This post is paid advertising by the Lebanon Area Fair.
The Lebanon Area Fair sure looks a lot different this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but unlike dozens of other Fairs across the state, Lebanon has reinvented its schedule and adapted to operate safely and responsibly within the reopening guidelines offered by the state.
The Fairgrounds Midway is typically packed with rides, games, entertainment acts, a concert stage, and dozens of food trucks. This year, the Midway is focusing exclusively on food.
“It is definitely strange to not hear the carnival rides and buzz of activity on the grounds this year,” said Michelle Kaufman, commercial exhibits chair. “But we know that for many people, food was the main attraction. We wanted to be able to offer classic Fair foods for the public but also help out these independent business owners who have been terribly affected by the pandemic.”
The Fair has seven food trucks on site offering a huge menu of staple fair foods: funnel cake, cotton candy, cheesesteak sandwiches, fried shrimp, candy apples, deep fried Oreos, and more. But this year, the trucks from Penn Valley Shows operates by the Benner family of Middleburg, decided to adapt some of the Lebanon Area Fair’s own offerings with a carnival twist.
Longtime Fairgoers know and love the fresh peach sundae typically served by the Outside Eatery. Penn Valley’s menu includes a peach sundae – even using local peaches from Seyfert’s Orchards – but this time served with traditional carnival-style soft serve instead of hand-dipped vanilla ice cream. At $6, the sundae is enormous and is served in the boat-style dish usually used for serving a banana split.
Another favorite served by the trucks this year is the fried Lebanon bologna sandwich on a pretzel roll. It is available with or without cheese, just like it would be from the Outside Eatery in a normal year. Best of all, you can order a side of fresh cut French fries!
The food trucks are open weekdays from 4-8 p.m. and from noon to 8 p.m on Saturday, August 1. There is no admission fee.
The Fair will conclude the week with a drive-in fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information visit lebanonareafair.com.