at various times throughout the convention included Dr. Michael Kowalewski, president; Jason Miller, first vice-president; Cindy Reynolds, second vice-president; Mark Pease, treasurer; Adam Diaz; Kurt Kulick; Heidi Stephens-Pavelski; Brian Tyler and David Tyler.  Newly appointed board secretary and office manager, LouAnn Kiefer attended for the first time.  Other Susquehanna County members associated with the fair in attendance included Ginny Beeman and Debbie Chidester, Harford Fair Queen Coordinators; Sue Pease, advertising and website committee member; Nancy Tyler, vegetable hall co-superintendent; and Renee Tyler, first aid station manager.

PA Preferred Products, a state-wide agricultural marketing program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will again sponsor the state-wide apple pie baking contest, the angel food cake contest, the chocolate cake, and the cookie, brownie, or bar baking contest.   They will also sponsor the PA Preferred Products Display Contest for Pennsylvania fairs.  The theme for 2016 is “We Have Good Things Growing.”  Fairs have the option of utilizing this state-wide theme for their premium books, advertising, and commercial and vendor space competitions.

Everyone returned to Susquehanna County with some fresh ideas to utilize in the year-around planning for the Harford Fair in August.

Trini

This lovely, shy female is Trini, a long time resident at our shelter. Litter pan trained, spayed, felv/fiv negative, this adorable kitty enjoys the company of other cats. Won't you please consider making her part of your clan? At just 3.5 years old she still has a lot of love left to give.

Fun Fact:A group of cats is called a "clowder".  Trini would make a perfect clowder member. Or she would do just fine as the only cat of the house as well.

Either way, this girl would make a great addition to any household.