'Hometown kind of thing': Bedford fair-goers excited by 150th anniversary

BEDFORD, Pa. – Children of all ages darted among concession stands, carnival games and animal displays Sunday at the 150th Bedford County Fair, laughing, yelling and smiling the whole way.

Sunday was the first day of a week-long event at the county fairgrounds, 729 W. Pitt St., Bedford, that draws visitors from all over the region and kicks off the local fair season.

“There’s been a lot of work for the anniversary, so that’s pretty cool,” said Sadie Evans, 19, who was showing horses as part of the Bedford County 4-H program.

Evans said she will be busy all week, with events including driving, showmanship, performance and more, and added that she’s thrilled to be part of the fair’s sesquicentennial anniversary.

Her friend Jayden Foote, 14, said organizers and participants have “really stepped up,” putting in extra effort – particularly on the decorations – to make this milestone year’s fair special.

Both young women ride with Mystic Meadows Farms and have shown horses at the fair for around seven years.

“I just like the experience,” Foote said.

Evans said this year has special meaning for her because she’s aging out of 4-H.

“I’m just soaking it all in one last time,” she said.

The fairgrounds were alive Sunday with the sights and sounds of carnival games being set up and the scents of concessions – pizza, gyros, hot sausages, funnel cakes, cinnamon rolls and more.

Visitors and participants congregated near the animal barns, reading information sheets, petting some animals and looking at livestock including cattle, goats, chickens, rabbits and swine.

The fair will run through Saturday, with demolition derby races, a singing contest, musical acts and fireworks to cap it all off.

For Joey Corley, 38, attending the annual fair is a tradition he never misses. The Bedford native brought his three children on the first day to wander the grounds and take in the sights.

“It’s a hometown kind of thing,” Corley said. “You know everybody here.”

Corley and his nearly 2-year-old son, Jett Austin Corley, had a laugh feeding goat kids who mobbed them at the sight of feed and a bottle, while his older children avoided the crowded area, opting to pet calves in the petting zoo.

Joey Corley said the animals have always been his favorite part of the fair, but he also enjoys the chainsaw art and is looking forward to what organizers have prepared for the 150th anniversary.

Abby Zeek, 27, was also excited to be at the fair. Her mother is the pastor at Bedford Church of the Brethren, and many members of the congregation are working at the fair, the Duncansville resident said.

It was Zeek’s first time at the event, and she said she wanted to support the community and explore the offerings – especially the food.

“Fair food is the best,” she said.

Across the grounds at the goat barn, Nolan Bowser and his mother, Yvonne, were preparing their Oberhasli dairy goat to be shown Monday by giving the animal a haircut.

Yvonne Bowser, of Alum Bank, said her family has been part of the Bedford County Fair for nearly a decade – they have five pens there this year – and they’re proud to participate.

“It’s always a fun week away from our usual routine,” Yvonne Bowser said.

Additionally, the historic anniversary carried a special meaning for her.

“It’s just exciting to be part of the 150th year,” Yvonne Bowser said.

Taking part in the fair makes them appreciate all the work that’s been put into it for the past 150 years to organize the events, she added.

For more information and a schedule, visit www.bedford-fair.com.