HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s county and local fairs contribute $1.14 billion to the state’s economy each year, according to a recent study commissioned by the Department of Agriculture. These 107 fairs, held primarily in rural areas, draw four million visitors annually, supporting more than 10,700 full-time jobs and generating $21.3 million in tax revenue.
The economic analysis, unveiled by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding at the 2025 PA State Association of County Fairs Convention, highlights the dual role these fairs play in boosting rural economies and celebrating Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage. Visitors spend $673 million at these events, fueling local businesses and providing an essential economic boost to the communities hosting them.
“Every dollar Pennsylvania invests in our fairs is a dollar invested in opportunities for a community to thrive, for young people to learn valuable life skills, and for visitors to meet the neighbors who feed them and enrich their lives every day,” Redding said.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to county fairs was bolstered in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget, which allocated $4 million to the Pennsylvania Fair Fund. These funds support capital improvement projects, youth organizations like FFA and 4-H, and statewide agricultural promotional efforts.
Additionally, Pennsylvania fairs reinforce the state’s leadership in direct-to-consumer farm sales, with farmers showcasing their products and competing for prizes that enhance their credibility in the marketplace year-round.
A closer look at six flagship fairs, such as the Great Allentown Fair and Bloomsburg Fair, revealed the significance of their localized impacts, which support hundreds of jobs and generate millions of dollars annually. For example, the Bloomsburg Fair alone brings more than $80 million into the economy, supporting over 700 jobs with $28 million in earnings.
Pennsylvania’s fairs are more than just entertainment; they are a vital link between agriculture and tourism, anchoring a $76 billion tourism industry and showcasing the spirit of Pennsylvania’s rural communities.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.