NORTHEAST FAIR ANNOUNCES VAL DELIA AWARD
The Northeast Fair Board of Directors is pleased to announce the “2008 Best of the Northeast Fair Award” in memory of Valentine “Val” Delia.
Val Delia was a founding member of the Northeast Fair, an executive director, a department chairperson and an avid gardener. Every time he walked into his garden, Valentine "Val" Delia claimed he saw a miracle. That's just who he was, said those who knew him. "He literally lived and breathed gardening," said Joe Pupa, a co-chairman of the Northeast Fair. Delia spent 23 years promoting Pittston’s tomatoes as a brand name. Delia passed away in 2007.
As determined by the Northeast Fair Board of Directors, one exhibitor will receive the 2008 Val Delia Best of the Northeast Fair Award for exemplifying Val’s passion for agriculture, for the Northeast Fair and for our community. The award has been specially created by Schott Glass Technologies and will be presented during the Northeast Fair.
The Northeast Fair will be held Tuesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 29 at the fairgrounds off Route 315, Pittston Township. 1 mile from Interstates 81 and 476. For more information and a complete schedule of events, go to: www.northeastfair.com.
Northeast Fair to Feature Three Motorsports Events
This year Northeast Fair will feature a Championship Double Figure 8, The World’s Largest Demolition Derby and, new for 2008, a Tuff Truck 4x4 Competition.
The Championship Double Figure 8 Race will be held on Friday, June 27 at 8:00 pm. This race is a form of action racing using compact cars to enhance the excitement for drivers and spectators. Unlike others, it is held in front of the grandstand on the racetrack in a minimum area of 45 feet wide by 100 feet long. Utilizing the smaller, lightweight cars takes on all the excitement of a full sized Figure 8 without the danger. Drivers need to out-think and out-maneuver the competition, at average speeds between 5 & 15 miles an hour, in order to win.
The World’s Largest Demolition Derby will be featured on Saturday, June 28 at 6:30 pm. Little is known of the early demolition derby, but the common denominator is “insanity.” In the early 1950s in Buffalo, NY the “Wreck-Em” race began. With a nonchalant attitude, race drivers lined up their rusty, crumpled “junkers” at the gate and played by no rules. They became reckless and insane. Fortunately today’s derby bares no resemblance to its predecessors. Today’s derby driver is a cautious and cagey competitor looking for the most effective way to damage his opponent’s vehicle. Rigid safety regulations govern the derby automobiles. Likewise, safety considerations, appropriate attire and skilled driving techniques are utilized in the tactical approach in obtaining the championship trophy.
The Fair’s newest event scheduled for Sunday, June 29 at 5:30 pm is the Tuff Truck 4x4 Competition. This event includes both modified off-road as well as local pickup truck and SUV drivers from local communities. Tuff Trucks compete over a simple obstacle course, usually circling around two large implement tires at either end of the track or over one or more dirt jumps build on the track. Competitors compete either individually against the clock or in pairs running side by side for elimination.
All of these spectacular races will feature local daredevils competing for the coveted title of Champion as well as trophies and prize money.
The Northeast fair runs Tuesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 29, 2008 and is located just off Route 315 in Pittston Township, 1 mile from I 81 and I476.
Special Contests to Be Held at Northeast Fair
The smell of chocolate will fill the air as the 2008 Northeast Fair conducts its “Hershey’s Cocoa Classic Chocolate Contests” during the annual event June 24 through June 29. The contests are co-sponsored by Hershey Foods Corporation, the world’s largest producer of chocolate and cocoa, with corporate offices located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs.
This year over 100 fairs across Pennsylvania are offering cash prizes for the best “Hershey’s Cocoa Cake” and the tastiest “Hershey’s Baking Chips Cookies/Brownies/Bars” made from scratch. The Northeast Fair’s contests are preliminary competitions that lead to the selection of the Commonwealth’s cocoa cake and baking chips cookies/brownies/bars champion at the 2009 Pennsylvania Farm Show next year in Harrisburg. The 1st place winners at the Farm Show will be awarded a spectacular cash grand prize of $500 and $250 respectively.
Rules for the Northeast Fair’s contests are as follows:
Hershey Cocoa Classic Cake Contest Rules
(Saturday, June 28 submit entry between 5:00 - 6:30 pm; judging at 7:30 pm)
Contest Rules:
1. Open to any individual who is a Pennsylvania resident.
2. Entry must be a layered cake made from scratch and frosted.
3. A minimum of 1/4 cup of Hershey’s Cocoa must be used and listed as “Hershey’s Cocoa” in the recipe.
4. If the cake is frosted with chocolate frosting, Hershey’s Cocoa must be used and listed as “Hershey’s Cocoa” in the recipe.
