Before the crowds arrive, the Warren County Fair Grounds needs to be spruced up a bit.
On Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24, the fair grounds will host a work bee. Work will begin both days at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day.
Dave Wilcox, president of the fair board, said tasks will include painting and fixing things up. Everything needs to look good, he said, and be ready for the fair.
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Times Observer photo by Colin Kyler
Dave Wilcox stands in front of one of the barns that need to be painted.
Maintenance work needs done, Wilcox said, and flowers must be planted. For the past three or four years, work bees have been held that rely on members of the public volunteering.
Last year, Wilcox said there were around 30 participants at the second such work bee. This time, he said, it would be nice to get that many again.
"We'll take whatever we can get," Wilcox said. "We'll keep however many people show up busy."
Later this week, Wilcox said organizers will tour the fair grounds to evaluate what work needs to be done and make sure there are materials available for workers.
No special skills are needed, Wilcox said, as anyone who can swing a paint brush can contribute. There is some roof painting to do, he said, and that will be reserved for the adults.
Other technical aspects like plumbing and electric will be reserved for members of some of the fair committees, Wilcox said.
Three children under the age of 12 helped last year, Wilcox said, and painted a wash rack. How much work gets done will depend on the turnout, he said. The weekend of July 21-22 has also been set aside as another work bee.
"Everyone has a good time," Wilcox said. "We have lunch and people get a chance to visit. There's not a whole lot of pressure."
According to Wilcox, participants usually have some attachment to the fair. As a community service project last year, he said, a church group helped out.
Over the years, Wilcox said he has appreciated the work people have done. Without it, he said the fair couldn't keep up expectations.
After winning the Achievement Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Zone One at the Pennsylvania Fair Convention this year, Wilcox said the Warren County Fair would like to stay in contention again. In determining winners, he said convention representatives look closely at appearance.
For more information, those interested in the work bee should call 688-2066 or 726-2304. The fair is scheduled to run from Aug. 7-11.