Sharon is a picturesque Pennsylvania town in Mercer County. Located near the Ohio border, this former coal mining town is considered part of the Youngstown-Warren metropolitan area. Sharon claims to have the world's largest shoe store (Reyers) and world's largest candy store (Daffin's, home of the 700 lb. chocolate rabbit). It's also home to one of the best wing joints in the area, Quaker Steak & Lube. You can find plenty of festivals in and around Sharon, especially during the good weather of the summer months.
With the last week of July comes the Jefferson Township Fair. This small, volunteer-led fair is held annually in nearby Mercer, Pa. , about 15 miles from Sharon. The fair showcases some of the region’s best livestock and exhibits. For food, a church serves home-cooked meals with local favorites like ham loaf or chicken pie. In previous years, attractions have included live bluegrass music, horse shows, tractor pulls, motor contests and the "Redneck" games. Redneck games include human tractor pulls, Hillbilly horseshoes and lumber log pull. There is a fee to enter the games, but general admission and parking are free.
Jefferson Township Fair
7409 Lamor Road
Mercer, PA 16137
724-662-2860
jeffersontwpfair.org
Held each year during nine days around the July 4th holiday, the Big Butler Fair is the largest agricultural fair in western Pennsylvania. More than 100,000 people make the trek to the Butler County Fairgrounds, about 40 miles southeast of Sharon. There are livestock exhibits and contests, including cows, sheep, fowl and rabbits; equestrian demonstrations; live music; and a large midway. Popular events include the tractor pull, monster truck and demolition derbies that occur nightly. A fireworks display on the Fourth lights up the sky, and the Fair Queen contest draws contestants from all over the region. If you're hungry, food ranges from corn dogs to fried veggies. Children's activities in the past have included a petting zoo, petal power pulls and a carnival parade. You can purchase general admission tickets or an all-day ride pass, if you plan to spin around the midway rides.
Big Butler Fair
1127 New Castle Road
Pittsburgh, PA 16222
724-865-2400
bigbutlerfair.com
The Hermitage Arts Festival is a celebration of the artistic and musical talent in the town of Hermitage, less than 3 miles from Sharon. This two-day outdoor event, usually in July, is held on the grounds of Rodney White Olympic Park. The festival includes an Artists’ Marketplace, where you can view and purchase the works of local artisans. A wide variety of artwork is typically on display, including painting and photography, statues and claywork, and fine crafts such as jewelry, woodworking and more. Musicians stroll the grounds, and theatrical acts may include a play or show. Food vendors are on hand, and there are activities such as face painting and crafts for children to enjoy. This festival is free.
Hermitage Arts Festival
800 North Hermitage Road
Hermitage, PA 16148
724-981-0800
hermitage.net/calendar/index.html#art