5.Cake entry must be submitted for judging on cardboard or a disposable plate.
6. NO competitor’s candy, chocolate, baking chips or peanut products may be used.
7. Two copies of typed recipe(s) listing the ingredients, quantities and the preparation
instructions must be submitted along with entry, printed on one side of an 8½ x 11 paper.
Entrant’s name, address and phone number must be printed on the BACK side of the pages.
8. Refrigeration is NOT available at the fair. Entries that require refrigeration after baking must indicate so in the recipe. Those entries will not be sold or otherwise distributed for consumption after judging for food safety reasons.
Northeast Fair Prizes: 1st - $100; 2nd - $50: 3rd - $25. First Place advances to Commonwealth Championship
Hershey Baking Chips Cookies/Brownies/Bars Contest Rules
(Thursday, June 26 submit entry between 5:00 - 6:30 pm; judging at 7:30 pm)
Contest Rules:
1. Exhibitor must be an individual (age 8 through and including 18 years only) who is a Pennsylvania resident.
2. Entry must be a plate of six (6) cookies, brownies or bars made from scratch.
3. A minimum of 1/4 cup of Hershey’s Baking Chips (any variety) must be used
and listed as “Hershey’s” and name the specific chip variety in the recipe.
4. If the entry has icing/drizzle, and the icing/drizzle is chocolate, Hershey’s Cocoa must be used and listed as “Hershey’s Cocoa” in the icing/drizzle recipe.
5. Entry must be submitted for judging as a plate of six (6) on a doily-covered cardboard and disposable plate.
6. Two (2) copies of typed recipe must accompany the entry, printed on one side of an 8½ x 11 paper. Recipe must list all ingredients, quantities
and preparation instructions. Entrant’s name, address and phone number must be printed on the BACK side of the pages.
7. Refrigeration is NOT available at the fair. Entries that require refrigeration
after baking must indicate so in the recipe. Those entries will not be sold or
otherwise distributed for consumption after judging for food safety reasons.
Northeast Fair Prizes: 1st - $50; 2nd - $35: 3rd - $20. First Place advances to Commonwealth Championship
All Hershey’s baked goods are judged on shape, flavor, appearance, tenderness and crumb. All entrants will receive free fair admission and free fair preferred parking. So dig out that favorite chocolate recipe and give it a try! You could be this year’s winner of the blue ribbon and have a chance to compete for a grand prize of $500 or $250 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Commonwealth Championship.
For more information on entry requirements obtain a Northeast Fair Exhibitor Guide at various local merchants, on our fair website www.northeastfair.com, the fair business office (call 570-654-2503), or call contest chairperson Liz Martorana at 954-0328.
The Northeast Fair opens Tuesday, June 24 and runs through Sunday, June 29, 2008. Visit www.northeastfair.com for complete details.
ORCHIDS TAKE MAIN STAGE AT NORTHEAST FAIR
Orchids and Exotic Plants featured at the Northeast Fair all week.
The Northeast Fair has the largest collection of orchids of any Pennsylvania State Fair. AOS (American Orchid Society) judge, John Dunkleberger will be judging the orchid category for the Northeast Fair’s Competitive Exhibits. There are less than 600 certified judges in throughout the world and the AOS in undoubtedly the most extensive, elaborate and prestigious horticultural judging systems in the world. It takes 6-10 years to be an accredited AOD judge. To enter your orchid in the Northeast Fair for competition of for more information about Competitive Exhibits, consult the contest guide online at www.northeastfair.com.
The Northeast Pennsylvania Orchid Society will be at the Northeast Fair all week. One of the primary goals of NEPOS is the awakening of the lifelong joy that can be achieved though the hobby of growing orchids. NEPOS is gifted with many members who are willing to share their love of orchids and their growing expertise. NEPOS welcomes new members and meets the first Sunday of the month at the Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Department building adjacent to the Northeast Fairgrounds.
Richard and Jan Jost, expert authority and grower of orchids, exotic and rare tropical plants will display their own Jungle Paradise, an amazing display of Anthuriums, Amorphopallus, Philadendrons, and registered hybrid orchids, some of which will be for sale. Jost has been involved with orchids and exotic tropical plants for over 50 years and has been a member of the American Orchid Society for just as long. Jost creates registered hybrid orchids and describes his passion as “once a hobby only for the rich who could afford to keep hothouses, growing exotic plants and orchids is something anyone can do in their own home”. Jost’s recipe for successful orchid growing is “calculated neglect”.
Richard and Jan Jost will be presenting and educational seminar on Saturday, June 28 at 7:00pm entitled “Hawaii in Your Home: the basics of growing tropical plants in your home” including culture, feeding, watering and choosing the right plants. It will cover a little about several different topics including orchids, aroids, common tropicals, and unusual tropicals.
