The Carbon County Fair is in need of volunteers for the annual event.

"This is our 17th consecutive fair, and each year it continues to grow because we have so many dedicated volunteers who help ensure our success," said President Bob Silliman."The fair has some of the finest volunteers from our county and surrounding areas," Liz McElwee, co-volunteer coordinator added. "It's all about having fun and so many of our volunteers return year after year - they enjoy doing what they do best … volunteering and they enjoy being part of our fair family."Each year at least two volunteers are recognized by the association during the opening ceremony. Silliman said last year Bob Kester of Palmerton and Al Feuerstein of Jim Thorpe were among the volunteers recognized.There are also opportunities for people requiring community service to become involved with work sessions scheduled for from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday,July 30 and Aug. 6.McElwee said many volunteer opportunities are available, including preparing cleaning up fairgrounds, office assistance, selling tickets, taking tickets, stamping hands, sharing information with attendees, providing security, parking cars and assisting in the agriculture area.For more information, please contact Mary Schoenberger at 610-377-0755 or email the fair at

ccllfa@ptd.net. For volunteer opportunities in specific areas: Still Exhibits, contact Kristin Simmons at

K.simmons1217@gmail.com or 570-778-9026; Livestock, Deanna Cunfer at 610-377-3749 or

ndfdlc@ptd.net; Security: Joseph Herzog at 610-377-5693 or

herczeg@ptd.net; Building and Grounds and Community Service, Bob Silliman at 570-657-7129 or

ccllfa@ptd.net.McElwee said some positions may require a security clearance. All volunteers are covered, while volunteering, under the fair's volunteer insurance policy.All volunteers are invited to the fair's annual volunteer picnic, to be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at the pavilion at Chapel Field.The fair will be held Aug. 8-13 on Little Gap Road in Palmerton.There is a general admission fee for everyone 6 years and older. Admission includes musical entertainment. There is an additional fee for most arena events for those 6 years and older.For more information go to

www.carboncountyfair.com or call 610-826-1862. You may also send a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive a fair brochure to Carbon County Fair, PO Box 633, Lehighton PA 18235-0633.