HARRISBURG – Many Pennsylvania county and community fairs will be able to improve and expand facilities with a state investment of more than $620,000, Governor Edward Rendell announced.

 Monroe County

• West End Fair--$7,098 to replace shingles on exhibit building roof.

Wayne County

• Greene Dreher Sterling Fair--$4,000 to construct a new chain link fence around parking area.
• Wayne County Fair--$15,827 to pave entrance roads and handicapped parking area.

“Fairs are an integral part of Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage, and this investment shows our commitment to the significant role they play in our state’s economy and in rural communities,” Rendell said.  “Each year, an estimated 6 million people visit fairs and learn about our state’s top industry while gaining a greater appreciation for how food and fiber is produced here in the commonwealth.”

Under the capital improvement matching grant program, fairs receive funding for maintenance and improvement projects.  Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff chairs the Fair Advisory Board, which approves the grants – part of the larger, $3.9 million Pennsylvania Fair Fund.

The fund helps the state’s 117 county and community fairs with annual operating costs and offers financial support to youth organizations with agricultural missions.