The Northeast Fair, a Pennsylvania State Agricultural Fair runs June 24-29, 2008 and is centrally located just off Interstate 81 and Interstate 476 in Pittston Township. Pay-one price admission includes over 1500 Competitive Exhibits with $28,000 in award premiums, educational segments, concerts, motorsport thrill shows, over 20 amusement park style rides, petting farm, racing pigs, great food and much, much more.
Elvis Tribute Show at Northeast Fair
The Northeast Fair will present Number 1 Elvis Tribute Artist, Shawn Klush, on Wednesday, June 25 at the fairgrounds, located just off Route 315, Suscon Road, Pittston Township, 1 mile from Interstates 81 and 476. The show begins at 7:30 PM.
Born and raised in Pittston, Pennsylvania, Shawn’s love for music led him at early age to begin imitating his music idol, Elvis Presley. He began his performances in the famous Pocono region of Pennsylvania, then following a tour of Canada, he entered and won the most coveted, "Worldwide Elvis Competition" prize.
Shawn has officially been named the Best Elvis Tribute Artist in the country. He has recorded 2 CDs and is one of the very few to ever perform with Elvis’ own original musicians, singers, and closest friends. Shawn is also successfully pursuing an acting career and portrayed Elvis in the hit TV miniseries "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" which aired on CBS and VH1.
Shawn Klush brings all the electrifying magic of Elvis Presley to the stage.
The Elvis Tribute Show includes live music performed by the Fabulous Ambassadors from Chicago, Charlie I and Top Shelf Band, as well as other vocalists.
Don't miss this opportunity to see the "Closest Thing to the King".
Fair admission includes the Elvis Tribute Show. There is also a limited quantity of VIP seats at a cost of $8.00 per ticket available by calling the fair business office at 570-654-2503 or by visiting the fair website.
Fair dates are Tuesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 29, 2008. Visit www.northeastfair.com for complete details.
Northeast Fair to Feature Hypnotist/Magician
A master at all levels of magic, mentalism and hypnosis, Ron Diamond will intrigue you with his superb sense of timing and humor at this year’s Northeast Fair.
With an advanced clinical certification and a practice in hypnotherapy, Ron brings his expertise to his hilarious shows so that each and every high-energy program promises something different.
Ron is a practicing clinical hypnotheripist so as an entertainer he is uniquely qualified to delight and amaze audiences with demonstrations of the power of hypnosis. Using audience participation and comedy, Ron is dedicated to breaking down the myths about hypnosis so people can see it as a fun and usable tool in everyday life.
As a mentalist, Ron uses the psychology and assumptions that people in groups make to create incredible feats of what is classically known as mindreading, telekinesis and prediction. While some people call it psychic, mentalists calls it "mentalism" because they believe it to be good psychology presented in an entertaining way. Ron Diamond uses comedy to break down the seriousness in which mentalism can be viewed. He also uses audience participation so people can experience first hand how it feels to have sleight of mind done to them.
His Magic Shows feature animals, music and mystifying illusions of the kind normally seen only on television. Have you ever wanted to see someone get sawed in two or two people miraculously exchange places? This show will leave you spellbound.
The Northeast Fair is located just off Route 315 Suscon Road 1 mile from Interstate 81 and Interstate 476, Pittston Township and will be held Tuesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 29, 2008. Visit www.northeastfair.com for complete details.
NORTHEAST FAIR PRESENTS READ AND WIN PROGRAM
Kids – Earn Free Admission to the Northeast Fair!
The Northeast Fair is pleased to present the internationally acclaimed Read & Win program. Students grades 1-8 that read, check out and return just one library book to participating local public library are awarded FREE admission to the Northeast Fair on Tuesday, June 24 or Wednesday, June 25, 2008 including unlimited FREE rides.
2008 participating libraries include: Pittston Memorial Library, Pittston, Lackawanna County Children’s Library, Scranton, North Pocono Public Library, Moscow, Hoyt Library, Kingston, Laflin Public Library, Laflin, Osterhout Free Library / North Branch, Wilkes-Barre, Taylor Community Library, Taylor, Valley Community Library, Peckville, West Pittston Library, West Pittston, Osterhout Free Library / Plains Township, Mill Memorial Library, Nanticoke.
The Northeast Fair, a Pennsylvania State Agricultural Fair runs June 24-29, 2008 and is centrally located just off Interstate 81 and Interstate 476 in Pittston Township. Pay-one price admission includes over 1500 Competitive Exhibits with $28,000 in award premiums, educational segments, concerts, motorsports shows, over 20 amusement park style rides, petting farm, racing pigs, great food and much, much more. For more information on the Northeast Fair’s Read and Win program, please visit the award-winning website at www.northeastfair.com
