Food, rides and entertainment are must-do activities at the West End Fair.

When the rain starts to fall, however, there are still options for visitors to get the most out of their time on the fairgrounds.

One of the attractions under a roof is the fair museum, which details the history of the event, which was first held at Weir Lake in 1920.

“A lot of people don’t see it because it can kind of be in the background,” Glenn Hinton, fair vice president, said. “It has a lot of antiques and it can be a great way to spend some time at the fair. Our event is rain and shine, so it’s important for people to have something to do if the rain picks up.”

A new museum, which was an old fair office, was created for the fair’s 75th anniversary in 1996. It contained fair memorabilia and local antiques. There continues to be a changing theme each year, from quilts to tools to parlor to Christmas in August.

The museum has now expanded to a 50-by-100-foot building, as room was needed for the many donations acquired.

As rain came and went Monday afternoon, several fairgoers took refuge from the elements while looking at blasts from the pasts.

Among the museum’s contents are an antique Philco radio, an 1891 calendar in German and a 1916 typewriter.

“It’s amazing to see how much history is packed into this little corner of the fairgrounds,” said Sue Ballard of Saylorsburg. “It really connects you to the local community and its past.”

Hinton said the Pocono Old-Tyme Farm Equipment Association also has a museum with tractor displays at the fairgrounds. Equipment on display includes a 1915 and 1920 Associated Mfg. gas engine, and a 1930 feed grinder.

“The museums at the West End Fair are like stepping back in time,” John Bonner of Effort said. “I brought my kids this year, and they were fascinated by the old farming equipment and the old photos. It’s a great way to learn about the area’s heritage while enjoying everything else the fair has to offer.”