This year’s Clinton County Fair takes place Aug. 1-8, 2026, at the Fairgrounds in Mackeyville, and whether you’re young or young at heart, crafty or have a green thumb, can sing or have some other talent, or, like many in the area, have a antique tractor….the Clinton County Fair wants you!

While there are lots of ways to take part in the Fair, here’s information on four specific, fun activities.

Sizzling

Seniors

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLINTON COUNTY FAIR Groups or individuals are invited to show off their creative talents by decorating a bale of hay at this year’s Clinton County Fair. The 2026 Fair runs Aug. 1-8 at the Fairgrounds in Mackeyville.

Talent Show

Who’s got talent?

One of the Fair highlights is the annual Sizzling Seniors Talent Show, where folks age 55+ share their talents with an enthusiastic audience. The talent show is a popular part of Senior Citizens Day at the Fairgrounds and is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m., at the main entertainment pavilion.

“If you can sing, read a poem or a reading, perform a skit, whatever your talent, we want you to join us for some fun and entertainment,” says Talent Show organizer Robin Seyler, noting that individuals, duos and groups are all welcome. “This year, we’re also inviting people to perform anything patriotic as we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday.”

Those interested in performing at the Talent Show are asked to register by Aug. 1, 2026. The registration form is on the Fair website, at www.ClintonCountyFairPA.com. Click on the “Our Fair” tab, then scroll down and select the “Form Library” to access the registration form. Performers must provide their own music and props. People can also reach out to Seyler at 570-660-5388 or rlseyler4262@gmail.com for more information.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLINTON COUNTY FAIR A duo performs at last year’s Sizzling Seniors Talent Show at the Clinton County Fair. This year’s Talent Show is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, (Senior Citizens Day) at 3 p.m., and all talents are welcome!

Decorate a Bale Contest

The Fair is also looking for people — individuals, groups or organizations — to participate in the Bale Decorating Contest. Participants are asked to establish a theme and gather any accessories needed, then come decorate a large, round bale of hay (a bale is provided by the Fair for each contest participant).

The bales need to be decorated right before the start of the Fair so they can be displayed around the Fairgrounds during Fair Week.

“Any and all themes are welcome,” says contest coordinator Robin Selyer. “Something patriotic would be great as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. There has been so much to celebrate in our country’s history, so we invite you to get creative.”

Seyler says there aren’t a whole lot of contest guidelines, but, of course, each bale must be decorated in good taste.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLINTON COUNTY FAIR Youngsters up to age 12 are encouraged to bring their set of wheels for a night of fun and games Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the pulling track during Youth Day at this year’s Clinton County Fair.

The registration form for the Bale Decorating Contest is on the Fair website, www.ClintonCountyFairPA.com. Click on the “Our Fair” tab, then scroll down and select the “Form Library” to get to the registration form. Questions can be directed to Seyler at rlseyler4262@gmail.com or 570-660-5388.

Antique

Tractor

Display

Fair-goers always enjoy checking out the antique tractors on display each year, and this year, the Fair Association is adding Antique Lawn and Garden Tractors to the mix!

Seyler also coordinates the Antique Tractor Display and says, “As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we will be decorating the tractor display tents in patriotic fashion as a tribute to our country. People are welcome to decorate their tractors in a patriotic way, as well.”

Tractors should be brought to the Fairgrounds Friday, July 31, between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., or Saturday, Aug. 1, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Seyler says first-place prizes of $25 gift certificates will be awarded in several categories, including Best Restored Tractor, Oldest, Most Authentic from the Factory, Best Paint Job and Best of Show. People can register their tractor at the time of entry. For more information, contact Seyler at rlseyler4262@gmail.com or 570-660-5388.

Kids Night at the Track

For young families, bring the kids to enjoy a fun night at the pulling track at the Fairgrounds. Now in its third year, “Kids Night at the Track” is scheduled on Youth Day at the Fair, Wednesday, Aug. 5, and is geared for youngsters up to age 12.

Accompanied by an adult, kids are invited to bring their bikes, balance bikes, power wheels and power cycles to join in a night of fun and games.

“We will have obstacle courses set up, drag races and other fun contests, and the kids will be divided into their own age groups,” says organizer Robin Seyler, who notes, “We encourage parents to bring some extra clothes for their children because there just might be some water involved this year. We plan on making it a night full of fun, plus a few prizes!”

Registration for Kids Night at the Track gets underway at the pulling track on Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m., with the games starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, reach out to Seyler at 570-660-5388 or rlseyler4262@gmail.com.