The Great Allentown Fair opened its gates Sept. 2 with a ceremony at the Farmerama Theater that drew local dignitaries, state officials, fair supporters and residents who turned out despite overcast skies and a light mist.
Traditional opening at Farmerama Theater
The program began with a patriotic presentation by the Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps of Topton and the Allentown Fire Department honor guard’s presentation of the colors. Fadia Halma, regional director for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the Lehigh Valley, served as master of ceremonies. An invocation was offered by Robert B. Heintzelman, a director of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society.
"Farmarama Theater filled steadily before the ceremony as fairgoers gathered for the traditional opening of one of the region’s largest annual events."
The ceremony featured the swearing-in of community tradition: Olivia Wisser, the 2025 Allentown Fair Queen, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Kristin Morgenstern performed the national anthem. As the morning program concluded, families, exhibitors and vendors moved onto the grounds to begin opening-day activities.
Emphasis on agriculture and America250 observances
Daryl Urmy, president of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society, welcomed visitors in costume as Uncle Sam, reflecting the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Representatives of the America250 PA Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture highlighted the fair’s historical ties and ongoing role in celebrating Pennsylvania’s place in the nation’s founding.
Cassandra Coleman, executive director of the America250 PA Commission, spoke during the ceremony about Pennsylvania’s role in early national history and the commission’s preparations for semiquincentennial commemorations across the commonwealth, including events and programming relevant to the Lehigh Valley.
Recognition of contributors and awards
The ceremony included recognition of volunteers, long-time contributors and supporters who help sustain the fair’s agricultural exhibits and community offerings. The 2026 Friend of the Fair Award was presented by a representative of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to Steve Heiland of Neffs. Heiland has been the fair’s principal sign and showcard artist for more than 30 years and is credited with creating many of the displays and promotional artwork seen at the fairgrounds over the decades.
- Opening date: Sept. 2 (opening-day ceremony)
- Location: Farmerama Theater, The Great Allentown Fairgrounds
- Notable participants: Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps; Allentown Fire Department honor guard; Olivia Wisser (Allentown Fair Queen); local and state officials
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Master of ceremonies | Fadia Halma, PA Department of Community and Economic Development (Lehigh Valley) |
| Friend of the Fair Award | Steve Heiland, principal sign and showcard artist |
| Fair president | Daryl Urmy |
Organizers urged visitors to take advantage of the fair’s agricultural exhibits, entertainment and longstanding community traditions throughout the event’s run. For many in the Lehigh Valley, the Great Allentown Fair remains an important annual gathering that spotlights local agriculture, small business vendors and civic organizations while drawing visitors from across the region.
Attendance on opening day was not significantly affected by the light rain and low clouds, and the fairgrounds filled with families and exhibitors as planned. The morning’s program wrapped with formal acknowledgments of volunteers and supporters before attendees dispersed across the grounds to sample food, view exhibits and enjoy scheduled entertainment.
As the fair continues this week, visitors can expect the mix of agricultural showcases and community programming that has made the event one of the region’s largest annual gatherings.
