- Despite a hot day, many came out to enjoy the Great Allentown Fair's final day on Labor Day
- Hundreds came to the grandstand to watch the demolition derby
- Final attendance numbers for the fair have yet to be calculated by organizers
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Great Allentown Fair wrapped up its final day on Labor Day to hot temperatures and the revs of engines as crowds cheered to the demolition derby.
"It went really well. I mean, we couldn't have asked for better weather," said Jessica Ciecwisz, the fair's marketing and entertainment manager.
"It's been a few years that we have had pretty much perfect weather for all fair week, so we're really excited about that."
Overall, the fair's finale wrapped up Monday a lot like the prior five days. New foods were tried, various musical acts could be heard throughout, and many got in their last opportunities to pet farm animals and partake in the various rides until next year.
Ciecwisz said that final attendance numbers won't be available until later in the week. Still, she said, "the gates have been looking pretty good" throughout the week.
Demolition derby brings destructive delight
For many, the day and the fair itself wrapped up with the final grandstand event of the week — the demolition derby.
Hundreds took their seats to watch daredevils in old modified cars bash into each other until more and more were rendered immobile.
Allentown Fair Queen and Northwestern Lehigh High School senior Kamryn Fink kicked off the demolition derby by being recognized on stage before the cars came out.
Shaun Papay says he comes with his friends to the derby every year, saying it was the highlight of the fair and a good way to end the summer.
"We all come every year, it's just hilarious to watch," Papay said. "I mean, who doesn't love loud cars and things smashing up?"
"I've brought dozens of people here over the years who have never been to the derby, never wanted to come to the derby. Even the most on-the-fence person, the second they hear the cars and they see them smashing, they love it."
Braving the heat
With temperatures in the 90s throughout the afternoon, crowds did not appear at their full strength, with some taking in the relief of shade, fans or the Agri-Plex air conditioning.
Some animals, such as pigs and poultry, had already been removed from the fair by midday with farmers noting that they were glad for the livestock that Monday was the fair's last day, with more hot temperatures forecast into the week.
"It's been beautiful weather, beautiful people, it's been a very productive week"Ronald Starliper of Smokin' Soul BBQ
Many animals that remained did their best to rest in the heat, including calf Clark, born at the fair Saturday morning. The newborn could be found trying to find a way to cool off in the hay while being pet by excited fair-goers.
Fran Rosario was out petting the cows with her family, saying she had come so her kids could have a good time.
"In city life, you don't really see these animals on a daily basis, so we wanted to have them sort of hang out with nature for a little bit," Rosario said. "We don't get a chance to always go out and like, you know, go to zoos and that sort of stuff. So it's nice to kind of have it here and we can just spend a few hours out here."
Food lovers' bacon-wrapped wrap-up
Foods also got the spotlight on the final day, with Pies to Die For's Ice Coffee Float taking the "New Fair Food" prize, voted for by fair visitors.
Ronald Starliper, who was manning his stand at Smokin' Soul BBQ, said their new dish — a manicotti shell stuffed with sausage, cheese, jalapeños, apple and seasonings wrapped with bacon and called "The Torpedo" — has been selling really well despite it not getting the top prize.
"It's been beautiful weather, beautiful people, it's been a very productive week," Starliper said. "Everything's been awesome."
Various breweries also were showcased during the day, including Easton's Two Rivers Brewing Co., which won best in show earlier in the fair.
Organizers said that they are already planning next year's festivities for summer 2024.
