A beloved annual tradition in Monroe County is set to return to the West End Fairgrounds in Gilbert from Aug. 18-24.

With a tradition dating back to 1920, the West End Fair will again offer a wide range of food, entertainment, rides and livestock exhibits.

“We’re very excited for the fair to open this year,” Glenn Hinton, fair vice president, said. “A lot of the vendors are already here set up and if they’re coming from another event, they will be here Saturday putting on the finishing touches. A lot of our volunteers grew up with their parents going to the fair, and they just want to keep it going ... It’s like a big family tradition.”

The fair kicks off Aug. 18 with the judging of various exhibits and a “Queen Coronation” ceremony, followed by a Vesper Service in the evening. Visitors can also enjoy performances by local dance academies and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Throughout the week, attendees can look forward to performances from popular local bands. Chris Eckert kicks things off Sunday with a “Tribute to Country’s Greatest Stars.” The Cramer Brothers Band follows on Monday. Tuesday will see the Mahoney Brothers’ “Long Live The Beatles” tribute on Aug. 20. Jack and Davis Reid, grandchildren of the Statler Brothers, take the stage on Wednesday. Burn the Jukebox, a Tik-Tok sensation band, performs on Thursday. On Friday night, Lovelace — The Seventies Band, will be the featured act. The Brian Deane Moore Band wraps up the main stage entertainment on Saturday.

“One of the big highlights of entertainment this year is Burn the Jukebox, which seems to be a sensational young group of kids,” Hinton said. “They’ve been all over Facebook and TikTok this summer.”

Stacy Gable will bring her children’s show to the fair at 2 and 4 p.m. on Thursday.

“The kids show will consist of music, movement and stories for all ages,” Gable said. “I’m calling it “At the Zoo-oo-oo” and will be singing my new kid’s song with the same title and reading my published book too.”

The Main Arena will be busy with quarter midget racing kicking things off Sunday at 11 a.m.

On Monday, the 1980 and newer full-size feature only stock junk car race begins at 7 p.m. The small car, mid-size and power wheels demolition derby takes place Tuesday. Wednesday brings the antique tractor pull at 10 a.m. and the big car, mini SUV and full-size truck demolition derby at 7 p.m.

“The object of the game is to save your tires and save your radiator,” said Tim Strohl, organizer of the fair’s demolition derby. “Guys are out there looking to give you a flat because then your car is working harder to get around and they can really beat you up.”

Strohl said the different classes of the derby continue to be a popular hit at fairs around the state.

“People like to see the crashes up front and close,” he said. “If you’ve ever wanted to see a crash right in front of you, this is your chance.”

The Black Cat Hell Drivers stunt show is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. A truck and tractor pull takes place Friday at 6 p.m. Action wraps up Saturday with Lorah’s Garden Tractor Pull at noon and the Bullride Mania Rodeo at 7:30 p.m.

Visitors can watch live judging of sheep, goats, swine and cattle, in addition to various 4-H activities and shows.

The fair also features an extensive array of exhibits showcasing everything from homemade crafts to agricultural produce.

Rachel Frable has been named the Wooden Quilt Block contest winner for 2024 and it will now be part of the Pennsylvania State Grange Heritage Quilt Trail at the fair.

Traditional fair favorites like funnel cakes, corn dogs and homemade pierogies will be available for purchase, alongside more unique offerings.

For thrill-seekers, the midway will feature a selection of rides and games from the classic Ferris wheel and bumper cars to more adventurous options.

Fair guests will see new safety measures this year including the implementation of weapons detection technologies at all pedestrian gates.

“We have utilized this technology at other large venues in eastern Pennsylvania for years now and have established a relationship with the manufacturer,” Paul Kennedy, executive director of Signal of Eastern Pennsylvania, said. “The fairgoers experience is non-intrusive and passive, and the general feedback we get is typically very good from both the patrons and the venues.”

Greenzweig said: “Safety of the fairgoers, vendors, staff and performers are a top priority.

“This is just another layer of additional security we can do to ensure a safe event for our community.”

The fair will be open daily at 2 p.m., with entertainment and activities continuing into the evening.

Gate 1 will be the only gate open prior to the opening time of the fair for arena events.

General fair admission is $8 for anyone 11 years and older. Children age 10 and under get free admission.

Monday features free rides from 2-6 p.m. Tuesday is Sensory Day from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. It is the second year the fair has offered a chance to experience the event in a calming, low-stimulation environment.

“That was a big hit last year,” Hinton said. “Our president saw it at another fair and we brought it here. It gives people a chance to experience the fair without the lights, noise, and crowds.”

Free admission is also offered on Tuesday for all military with identification. Guests can also take $2 off admission Tuesday with a gift that fits in a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.

Senior citizens can pay $4 admission to the fair on Wednesday and students can pay $4 on Thursday with a school identification card.

Friday brings half-off admission from 2-4 p.m.

“We just want to keep the whole thing like a family tradition and keep it growing,” Hinton said. “We must be doing something right, because we’re in our 102nd year.”

A full schedule of events is available at www.thewestendfair.com.