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Elvis tribute artist Ryan Pelton headlines Clinton County Fair entertainers; 53rd Annual Fair Runs Aug. 1-8

By From Staff Reports 11 min read

MACKEYVILLE -- Internationally acclaimed Elvis tribute artist Ryan Pelton is scheduled to make a return performance at the upcoming Clinton County Fair, set for Aug. 1-8, 2026, at the Fairgrounds in Mackeyville!

Pelton, who drew a large and enthusiastic crowd at last year's Fair, is set to perform Monday, Aug. 3, at 7:30 p.m., at the Main Stage Pavilion.

An award-winning Elvis tribute artist, actor and singer/songwriter, Pelton became an international champion when he won the Worldwide Images of the King Contest in Memphis, Tenn., in 2001. He has performed across the globe, from fairs to casinos, theaters to festivals, and productions shows to professional sports arenas.

Pelton performed with the world's largest impersonator production show, Legends in Concert, for nearly a decade; he appeared in an all-Elvis version of The Weakest Link television show, which he won; was a body double for Elvis as he performed a duet on American Idol with Celine Dion; and played the role of Elvis in the Dakota Fanning movie, Hounddog.

Pelton is among a number of talented performers -- from local groups to nationally-known artists -- to entertain fair-goers. The Fair Week line-up includes:

-- Saturday, Aug, 1: Fishers of Men, a local Bluegrass and gospel group, takes to the Auxiliary Stage for a 7 p.m. performance. The five-member band includes Kim Barner, Dawn Jeffries, Phil Reeder, Mark Krauss and Bryan Boone.

-- Sunday, Aug. 2: 2 A.M., the acoustic, husband-wife duo of Autumn and Mitch Gavlock performs classic and modern country, 80s classic rock, 90s pop and Christian worship and praise music at 7:30 p.m. from the Auxiliary Stage.

-- Monday, Aug. 3: Elvis tribute artist Ryan Pelton entertains from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Main Stage Pavilion.

-- Tuesday, Aug. 4, is Senior Citizens Day at the Fair and includes an afternoon, 2 p.m. Main Stage concert, The Sounds of Charles Lee. Lee brings his energetic, one-man show featuring Motown hits, Oldies and Standards.

That evening, popular local Classic Rock cover band Flashback, featuring Mike Yoho, Bud Hoffman, Steve Hauser, Mitch Cohen and Brad Gibson, takes to the Auxiliary Stage for two performances, at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8:15 p.m.

-- Wednesday, Aug. 5: Isaac Cole, a 2016 finalist in the TV show American Idol, brings his Country music sounds to the Main Stage Pavilion during performances at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

On the Auxiliary Stage that evening at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m., is duo Kandy and Randy of K.A.R. Music Box, performing music from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

-- Thursday, Aug. 6: Another popular local band, Over the Influence, brings their high-energy show to the Auxiliary Stage. Members Mark Sopic, Dave Curulla, Denny Accordino and Jeff Johnston perform Top 40 Classic Rock hits at 6 p.m.and again at 8 p.m.

-- Friday, Aug. 7: Rick K. brings a Rock & Roll Review "From Motown to Mars" to the Fairgrounds. The energy-filled 7:30 p.m. show on the Main Stage includes favorite Rock 'n Roll hits the whole family will love.

-- Saturday, Aug. 8: Two different bands close out the 2026 Fair. Husband and wife duo Wayne and Alyssa Brewer bring their "Forever George & Tammy" tribute to George Jones and Tammy Wynette to the Main Stage in a 7:30 p.m. show. The Nashville-based performers bring timeless charm and classic country soul to modern audiences.

Also at 7:30, local favorites Kidz at Heart, featuring Rus Shaffer, Rich Schlesinger, Rod Shaffer and Rich Tressler, play all the crowd favorites, from oldies and classic rock to modern country.

Opening Ceremonies

While registrations for Fair Week activities get underway on Friday, July 31, and continues into Saturday, the official Fair Opening Ceremony takes place Saturday, Aug. 1, at 3 p.m., at the Main Stage Pavilion.

