The Great Allentown Fair, one of Pennsylvania’s oldest and largest events, will return this summer.

The 2021 edition of the fair will start 4 p.m. Sept. 1 and run through Labor Day, Sept. 6.

Beverly Gruber, president of the nonprofit Lehigh County Agricultural Society that owns and operates the fair and Allentown Fairgrounds, announced the unanimous decision of the organization’s executive committee to bring the community back together and produce a fair.

“The announcement of the easement of COVID-19 restrictions from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania updated health and safety guidelines, along with our continued conversations with the Allentown’s Department of Health, led to the decision to go ahead with the 2021 Allentown Fair,” Gruber continued. “The health and safety of our local and out-of-town fairgoers, exhibitors, vendors and entertainers has and will always be our number one priority.”

The fair started in 1852 as a community celebration of agricultural achievements with entertainment and amusements and quickly evolved into the nationally-renown exposition it is today with a crowded midway of rides and games and a variety of entertainment venues including its 10,500-seat Grandstand that features the biggest acts in the concert industry.

Two of the grandstand shows that were postponed in 2020 were rescheduled for this year’s fair.

The Toby Keith with special guests Matt Stell and Laine Hardy concert is Sept. 2 and the Carrie Underwood with special guest Dan Smalley concert is Sept. 3.

Tickets are available for both shows and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

All tickets previously purchased will be honored at the 2021 concerts.

The J&J Demolition Derby, a Labor Day tradition at the fair, is Sept. 6.

Tickets are now on sale on Ticketmaster.com.

Additional information will be released as COVID-19 guidelines and regulations evolve throughout the summer.

For the most up to date information, visit www.allentownfair.com.

Briefly