By Amy Debach
This year, the annual Bellefonte Childrena s Fair is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 am-3:00 pm at the intersection of Curtin and Armor Streets in Bellefonte. This long-standing tradition has taken place in this location for generations and those who make it happen have no concerns it will continue in tradition.A
“Bellefonte is a growing and thriving community with many young families who have chosen to stay and raise their families or new families have moved here seeing the benefits for their family…We are excited to participate in events like the Childrena s Fair to bring the community together and to raise proceeds that go back into the Bellefonte area in order to maintain safe and family-friendly environments”
– Children’s Fair co-chair Angela Dick
The Bellefonte Sunrise Rotary Club is the organizing force behind the event, making sure it goes smoothly. This happens in collaboration with community organizations and members. Some of the sponsors this year include Happy Valley Agventures, who will have Nittany Meadow Farma s Goats-to-Go Van from 10:00-12:00, Mount Nittany Health, the Bellefonte Elks Club, Historic Bellefonte, Inc. (HBI), and Downtown Bellefonte Inc. These sponsorships help in securing entertainment such as the bounce house, face painting and live performances.A
a Photo taken by Amy Debach
According to the Bellefonte Rotary, the Childrena s Fair has a long history in the Bellefonte community, starting in 1949 when the families of some Bellefonte students celebrated the end of the school year with a childrena s fair. At that time, it was organized by community members and families of those who worked at the Bellefonte hospital, which was first established in 1902 and located at 113 South Spring Street. Since the start of the fair, It has always been the first Saturday in June, and locals mark it as the unofficial start of summer!
a Photo courtesy of Bellefonte Sunrise Rotary Club
In the beginning, the proceeds raised by activities at the fair went to the aide of the childrena s hospital ward. Today, the fair revenue raised has facilitated in the accomplishment of projects and improvements at local parks. Some of the initiatives include helping the Bellefonte Borough add playground equipment at the Teener League, Parkview Heights Park, and Governora s Park. Proceeds have also helped the YMCA replace the slide at Keplera s Pool, and help with the installation of handicap-accessible playground equipment at Governorsa Park.
a Photo taken by Amy Debach
Throughout the years, the fair has grown, changing into what it is today. The Bellefonte Sunrise Rotary Club has assumed the organizing body for the fair but local community members and local organizations and businesses really bring the fair to life. The community involvement ranges from the local fire departments bringing firetrucks to Kiwanis serving ice cream.
a Photo courtesy of Bellefonte Sunrise Rotary Club
a The charming neighborhood location of the Childrena s Fair makes it extra special,a said Lesley Kistner, public affairs director for The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, and Bellefonte Sunrise Rotary member.
a The eventa s impact extends beyond Bellefonte,a she added a The Childrena s Fair is just one of many unique, family friendly festival and event offerings held throughout the year in Happy Valley, which benefits both residents and visitors alike. Events like this are good for community quality of life and good for tourism.a
a Photo taken by Amy Debach
“Bellefonte is a growing and thriving community with many young families who have chosen to stay and raise their families or new families have moved here seeing the benefits for their family,a Children’s Fair co-chair Angela Dick added. a We are excited to participate in events like the Childrena s Fair to bring the community together and to raise proceeds that go back into the Bellefonte area in order to maintain safe and family-friendly environments.”
a Photo courtesy of Bellefonte Sunrise Rotary Club
To enter the fair, one can park on adjacent streets for free. A wristband can be purchased at the host table, then children can use the tickets for different activities, which includes a bounce house, face painting, and games. Visitors can also participate in raffles, a plant sale, indulge at a food truck, or listen and watch live entertainment.
“The eventa s impact extends beyond Bellefonte…The Childrena s Fair is just one of many unique, family friendly festival and event offerings held throughout the year in Happy Valley, which benefits both residents and visitors alike. Events like this are good for community quality of life and good for tourism”
– Lesley Kistner
The Annual Bellefonte Childrena s Fair can not be accomplished without the support of the community and generous volunteers. If you are interested in donating, volunteering, or would be interested in a vendor spot, please reach out to Bellefonte Sunrise Rotary Club at bellefontesunriserotary@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook on behalf of the event.