Following is a ceremony during which the 2026 Fair Queen is crowned. The new queen then begins a busy week of participating in various fair activities such as handing out ribbons to livestock show and contest winners, helping make the giant ice cream sundae Friday, Aug. 7, that can be enjoyed by all (compliments of Sunset Ice Cream), and in general, welcoming all Fair goers.

Another crowning -- of a Little Fair Princess -- takes place Sunday, Aug. 2, at 10:30 a.m., on the Main Stage.

Fair Week Special Events

The Fearless Flores Thrill Show returns for the 2026 Fair Monday through Saturday of Fair Week. Death defying stunts and jaw dropping displays that take place high above the ground are scheduled each day.

A Fair favorite is Ron Beck's Baby Animals as people of all ages enjoy getting up-close with new-born pigs, goats, lambs and more. The baby animals are located in the Dairy Barn.

Nightly prize drawings are back for the 2026 Fair. Winners of the 9:30 p.m. drawings, held from the Auxiliary Stage, receive bicycles this year, and you must be present to win!

On opening day, Aug. 1, fair goers can enjoy a Classic and Custom Car and Truck Show, with vehicles on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you've got a favorite Chili recipe, enter it in the Chili Cook-Off on opening day at 3:30. You can also participate in the Baked Goods Auction at 5:30 p.m. that day.

Throughout the week, those who come to the Fair can walk through and admire a variety of antique tractors on display.

Horseshoe and Cornhole tournaments are popular activities during the Fair. Bill's Happy Camper RV Sales & Service hosts the second annual nighttime horseshoe tournament Saturday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m.; there's horseshoe pitching throughout the week; and people can test their corn bag tossing skills in a Sunday, 3 p.m. Cornhole tournament at the Main Stage Pavilion.

Monday is UPMC Day at the Fair, with baking contests (the Homemade Chocolate Cake; Junior Baking; Blue Ribbon Apple Pie and Incredible Angel Food Cake Contest) in the morning, followed by an auction of the winning recipes that evening.

New at this year's Fair is the On-Foot Rodeo Triathlon, scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday in the Horse Arena. The Triathlon is open to ages five through adult and involves three-person teams, with one team member competing in dummy roping, another in goat tying (dummy) and the third member in on-foot barrel racing. The timed competition should make for a fun night for participants and spectators!

Tuesday is Pennsylvania Lottery and Senior Citizen's Day, with free admission and parking for everyone 62 and older, sponsored by the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home. The day includes free Senior Bingo at 11 a.m., sponsored by UPMC North Central, and the annual "Sizzling Seniors" Talent Show at 3 p.m.

Learn Line Dancing Tuesday evening, as Fawn Hosterman provides a 6 p.m. demonstration with audience participation encouraged!

Wednesday is Kiddies Day at the Fair, sponsored by Dotterer Equipment, First Quality and Horizon Federal Credit Union. Youngsters can register from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Main Stage, with special Kiddies Day activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Thursday, the Clinton County Fair Association recognizes the support of the Clinton County Community Foundation and its impact on the Fair's growth over the years.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, people are invited to make their own 2×2-foot wooden barn quilt painting. Instructor Heidi Bohnert leads the event and provides all materials (pre-registration is required and class size is limited).

Also on Thursday, the always-entertaining Pedal Power Tractor Pull takes place at 7 p.m. in the Show Arena, as youngsters see who can pedal the farthest riding a mini tractor dragging a weight!

Friday is Red, White & Blue Day, with all Veterans receiving free admission to the Fair and, through support from the Gedon Funeral Homes, free parking.

A Veterans Program is planned for 4 p.m. that day at the Main Stage Pavilion.

Youth ages 5 to 17 have the opportunity to take part in a pie eating contest that afternoon, and people age 16 and older can participate in a hotdog eating contest. The contests are sponsored by Baby Grumper Vending Services and take place at 5:30 p.m. in the 4-H & Open Show Building.

The 19th Annual Fairground Parade steps off Saturday, Aug. 8, at 12:30 p.m. The final day of the 2026 Fair is Buyers & Livestock Day, and includes the Clinton County 4-H and FFA Awards Program at 2:30 p.m., and the 4-H Livestock Sale at 3 p.m., both in the Show Arena.

