The Washington County Fairgrounds is the site of the Washington County Fair in August and other events through the year. It’s a multi-use facility, with a grandstand, food court and a host of buildings and other structures.

In August, an estimated 50,000 people attend the Washington County Fair. With more than 2,600 agricultural exhibits, barns full of nearly 2,000 animals, youth and craft exhibits, a food area, midway, rides for children and a petting zoo, it is the premiere event held at the fairgrounds.

Immediately before, during and after the annual fair, the fairgrounds aren’t available for other uses. Other times, the fairgrounds hosts community and regional events.

Events

During the year, the fairgrounds hosts a home show, gun shows and bashes, a model train show, a large used kids clothing consignment event, Washington And Greene County Antique Tractor Association tractor pulls, the National Duncan Glass Society Annual Show & Sale, the All-Clad Metalcrafters Seconds Sale, a Christmas arts and crafts festival and other events.

Ag Days are held in April as planning begins in earnest for the Washington County Fair.

The fairgrounds is also used for food distributions and blood drives.

See a list of upcoming events at the Washington County Fairgrounds website.

Buildings

The Washington County Fairgrounds has many structures necessary to running an agricultural fair. Here are ones that are used through the year as well.

The Grandstands has an outdoor stage and seating for large gatherings. It faces a ½-mile dirt racetrack that has an arena in the infield. The Grandstands is used heavily during the fair itself as well as during the rest of the year. It provides parking, electric, water and restrooms.

Their enclosed show arena has seating for small to medium-sized events. It also offers promoters electric, water and restrooms.

The Food Court is 3,600 square feet of space located between Halls #2 and #4. It is covered.

With 17,500 square feet, Building #1 holds about 1,500 people. It is completely enclosed and heated, allowing year-round use. It has a cement floor. Electric, water and restrooms are available.

Exhibit Hall #2 can hold 360 people seated about 36 round tables with 10 people each. It is enclosed, heated and air conditioned. The floors are tile. It has a drop ceiling. Stages are available. Exhibit Hall #2 offers electric, water and restrooms.

The 4-H Building is recognizable by the silver dome that covers it. The building offers 4,600 square feet of floor space – less when a stage is used. Heating and electric are provided. Restrooms are nearby.

Exhibit Hall #4 can comfortably hold 300 people at 30 round tables, although 400 people can be squeezed into 50 rectangular tables. The floor are tiled. The hall has a drop ceiling. A stage is available. The hall is enclosed, heated and air conditioned. Electrical and water are available. Restrooms are handy.

With 3,200 square feet, Building #5 is the smallest building at the fairgrounds. It is enclosed. The floor is cement. Electric is available.

The Washington County Fairgrounds has a trolley station that connects to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.

History

While the roots of the Washington County Fair go back to the days when Washington was a frontier town, the fairgrounds themselves were purchased in the 1910s following the oil boom in Washington County. The Washington Fair Association brought the fair back to the area.

The first airplane stunt exhibition in Washington County was held in 1917 at the fairgrounds by pioneer aviator DeLloyd Thompson.

In the years since, the fairgrounds have been expanded with new structures, existing ones have been remodeled and other improvements have been made.

During the coronavirus pandemic of 2020/2021, many events were canceled, including the Washington County Fair of 2020 (although the Junior Livestock Market Competition still went on).

The state Health Department held a temporary COVID-19 testing clinic at the fairgrounds.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank shifted to a drive-up food distribution model during the pandemic. 800 families could register in advance each month to pick up 50 pounds of food each at the fairgrounds.

The Washington County Fairgrounds is located a couple miles north of Washington, PA in Chartiers Township, making it convenient to a variety of events held in Washington.