With sunny skies overhead, Madeline Ligenza, mistress of ceremonies, opened the 2012 Carbon County Fair Tuesday by warmly welcoming everyone.

Carbon County Commissioner William O'Gurek gave the invocation, asking God to bless the volunteers who put on the fair and asking his blessing over those who travel to and from the fair.The Panther Valley JROTC raised the American flag with area veterans organizations. The flag was held at half staff in tribute to the victims in the Colorado shooting tragedy.Ligenza introduced the fair's special guests:State Rep. Doyle Heffley and Sen. David Argall, who recognized both the Pennsylvania Fair Association and 4-H for its 100th anniversary this year, with each organization receiving a joint Senate and House of Representatives citation.Heffley said that he was honored to be at the fair. He said he believes in the fair and hopes to see it grow.Argall congratulated 4-H and said that the young folks in 4-H are the bright future in Carbon County.O'Gurek, who was representing the Carbon County Commissioners, offered his best wishes for a great fair."It's a pleasure to kick off another Carbon County Fair. We're happy to be sponsors and partner with the fair."Jesse Mendez, a Lower Towamensing Township supervisor, said, "We hope to see the fair continue in Lower Towamensing Township."Angela Mimms, Lions District Governor 14-U, said she was honored to be representing 14-U."So many Lions Clubs have come together to make the Carbon County Fair a success."She also congratulated the Pennsylvania Fair Association and 4-H on its 100th anniversary.Ligenza introduced the CCF directors and Lions and Lioness Clubs to the audience.They are: Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions: Joseph Herzog, Earl Reabold, Richard Whiteman; Palmerton Lions: Judy Borger, Mark Green, Robert Lutz; Mahoning Township Lions : Alfred Feurerstein, Wally Hrinko, Tom Zimmerman IV; Lehighton Area Lioness and Lions: Barbara Christopher, Sue Anthony, Alicia L. Shutack-Silliman; Franklin Township Lions : Dorette Gombert, Joel Christman, George Andrews; West Penn Township Lions: Joseph Bednarik, Rae McAvoy, Leroy Wentzel; Jim Thorpe Lion and Lioness: Madeline Ligenza, Marisa Rossino, Frank Rossino; and Agriculture directors Deanna Cunfer, Mindy Graver, Kristin Simmons."We have many many volunteers so dedicated to the fair. The hours they put in are astronomical," said Silliman.Two of those volunteers were recognized for their dedication as the Fair's 2012 Volunteers of the Year award - Jason Andreas and Jerry Walk, who are both on the security committee.Diamond Level Sponsors were recognized by Robert Silliman, CCF president. They are: Blue Mountain Ski Area, Carbon County Commissioners, Cheng Law Office, Country Inn & Suites, Service Team Country Junction, Dale's Concessions, Hawk Water Hauling, Paul's Garage, Pencor Services, Reiner Accounting, Sensinger Greenhouse and The Morning Call.Silliman also recognized Fred Lesher, Palmerton Lumber, and Concern Treatment for Boys for their dedication. Lesher made repairs to the stage area while Palmerton Lumber donated materials.She also recognized Georgia Farrow for her service to Penn State Extension since October 1993. She is also president of the 4-H Flower Club.Ligenza then introduced the 2012 Fair Queen Moria Kelly and her court, Olivia Hirko, Karoline Hirko, Ally McGinley, Erin McGinley and Kalyn Lehr, 2011 Fair Queen.Kelly said that she hopes to do as good a job as Lehr did last year. Lehr thanked Ligenza for the opportunity to serve last year as fair queen and said that she enjoyed all of the activities and will miss doing them this year.Attorney Gregory Mousseau gave a benediction asking God to keep everyone safe.Lucille Fala Brennan closed the program singing "God Bless America."Many made their way back to the main stage to hear Nicole Donatone perform at 7 and 9 p.m.Nicole, who has been compared to the legendary Patsy Cline, has opened for stars such as Willie Nelson, Connie Smith, John Michael Montgomery, Tracy Byrd, Sammy Kershaw, Restless Heart, and Randy Travis. Nicole performed at the AT&T Pavilion Pre Show before the Keith Urban and Jake Owen Concert in Philadelphia.Nicole's first original album, "If You Knew" recorded at Ron Fairchild Music in Tennessee, has been a great success. She sang most of those songs for the fair's audiences, including her title song, "If You Knew," and "I Could Be You" along with country's favorites Mary Chapin Carpenter's "I Feel Lucky," and The Wreckers "Leave the Piece.,"Carrie Silliman hopes everyone comes out to visit the 2012 Carbon County Fair this week."It's the biggest and best its ever been and the weather is going to be great."The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks show that lit up the sky and sent fair goers home happy.The fair will continue today through Friday, from 3-11 p.m. and from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5, and children 10 and under are free. There is free parking and free entertainment.Today's entertainment is Remember When at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. and a demolition derby at 7 p.m. in the arena. Thursday is Children's Day with a bicycle give-away at 8 p.m. On the Main Stage will be Crazy Heart at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Professional wrestling will be in the arena at 7 p.m.Friday features Penn's Peak Radio and TV DJ "The Doctor" at the main state at 5:30 p.m. and at 7 and 9 p.m., the Fabulous Hubcaps will perform. In the arena will be a demolition derby at 7 p.m.Saturday, the Horse Show begins at 8:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m. Tracy Lee will perform and the Hawks at 3 p.m. At 4 p.m. there will be an antique field stock tractor pull. At 5 p.m. Joe Bonson and Coffee Run will perform , and at 6:45 p.m. Brooke Unger. At 7:30 p.m. the Cramer Brothers will be on stage; and at 9:30 p.m., there will be a jam session with the Cramer Brothers, Brooke Unger, Joe Bonson and Coffee Run and Tracy Lee and the Hawks.