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West End Fair to open Sunday; workers get stands, stalls ready for the influx of visitors, animals

The West End Fairgrounds area was relatively quiet Friday afternoon. People were planting sunflowers in front of booths and hanging banners in preparation for opening day Sunday. In the livestock area, workers got ready for the rabbits, putting bedding and bowls in cages.

A beverage distributor pulled up and started unloading.

Some people were setting up their food stands. Others will be offering crafts and cars.

Others are taking advantage of the large crowds to deliver a message.

Debbie Hartley, prevention specialist with the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission Inc., was setting up the agency’s booth. Her theme this year is apples, perfect for fall harvest. She some apple balloons to hand out for the children, but the message is most important: combating addiction.

First, she says people need to get rid of the stigma of addiction. An apple poster has a bite taken out of it, with the message “Take a bite out of stigma.”

“I am happy to say that as years go by people are getting a better understanding of the struggle with addiction,” Hartley said Friday.

She will be handing out Narcan at her stand, used to battle overdoses.

By Sunday afternoon, the area will be buzzing with activity. The fair opens at 2 p.m. and the opening ceremony and queen coronation will get underway at 3 p.m. on the main stage.

The candidates for queen are Abigail Smith, Lila Borger, Falon Schaefer and Julia Bulawa.

This week they introduced themselves on Facebook.

Abigail Smith shows livestock and rabbits through 4-H and is involved with the Pocono Mountain East Music Program.

Lila Borger is 16 and in 11th grade. She grew up in Kunkletown and plays volleyball and softball in school.

Julia Bulawa says she is a bookworm and does Irish dancing during the weekdays. She is enrolled in dual enrollment with high school and college classes.

Falon Schaefer, also from Kunkletown, is a licensed cosmetologist.

Junior Miss contestants are Grace Smith and Isabella Haley.

The week is action packed. Following the queen ceremony, a Vesper Service will take place at 4 p.m.

Mere Mortals will be in the pub area at 5 p.m. and Chris Eckert has shows at 7 and 8:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Cartesion Dance Academy will be in the band shell at 7 p.m.

Opening night will be capped off with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. in the main arena.

Fireworks, 9:30 p.m. in Main Arena.

The fair continues through Saturday.

Monday highlights include pop-punk/pop-rock singer-songwriter Jimmy Mowery, with shows at 3 and 4:30 p.m., on the Main Stage; Steve and Steve, 5 p.m., in the pub; Pleasant Valley High School Band, 5:30 p.m., bandshell; KOI Drag Racing, at 7 p.m., in the Main Arena, with a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. and Rick K, at 7 and 8:30 p.m., on the Main Stage.

Highlights for the rest of the week include the Demo Derby Tuesday at 7 p.m., with Junk Car Race Heats and Pickup/Van/Suburban Demo and Steel Creek, at 7 and 8:30 p.m., Main Stage; Demo Derby at 7 p.m. Wednesday, with Small Car Heats, midsize, stock full size feature, and the Cramer Brothers Band at 7 and 8:30 p.m. on the main stage.

Another demolition derby is set for Thursday night, this one for big cars, small cars, mini SUVs and trucks, starting at 7 p.m. The Don Jovi tribute band, 7 and 8:30 p.m., Main Stage.

On Friday, The Rehrig Brothers will be on the Main Stage, with shows at 3 and 4 p.m. Elite Mower Racing will be in the main arena at 7 p.m., with Katz 22 bringing rock n’ roll to the main stage 7 and 9 p.m.

The 4-H Livestock Auction will take place at noon, Agricultural Education Area, with Mystery City Band on stage at 2:30 and 4 p.m. The Wood Carving Auction will be held at 5 p.m., with shows by the Brian Dean Moore Band at 7 and 9 p.m. Bullride Mania Rodeo will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Arena.

Admission is $8 for guests 11 and older, while kids 10 and under enter free.

Sensory Day is Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sensory Day offers a thoughtfully adjusted fair environment designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities. During this special two-hour period, the fairgrounds will feature reduced lights, sounds, and crowds to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests who may be overwhelmed by the typical fair experience.

Fairgoers can hear storytelling and get their faces painted, among other activities.

Following the sensory-friendly hours, fairgoers can enjoy even more value with $5 admission from 2 to 4 p.m.

Ride wristbands will also be available for $20 with the donation of a canned food item that supports the local animal shelter.

On Wednesday, seniors are admitted for $4. Active and retired military members receive free admission with a valid military ID.

On Thursday admission is $4 for students with a valid school photo ID at the gate.

Friday is an Early Bird Deal. Admission is just $4 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The fairgrounds is located at 570 Fairground Rd, Gilbert. Visit www.westendfair.com

Debbie Hartley, prevention specialist with the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission Inc., gets the agency’s booth ready for the West End Fair. The agency will be handing out free Narcan during the fair. MARTA GOUGER/TIMES NEWS
Nasha Rolappe, 14, and her brother, Tate, of Kunkletown do whatever is needed in the livestock area. On Friday, they put bedding in for the rabbits and hung up signs.
Deb Modica waters the flowers she planted Friday to spruce up the livestock area at the West End Fair. Many of the plants were transplanted from her garden, grown specially for the fair. MARTA GOUGER/TIMES NEWS