It wasn’t long after gates to the Schuylkill County Fair opened at 4 p.m. Monday that people begin piling in.

Parking lots filled quickly. Folks propped chairs on the grassy lawn in front of the main stage.

Large tractors hauling four-wheel drive diesels and street semis headed toward the fairground’s track, and the midway filled with those looking for homegrown fun.

One of them was Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess.

Hess picked at a plate of fresh cut French fries that he ordered from the Jefferson Grange, the Southern Schuylkill County chapter of the National Grange.

“This is a time to not only celebrate the agricultural history of Schuylkill County, but to show what all the county has to offer,” Hess said of the fair, which runs through Saturday.

Hess said he ran into Schuylkill County residents, along with others from out of the area.

It didn’t surprise him.

“It is great weather. It’s beautiful and it looks like it will be nice and sunny for the rest of the week,” he said.

The day kicked off with a ceremonial flag raising by members of the U.S. Army, and the singing of the national anthem.

Shortly thereafter, a contest to determine the fair’s queen and princess got underway. The contestants were asked random questions, such as what they wanted to be when they grew up, and to name their favorite animal at the fair.

Winners include 2022 Queen Faith Yeager, Princess Lila Evans, and Little Miss Ariana Eifert. Rounding out the royalty are Victoria Konkus, queen runner-up; Abri Kutz, princess runner-up; and Lily Meck and Laurel Knerr, little miss runners-up. Miss Congeniality is Addison Trunk.

As for livestock, cows, pigs and goats were on display, courtesy of farms and local 4-H Clubs. And in keeping with the celebration of agriculture, a parade of tractors made its way around the Summit Station fairgrounds.

Crafters showed off their handiwork to earn ribbons from fair judges. Submissions include photographs, woodworking, painting, knitting - and even pie baking.

Amusement rides and carnival games are another highlight of the fair.

Flying swings, a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round entertained both children and adults.

Gates will open at 11 a.m. today with a touch-a-truck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nashville artist Rachel Horter is the evening’s featured entertainment. Today’s theme is Kids’ Day. Other theme days with different entertainment will round out the week.

Livestock shows will be held daily and Porcupine Pat will be at the James S. Shadle Nature Center from 5 to 7:30 p.m. each day. Educational presentations will be held throughout the week in the Weston Pavilion.

For more information, visit the Fair’s website at www.schuylkillfair.com or check out us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SCHUYLKILLFAIR/.