For many, displaying at the Carbon County Fair has become a family tradition.

Since its inception, exhibits have more than tripled says Kristin Simmons, superintendent of the still exhibits at the fair.In addition to displays of fruits, nuts, wines, flowers, honey, vegetables, and homemade cakes, and goodies, as well as the livestock, attract families year after year."You will also see photos, artwork, tractors, antiques, group displays and other handicrafts that are neatly arranged and well-protected," Simmons said. "Everyone has a special talent and displaying at this year's fair is one way to take pride in showcasing their skills."There are hundreds of competition categories for all ages.The fair works closely with the 4-H program, however, there are also open classes for residents of Carbon County and West Penn Township for entries and exhibits as well."To access the premium guide book and registration form online, visit

www.carboncountyfair.com or obtain a hard copy of the premium guide book by going to one of the following locations: Hazle Park Meats, Albrightsville; Bailey's Building Supplies, New Ringgold; Jim Thorpe Train Station, Jim Thorpe; Penn State Extension Office, 529 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe; Lansford Borough Office, Lansford; Carbon County Conservation Office, Fast Fill, Marzen's Feed & Hardware, Normal Square Mini Mart and Miller's Country Store, all in Lehighton; state Rep. Doyle Heffley's offices in Lehighton, Lansford and Albrightsville offices; Nesquehoning True Value, Nesquehoning; Palmerton Borough Hall, Palmerton; Summit Hill Borough Office, Summit Hill; Berger's Farm Home & Garden Center, Trachsville; Weatherly Borough Office, Weatherly; and Ag-Industrial, West Penn Township.To participate, all exhibits must be grown, produced or made in Carbon County or West Penn Township, located in Schuylkill County, in the last year by a Carbon County or West Penn Township resident whose name appears on the tag as the exhibitor.Advance registration is required. All entry forms must be postmarked by July 18. Late entries cannot be accepted.For a complete listing of rules, refer to the premium guide book. Only preregistered entries will be accepted between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Aug. 2, which is the day before the opening of the fair. Judging will begin promptly at 7 p.m. for still exhibits and weigh in for animals at 7 p.m.Any questions regarding completion of the registration forms can be referred to Rosa Hawk (Rabbits) at 610-826-5352, Deanna Cunfer (Livestock) at 610-377-3749 or Kristin Simmons (Still exhibits) at 570-778-9026.Exhibits must be picked up the day after the fair, unless notified otherwise.The fair will be held on Aug. 3-8 on Little Gap Road in Palmerton. There is a general admission fee of $5 per person for the fair. Children under 6 are admitted at no charge. Admission includes musical entertainment. There is an additional fee for arena events for those 6 years and older.For more information, visit

www.carboncountyfair.com or call 610-826-1862. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive a fair brochure to Carbon County Fair, P.O. Box 633, Lehighton, PA 18235-0633.