BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Dale Levan (left) from the Lycoming County Fair Association spoke to members of the Hughesville Rotary last week on what is new this year as Rotary member, Debra Papay (right) takes notes.

HUGHESVILLE – It may still be cold outside, but that won’t stop the Lycoming Fair Association from making big plans for this summer season. Presenter and CEO, Dale Levan spoke to the Hughesville Rotary last week on the who, what, and when for the seasonal lineup.

Levan has spent the last three years as President and remarked how he is looking forward and planning now for the 150th year which will be here in just 4 years.

Starting Thursday, July 14 and ending Saturday, July 23, this year marks 146 and according to Levan “much is going on.”

There will be two stages, instead of one for free entertainment. “We’re going to expand under the grandstand,” said Levan. The idea is to present a Nashville line up before the “big shows.”

Levan mentioned some younger, upcoming entertainers for each night such as Debbie Williams, Kendall Phillips, Sara Beth, Erin Sylvester, Madeline Smith, Derek Andrews, Sara Ann Garrison, Keeghan Nolan, Katie Rubino and more to come. The hypnotist will also be back and Keith Walker will perform a free show on the main stage on Thursday night, preview night, followed by fireworks on the infield. Another familiar standby, Dan and Galla will be playing their accordion, and sponsored by Muncy Bank & Trust.

Tuesday will be “Kids Day” with a talent contest, and Wednesday will be Senior Citizens Day with free admission for those over 65 years of age. “We will be featuring harness racing that day,” Levan said.

“Here is what we are going to do different this year,” announced Levan to the Hughesville Rotary. “On Monday, July 18 from 10 to 10 will be a free day. That includes rides too!” With much excitement, he further explained that on Tuesday for Youth Day there will also be free admission for all those under 18 years of age from 10 to 10. “There will also be a talent show that night.” Senior citizens over 65 will get in free from 10 to 10 on Wednesday.

Thursday is Military Day and Demolition Day. There will be free admission from 10 to 10 for any veteran with proper ID.

The Fair Association is also applying for a license for small games of chance. Levan said that he is hoping that the fairgrounds can be used by other venues. For example, the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Association is interested in partnering with charitable organizations to bet on horses as a fundraiser.

Some events that are coming up in June include a Safety Day, the annual Blues Festival and a Strawberry Festival. He said he would love to have some kind of “Halloween event” in the fall. When asked about winter events, Levan replied that the buildings are rented for storage, many of them RV’s.

For the six dollars admission fee, required for ages two and up, rides are included. According to Levan, “We are still one of the most inexpensive fairs around.” There is no more subsidization from the state. “We don’t want to raise the rates. We are a class A fair, just like Bloomsburg,” he added.

Advance tickets at $4 will be available starting June 11 up until opening day for the fair with no rides for any given day.

Levan concluded by saying how much he enjoys working at the fair. He had been concession manager for 25 years before taking position as President. He said his favorite part is the school building. “I enjoy the kids and the art in the schools,” said Levan who drives a school for WASD during the winter months.

Every year the CEO gives out about 10 to 12 ribbons to exhibits that otherwise did not win something. He said he also enjoys the flowers and frequently visits the livestock area. “Not many people go back there, but I like to spend time in the barns, and see what the kids are doing.” He referred to them hard at work, washing down the animals before their shows, and taking care of them. “They do such a good job to sell their animals,” he concluded.

“It’s all about the kids,” and he reminded everyone about the cover art contest in the schools for the premium book cover and the marketing brochure. The overall theme slogan this year will be “Good Things Are Growing.” The deadline for the contest is April 1st.