Fair directors, volunteers and some of the sponsors had a big reason to celebrate Wednesday at the annual West End Fair luncheon.

“A big thank you to all the volunteers who come to the fair and make it a success. If you don’t have volunteers, you do not have a fair,” said Martha Ebersole, vice president of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. “This is my first time here. I hope you keep on going another 100 years.”

George Warden recalled in the 1960s “when it was a three-day event and many of the men spoke Pennsylvania Dutch. You guys have always treated me like family.”

He remembers coming to the fair as a 3-year-old with his family and loves rekindling friendships when they stop by his stand, which he has had for the past 17 of his 23 years in office as the Monroe County Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts and Clerk of Orphan Court.

“This fair is so special. We have so much to be proud of,” said Stacy Romascavage, 2022 Elite Ms. United States Agriculture Queen. “While I was at the national pageant, I was talking about our fair to families from other parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland. I encouraged them to come visit us.”

The first fair was on Sept. 2, 1920, at Weir Lake and was a way to display the farm equipment and farmers’ accomplishments that year.

The fair was canceled three times ­- twice because of World War II and once for COVID-19 - which is why this is the actual 100th anniversary year.

The West End Fair Association received three citations in recognition of the anniversary. State Sen. Mario Scavello presented one from the state Senate; state Rep. Jack Rader presented one on behalf of himself and state Rep. Rosemary Brown from the House of Representatives. Silena Winchester presented a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.