Episode 15 - Todd Richards & Wayne Hunnell

For more than 228 years, the Washington County Agricultural Fair has celebrated the people, traditions and agricultural heritage that define our region. In this episode of WashCo Insider, host Chase McClain sits down with Fair Board President Todd Richards and Secretary Wayne Hunnell to explore the fascinating history of one of Pennsylvania's oldest fairs, the year-round work required to bring it to life, the role of 4-H and FFA in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders, and the exciting entertainment, competitions and family traditions that make fair week one of the biggest events of the summer.

Washington County Agricultural Fair: 228 Years of Agriculture, Family Traditions and Fair Week Fun

Every August, thousands of families make their way through the gates of the Washington County Agricultural Fair. They come for the carnival rides, incredible fair food, live entertainment, demolition derbies, livestock shows and one-of-a-kind traditions that have made the fair a summer staple for generations.

But behind every funnel cake and grandstand event is a story that stretches back more than two centuries.

On Episode 15 of The WashCo Insider, host Chase McClain welcomes Todd Richards, President of the Washington County Agricultural Fair Board, and Wayne Hunnell, Secretary of the Fair Board, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Pennsylvania's oldest agricultural fairs.

A Fair That Began in 1798

The Washington County Agricultural Fair traces its roots to October 1798, making it older than most communities in western Pennsylvania and only a couple decades younger than the United States itself.

Originally created as a livestock marketplace where local farmers bought and sold prize animals, the fair has evolved into an eight-day celebration of agriculture, entertainment and community while never losing sight of its original mission.

Over the years, the fair has called several locations home before settling at its current fairgrounds, where visitors continue to gather each summer to celebrate Washington County's agricultural heritage.

Agriculture Remains the Heart of the Fair

While many visitors first think of rides, concerts and fair food, Todd and Wayne explain that agriculture is still the foundation of everything the fair represents.

The fair continues to showcase:

• Livestock competitions
• 4-H projects
• FFA exhibits
• Market animal auctions
• Homemade baking
• Produce competitions
• Agricultural education
• Fiber arts demonstrations

The annual livestock auctions also teach young exhibitors responsibility, business skills and the value of hard work after spending nearly a year raising their animals.

Building Tomorrow's Agricultural Leaders

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Washington County Agricultural Fair is watching young people grow through 4-H and FFA.

Many exhibitors begin caring for animals months before the fair ever opens. Throughout the year they learn commitment, time management, animal care and leadership before proudly presenting their projects during fair week.

These experiences often become lifelong memories while preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals.

More Than Carnival Rides

Of course, there's no shortage of excitement throughout the week.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Demolition derbies
• Monster trucks
• Rodeo events
• Motocross
• School Bus Demolition Derby
• Live music
• Carnival rides
• Fair food favorites
• Agricultural exhibits
• Family-friendly entertainment

Planning for these events actually begins 12 to 18 months in advance, making the fair a year-round operation.

Powered by Volunteers

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the conversation is that the Washington County Agricultural Fair simply wouldn't exist without volunteers.

Hundreds of people—from Fair Board members and committee volunteers to exhibitors, sponsors and community partners—work throughout the year preparing buildings, maintaining the grounds, coordinating events and welcoming guests.

As Todd Richards explains, every volunteer becomes another spoke in the wheel that keeps this historic tradition moving forward.

A Tradition Worth Experiencing

Whether you're attending for the livestock shows, the midway, the concerts, the food or simply to spend time with family, the Washington County Agricultural Fair offers something for everyone.

After more than 228 years, it continues to celebrate the values that have always defined Washington County: hard work, community, agriculture and family.

If you've only experienced the fair from the midway, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes at the people and passion that make it all possible.

Listen to Episode 15 of The WashCo Insider and discover why the Washington County Agricultural Fair remains one of Pennsylvania's most treasured summer traditions.