At this event, the legendary occupations in coal mining and railroad take a back seat.

The Schuylkill County Fair salutes the county's number one industry - agriculture.It's an industry often overlooked.Many people don't realize the county's 780 square miles include fertile agricultural valleys between the Blue Mountain range in the south and the Susquehanna River to the north, including scenic Lewistown and New England valleys just outside of Tamaqua.In fact, agribusiness has been part of the county all along. Generations of farming families have spent their lifetime feeding neighbors in the mines, on the rails and trolleys, and on the canals.The fair, established in 1983, draws upward of 30,000 visitors to partake of rides, tastes and the overall experience of all things farming.The fair includes a special focus on youth, including the work and products of 4-H groups and National Future Farmers of America organization. The fair even awards scholarships.This year's installment, "Harvest the Fun," took place July 27 to Aug. 1 at the fairgrounds in Summit Station.Visitors said they just couldn't get enough of the fun."We're here with the kids," said visitor Marie Metzger Houser of New Ringgold, joined by youngsters with eyes opened wide at the bright lights of carnival rides.In fact, the colorful rides reflected a new look.A new amusement ride company, Goodtimes Amusement of Hellertown, set up 20 rides and 15 game and food trailers."Our little ones like the sweets and excitement," said Joan Paul of Wilmington, visiting relatives near Tower City.Another was busy tending his livestock."I'm waiting for the show to start," said competitor Liam Flynn, 11, Pine Grove, as he groomed Jimmy the Steer, weighing 1,240 pounds at just 14 months.CompetitionVisitors watched as lucky bakers grabbed awards such as the coveted Pennsylvania Preferred Chocolate Cake, Blue Ribbon Apple Pie, and the Incredible Angel Food Cake.The best of show quilt was displayed in the arts and crafts building. And Charlie Brown no longer need to look for the Great Pumpkin because it was found inside the Ag building where it competed for a title.Next door at the Ag Museum, old farm machinery drew the curious.The artifacts are perhaps overshadowed only by a special display showing an anomaly of nature, a two-headed calf, now mounted. The calf was born in 1967 on the Daniel Heisler Farm, Lewistown Valley. Sadly, the black-and-white calf couldn't eat and lived only three days.Wines and beer done by local brew masters were part of the festivities, along with the area's best-looking flowers on display inside the horticulture building.The best of show in vegetables, grains, fruit and hay were selected, heralding the theme that nothing can top "Schuylkill Grown."The fair's grand champion market steer sold for $8,000 and set a record.Milk from the supreme champion cow sold for $900 on July 30 at the Schuylkill County 4-H/FFA Livestock and 4-H Dairy Champion Milk Sale during Dairy Day.The the total for the 2015 livestock sale was more than $163,000 for 145 lots.Various venuesThe fairground is home to the Schuylkill County Agricultural Museum, the Shadle Nature Center, the Weston Pavilion and the Bear Creek Environmental Area.The "Ag Museum" includes an operational sawmill, Bessemer engine and other antique farming equipment.Now in its 21st year, the Ag Museum's mission is to preserve the history of local agriculture. It's open to the public during fair week and by appointment.The James S. Shadle Nature Center allows guests to stroll through shade trees and then step inside the Nature Center and learn about plants, animals, geology and the natural history of the area. The Nature Center is open to the public during fair week and by appointment.The Weston Pavilion, adjacent to the Nature Center, hosts outdoor programs, while the Bear Creek Environmental Area features trails that meander through lush vegetation and highlight the diverse environment of the area. Dogs are allowed on a leash to stroll the property but not during fair week.During the year's fair, the Dunn family was honored with an Outstanding Fair Ambassador award.The family operates the "Farming for a Day" tent and supports fair activities.Their hard work is accomplished in memory of Robert "Bobby" Dunn, who lost his life in a car crash in 2009 while driving home from the fair.