Carbon fair hits record in attendance
A record-breaking crowd helped make this year's Carbon County Fair the most successful in its history.
More than 50,000 visitors came out to support the 15th annual event held at the fairgrounds along Little Gap Road in Palmerton."This is the best year we've ever had," said Bob Silliman, fair president. "Every year we try new things that helps attract people."New this year was country line dancing lessons at the main stage; a 200-foot cable zip line from 32 feet above the ground; the Yoyo, a 90-second swing ride; and the Tuff Truck event in the arena, where 400-600 horse-powered vehicles raced inside the four-wheel drive figure eight.The six-day event ended on Saturday.This morning Silliman said event organizers were "in the cleanup mode.""By next week, we'll be preparing for next year," Silliman said.Silliman said comfortable weather conditions, along with new entertainment and rides, are what spurred the fair to the top."We'd like to thank everybody from the county who came out and supported us," he said. "We hope they come out again next year."For the first time in its history, the fair commenced on a Monday, at which time it began with its traditional opening ceremony.Opening day featured the crowning of Jordan Behrens, 20, of Jim Thorpe, as 2014 Carbon County Fair Queen, along with a fireworks spectacular.Throughout the week, there were various food vendors, rides, entertainment, demolition derbies and animals courtesy of the Carbon County 4-H Club.The Carbon County Lion/Lioness Fair Association Inc. was created in January 1999, and comprises the Bowmanstown/Parryville Lions, Franklin Township Lions, Lehighton Area Lioness Lions, Mahoning Lions, Palmerton Lions, West Penn Lions, and the Jim Thorpe Lioness Clubs.The fair was created to showcase the animals and projects of the youth in Carbon County and West Penn Township.It also assists the participating Lion and Lioness Clubs to raise funds used to support community projects, sight programs and other Lions projects.For more information on the event, visit