Track Events

The popular Bullride Mania returns to the Fairgrounds. Scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Lower Horse Arena, the 7 p.m. rodeo is held rain or shine. Advance tickets, through July 31, are $10, and $15 at the gate.

There are three exciting Clinton County Speedway events during this year's Fair. A Figure Eight & Demolition Derby is scheduled for opening day, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, with children age 12 and under admitted free.

The Speedway also hosts two Fair Week races: a Tuesday, Aug. 4, four-division night featuring Limited Late Models, Pro Stocks, 270 Micros and 4 Cylinders; and a five-division race Friday night, Aug. 7, featuring Racesaver Sprints, Pro Stocks, 270 Micros, 4 Cylinders and Rising Stars Jr. Sprints.

Exciting KOI Drag Racing returns to the Fairgrounds on Monday, Aug. 3, with a 5 p.m. registration and practice, and eliminations at 7 p.m., at the Pulling Track. Admission to the Drag Races is free.

Several tractor pulls are also scheduled at the Pulling Track. A Garden Tractor Pull is planned for 1 p.m. on opening day, Aug. 1; a 4×4 Truck Pull takes place Sunday, Aug. 2, at 1 p.m.; and a Kiddies Day Pull, sponsored by Lock Haven Moose Lodge 100, is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m. Admission to all of the Pulls is free.

Amusement Rides

Double M Amusements is providing the rides, scheduled to run all eight days of the Fair from 5 p.m. until closing. In addition, rides open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Kiddies Day, Wednesday, Aug. 5, and the final day of the Fair, Saturday, Aug. 8. On Kiddies Day, special ride coupons are available for children through the Fair Office and should be picked up before purchasing a wristband.

Treasured Fair Traditions

This year's Fair continues many of the traditions people look forward to year after year. Topping that list is the variety of "Fair food" you'll find daily. New and returning food trucks and concessions, as well as a daily menu from the Fair Association's Clint's Diner, will be available.

Many people enjoy browsing through the rows of agricultural exhibits, checking out fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods and flowers and the wide range of other exhibits, from photography to quilts. The Commercial Building and the 4-H Open Exhibit Building are open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are packed with interesting and informative displays -- including Clinton County Master Gardener, 4-H and Future Farmers of America displays and a range of commercial and nonprofit vendors.

Fair Week is also an opportunity for 4-H youth to showcase their animals, including dairy and beef cows, horses, rabbits, poultry, goats, sheep and hogs.

Your Invitation to the Fair!

"We're excited for this year, and we invite you to come out and enjoy and support your Fair!" says Fair Managers Donna Wech and Barb Forshey. "We try to bring in a variety of entertainment for all ages -- there really is something for everyone.

"We also want to thank our Fair vendors and exhibitors, area businesses and all of our volunteers for their support," adds Wech and Forshey. "We couldn't do it without you!"

Discounted advance Fair admission and parking passes, and Bullride Mania tickets, are available through July 31 at Chatham Run Feed Mill in Woolrich; Dotterer Equipment in Mill Hall (Route 64); 64 Beer Store/The Farmer's Dotterer, also along Route 64; Tails and Trails and Complete Climate Control, LLC in Lock Haven; and at the Fair Office in Mackeyville.

During Fair Week, Daily Gate Admission is only $5 per person, starting at 7 a.m. on weekends, and after 3 p.m. during the week. Children age 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is an additional $2 per vehicle.

In preparation for this year's Fair, the Fair Association office will be open beginning July 26-28 from 4 to 8 p.m.; July 29 and 30 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; July 31 and Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Aug. 2-8 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The office can be reached by calling 570-726-4148 or emailing clintoncountyfairpa@gmail.com. For more on the 2026 Clinton County Fair, visit the Fair website, ClintonCountyFairPA.com, or follow the Fair on Facebook. A brochure highlighting the daily schedule is also available, and detailed information on events, contests, open shows and more is included in the Clinton County Fair Premium Rules Book.

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