New improved premium seating in the grandstands, a new amusement ride company and the sale of wine on the grounds of the Fair for the first time, are among the most notable changes occurring at the 163rd Bloomsburg Fair to be held from Saturday, September 22 to Sunday, September 30.

“We are very excited about this year’s Fair and what it has become,” Paul Reichard, President of the Bloomsburg Fair Board, told Webb Weekly. “It is now the largest fair in the state of Pennsylvania, covering over 200 acres and featuring nightly performances by big-name entertainers, nearly 1,200 vendors selling the best food and other products offered in the area, and thousands of agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and arts and crafts exhibits. Last year, our now nine-day event drew over 400,000 people. I firmly believe our founding fathers would be honored and proud to see the magnificent growth and success The Bloomsburg Fair has achieved over the last 163 years”.

Reichard noted that just a few weeks ago, heavy sustained rains caused local flooding both from Fishing Creek and The Susquehanna River, which required quite a bit of clean up. That work was begun immediately after the waters subsided and they are relieved to say the fairgrounds are ready to go.

One of the most interesting new developments at the Fair this year will be the sale of wine from the Juniata Winery at the Horticultural Building. This is the first time in the history of the Fair that alcohol will be sold on the grounds of the Fair. Previously such sales were banned. There is one restriction on this, however; the wine that is sold cannot be consumed on the grounds of the Fair.

Another major change that Reichard believes will be beneficial to fairgoers is the new amusement company that will be in charge of the rides at the Fair this year.

“We are pleased to announce that Amusements of America will now be providing our midway attractions. Amusements of America is one of the nation’s premier carnival operators,” Reichard said. “They are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest traveling amusement park in the world and currently carry over 100 rides. Since their founding 70 years ago, with the purchase of the Ferris Wheel from the 1939 World’s Fair, the company has enjoyed tremendous success. The five Vivona brothers bring a lifetime of integrity and reliability to our operation. Amusements of America has sustained decades-long relationships with many of North America’s largest and oldest events”.

Another notable change or improvement for the Fair is the new Premium Grandstand Seating in Sections C, D, E, and F. These 1,900 seats provide more comfort and support for a more enjoyable concert experience. This has been a goal of Reichard’s for quite a few years, and he is pleased that the seats have all been installed.

There are some notable entertainment acts that will help fill those seats, headlined by acts such as Vince Gill, Melissa Etheridge, “Rick Springfield Presents Best In Show,” that features Eddie Money, Greg Kihn, and Tommy Tutone, and of course there will be a Demolition Derby, Figure 8 Racing and Horse Pulling Contests.

As usual, there will also be included some fine, free entertainment for fairgoers to enjoy. They include: “The Amish Outlaws,” “Stanky and the Coalminers,” “Ole 97 Johnny Cash”, “Redhead Express,” “Rick K and the Allnighters,” Brad Matchett: Hypnotist, “Double Shot Polka Band” and “Make Mine Country,” just to name a few.

For further information about the Bloomsburg Fair check out their website: http://www.bloomsburgfair.com or contact (570) 784-4949.