'So grateful to be here': Bedford County Fair begins with rides, rope tricks and agriculture displays

Yahoo

a day ago

BEDFORD, Pa. – On one end of the Bedford County Fairgrounds, Garrett Hubbard, of New Paris, displayed his Oxford sheep named 'The Lone Ranger,' which occasionally let out a quiet bleat.
A little while later, on the opposite side of the property, Andy Rotz put on his high-energy, fast-paced Wild West Show, complete with rocking loud music, rope tricks and fire.
In between, there were rides, foods, games and award-winning agriculture displays as the Bedford County Fair got underway Sunday.
Bedford County Fair
Chainsaw artist Ben Rannels, owner of Rannels Rustics, works on a sculpture during the Bedford County Fair on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Approximately 40,000 people are expected to attend the week-long event that is now in its 151st year, said John Holbert, vice president of the Bedford County Fair board of directors.
'I think, a lot of times, with things changing as they are in the world, people like to see something that's been here for a long time,' Holbert said.
Rotz, the Guinness World Record holder for consecutive lasso Texas skips at 11,123, is making his first appearance at the fair.
Bedford County Fair
Andy Rotz performs his Wild West Show during the Bedford County Fair on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
'We're just so grateful to be here,' said Rotz, a Maryland native. 'The fair is, to me, the best part of America. You've got the agriculture, God, country and animals, and just all the patriotism. Being part of that is a real honor.'
Hubbard was one of the first people to display an animal at this year's fair.
'It's definitely great learning about animals, trying to become more knowledgable,' said Hubbard, a rising senior at Chestnut Ridge High School.
'It just gives you more experiences, gets you out there in front of people. I value it. It's a really good time, really good experience. I'm trying to push younger generations to come out here and do the same thing, and get that knowledge, get that experience.'
Bedford County Fair
Garrett Hubbard, from New Paris, displays his lamb, The Lone Ranger, during the Bedford County Fair on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Lambs, hogs, cows and other animals were all raised and displayed by local 4-H participants.
'The youth programs are very important because it not only gives youth an opportunity to learn about the different aspects of agriculture, but more importantly, it's building life skills for them,' said Melanie Barkley, an educator with Penn State Extension.
'They're learning responsibility, financial management. They learn to communicate with that club. These are all skills they'll be able to use as adults.'
There is plenty of entertainment planned, too, including Ben Rannels, owner of Rannels Rustics, making and selling chainsaw art.
'(People) love to see a piece of wood go from a piece of wood to a bear (or other animal) in 20 minutes,' Rannels said. 'It kind of blows their mind. For me, it's so gratifying. You turn all this from a log to a piece of art. It's better than sitting around pushing a pencil.'
The fair is scheduled to continue through Saturday at the fairgrounds, west of downtown Bedford at 729 W. Pitt St. For the complete schedule of events, visit www.bedford-fair.com.
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