The Bloomsburg Fair features something old, something new
BLOOMSBURG - The 156th annual Bloomsburg Fair will feature 100-foot high divers, helicopter rides, a rainforest and TV's lovable deputy sheriff.
The return of old-time favorites will mix with some of the newest country music and many other attractions for the 2010 edition of the fair, Sept. 25 to Oct. 2.
"The theme this year is 'Bring a Friend to the Bloomsburg Fair,'" said Bloomsburg Fair Board president Todd Lehman at the annual press luncheon, held Wednesday. "We have some great entertainment, the outstanding food and so much more."
One of the biggest surprises at the luncheon was the announcement that, after an absence of several years, helicopter rides will return. Heritage Rotors, which has offered professional helicopter rides since 1993, will offer rides outside Gate 5 for $10, said William J. Barratt, director of parking and police. Rides will run daily, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Free entertainment director John H. Flick wanted to bring the tiger show back again this year, but a scheduling conflict prevented it. Replacing it will be the Amazing Rainforest Experience, an animal show that will put conservation and environmental awareness center stage.
Presented by husband and wife Robert and Christy Mullen, the show features tigers, snakes, sloths, kinkajous and other animals.
Also new this year will be a high-dive show, built on the theme of "Pirates of the Caribbean."
According to a press release, the 20-minute presentation features springboard and tower diving, comedy, clown diving and a finale high dive from more than 70 feet in the air.
"The pirates set sail for Treasure Island under the command of the brave Captain Kidd," the press release reads. "But there was a small problem, you see; the captain lost the map and sailed them straight into the worst tropical storm to ever hit the South Pacific. They made it through the storm alright, but while making repairs on the ship, the crew became restless and some were even talking of a mutiny."
The diving show will be presented three to four times a day.
Keeping with the mission of the fair, agriculture and education, Jeff Giger, director of livestock, announced that daily barn tours will be given, starting in front of the large arena.
"We've even incorporated a scavenger hunt for the kids to get them interested," Giger said. The barn tours will run at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day.
Strolling entertainment
While there will be entertainment at Millennium Park, the Free Stage and the Grandstand, Lehman told the gathering that entertainment will be coming to the people as well.
"We took a page out of the Disney book and will have strolling entertainment in certain areas of the fair, and through the website, we will let you know when and where they will be," Lehman said.
Taking part in this program is perennial favorites Dan and Galla and nationally renown Barney Fife impersonator Scott Epperson.
Lady "A" and Dunham
The big draw of the fair is the grandstand entertainment, and this year is no exception.
"We have two of the hottest touring acts coming this year to the fair and a great lineup all around," Lehman said.
Musical acts performing at the Grandstand including Lady Antebellum with guest David Nail on Sept. 27, Craig Morgan with special guest Gloriana on Sept. 28, REO Speedwagon on Sept. 29, ventriloquist/comedian Jeff Dunham on Sept. 30, and Theory of a Deadman with special guest Default on Oct. 1.
"Tickets for Lady Antebellum and Jeff Dunham are in short supply, so anyone who wants them better get them quick," said grandstand director W. Carey Howell.
Other events presented at the grandstand include demolition derby eliminations at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, and the Full Pull-sanctioned tractor and truck pulling at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25. A freestyle motocross exhibition will be presented at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. Horse pulling events will be held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1. Figure 8 racing with rollovers will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, followed by the Demolition Derby state championship at 7 p.m.
Weather permitting, there could be another exciting event held.
"We have set a raindate for Sunday morning for the truck pulling," Lehman said. "If the event is held as scheduled, we have a sanctioned group that will come in and do lawnmower racing Sunday morning. These mowers are souped up and can travel up to 70 mph."
Tickets for the proposed lawnmower races will be $5 for the general admission seating and fairgoers should check the fair website for more information and times.
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