The West End Fair’s 100th Anniversary Celebration kicks off Aug. 21 and runs through the 27th.

The fair, originally named the Monroe County Agricultural Society, was first held at Weir Lake on Thursday, Sept. 2, 1920.

The idea came up at the monthly meeting of Weir Lake Development Company in 1919 when Frank Koehler suggested an annual display of farming products.

He donated $100 toward this endeavor and stated that he would solicit $150 of advertising as long as the company would match his amount.

They raised $500 and the West End Fair was born, with nearly 4,000 people attending.

Eldred, Chestnuthill, Polk, Hamilton, Ross, Jackson, and Tunkhannock were the seven townships involved in organizing the fair.

Tunkhannock broke away in 1925. Today there are six directors from each of these townships.

With more than 180,000 attendants each year, the West End Fair continues to grow.

This year the fair is hosting special events for its anniversary.

Free attractions will be offered all week long, such as opening night fireworks, agricultural exhibits, and antique tractors and engines.

Throughout the week, with the help of Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, the fair is offering demonstrations of quilting, quilling, canning, sheep shearing and other agricultural endeavors.

Photo ops will be in place throughout the fair with a contest for people who scan the QR code.

The fair opens each day at 2 p.m. and everyone gets a free carousel ride with paid admission.

Daily specials include:

Monday, Aug. 22 - Free rides from 2 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 23 - $1 off admission between 2 and 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 24 - Older Adults and Veterans Day, $4 admission (65 years old or older) and every 100th person gets in free.

Thursday, Aug. 25 - Students’ Day, $4 admission with school photo ID

Friday Aug. 26 - $2 off admission with canned good donation from 2 to 4 p.m.

Saturday Aug. 27 - $100 giveaway every hour from 5 to 9 p.m.

Highlights include:

100th Anniversary Parade - Aug. 21 at 2:30 p.m.

Opening Night Fireworks - Aug. 21 at 9:30 p.m.

Dirt-A-Rama - Aug. 22 at 5 p.m.

Junk Car Race - Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.

The Cramer Brothers Band - Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Demo Derby - Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.

The Steel Creek Band - Aug. 26 at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

4X4 Truck Pull - Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.

Bull ride Mania Rodeo - Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m.

On a daily basis, local favorite Chris Eckert will be the emcee. Free entertainment includes the Marvelous Mutts stunt dog team, Dennis Beach wood carving and Zoo Much Fun.

Arena ticket sales hours will be Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 21 from 2 to 9 p.m., Aug. 22 to 26 from 2 to 10 p.m., and Aug. 27 from 2 to 9 p.m.

The fair is located at 570 Fairgrounds Road Gilbert. For more information, visit thewestendfair.com.