Summer Fair Preview
by Vienna Howat
May 29, 2018
The smell of fresh funnel cakes, the lights from ferris wheels, and the taste of cotton candy are all iconic parts of summer. Fairs have been bringing all of these enticing pieces together within communities for centuries now.
This year, some of the most popular in Allegheny County are the St. Ursula Fair, Etna Fair, Big Butler Fair, and St. Alexis Fair.
Going in order, the St. Ursula Fair will occur from May 28th through June 2nd in the parking lot of the St. Ursula Church. The ferris wheel is the main attraction of this event but there is also a flea market in the basement of the church across the street. Another strong suit of the St. Ursula Fair is its bingo tent which always seems to be full. This fair in particular is the smallest one of the bunch which adds a homey vibe. It is the most popular fair among Hamptonians as it is also in Allison Park.
The Etna Fair will run from June 25th through the 30th this year. The rides have enough variation to be fun for all ages. Among the usual ferris wheel and games with prizes, there is a plethora food trucks holding fair classics like lemonade and fried oreos. Even the staff members are fun and will go out of their way to make sure a good time is being had by all. The location in Etna makes it feasible for people from the city, Shaler, and Hampton alike to all come.
Fourth of July festivities are not complete without a stop by the Big Butler Fair. Their fitting motto, “Always Over the Fourth,” describes how their patriotic celebration will run from June 29th through July 7th. With a different schedule every day, some of the most popular events to occur are the tractor pulls and animal shows. Another highlight of this fair is the nightly hypnotist show. This wraps up every night with a show of volunteers making a fool of themselves on stage for the whole crowd to see on their way out. This fair is the farthest one from Hampton but is definitely worth the drive. It is also the largest and thus has the best selection and differentiation of shops, foods, rides, and games.
The St. Alexis Fair will occur from August 1st through the 4th at North Allegheny right off of Perry Highway. The fair will be benefiting the Blessed Francis Seelos Academy with proceeds from indoor dinners and bingo in the cafeteria. Various dance groups can be seen performing there on stage. There is a good balance between kiddy rides and regular ones. This fair is an accessible meeting spot for those from North Allegheny, Cranberry, and North Hills. Transportation is made easy at this fair with the shuttle busses that transfer people from their cars in the school parking lot to the venue.
No matter which fair is attended, there is sure to be something there to satisfy everyone’s favorite summer craving. Just be sure to wait for the fried food to digest before going on the crazy rides!
This year, some of the most popular in Allegheny County are the St. Ursula Fair, Etna Fair, Big Butler Fair, and St. Alexis Fair.
Going in order, the St. Ursula Fair will occur from May 28th through June 2nd in the parking lot of the St. Ursula Church. The ferris wheel is the main attraction of this event but there is also a flea market in the basement of the church across the street. Another strong suit of the St. Ursula Fair is its bingo tent which always seems to be full. This fair in particular is the smallest one of the bunch which adds a homey vibe. It is the most popular fair among Hamptonians as it is also in Allison Park.
The Etna Fair will run from June 25th through the 30th this year. The rides have enough variation to be fun for all ages. Among the usual ferris wheel and games with prizes, there is a plethora food trucks holding fair classics like lemonade and fried oreos. Even the staff members are fun and will go out of their way to make sure a good time is being had by all. The location in Etna makes it feasible for people from the city, Shaler, and Hampton alike to all come.
Fourth of July festivities are not complete without a stop by the Big Butler Fair. Their fitting motto, “Always Over the Fourth,” describes how their patriotic celebration will run from June 29th through July 7th. With a different schedule every day, some of the most popular events to occur are the tractor pulls and animal shows. Another highlight of this fair is the nightly hypnotist show. This wraps up every night with a show of volunteers making a fool of themselves on stage for the whole crowd to see on their way out. This fair is the farthest one from Hampton but is definitely worth the drive. It is also the largest and thus has the best selection and differentiation of shops, foods, rides, and games.
The St. Alexis Fair will occur from August 1st through the 4th at North Allegheny right off of Perry Highway. The fair will be benefiting the Blessed Francis Seelos Academy with proceeds from indoor dinners and bingo in the cafeteria. Various dance groups can be seen performing there on stage. There is a good balance between kiddy rides and regular ones. This fair is an accessible meeting spot for those from North Allegheny, Cranberry, and North Hills. Transportation is made easy at this fair with the shuttle busses that transfer people from their cars in the school parking lot to the venue.
No matter which fair is attended, there is sure to be something there to satisfy everyone’s favorite summer craving. Just be sure to wait for the fried food to digest before going on the crazy rides!