Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs

What it reported doing in 2024

The Mercer County Agricultural and Manufacturing Society of Stoneboro organized its fair in 1868. For eight years it was situated on a lot between the heavily traveled train tracks and the town's scenic lake. Due to its popularity, the fair's founders realized the need to expand. In 1876, the fair board purchased 32 lush rolling acres two miles away, filled with shade trees and overlooking the town. It served a home to the newly named "Mercer County Agricultural Society", but more commonly known as "The Great Stoneboro Fair" that is "Always On Labor Day". Soon after the relocation, a half-mile racetrack was constructed and is still one of the finest in the state. The racetrack is a multi-purpose dirt track that is used for harness racing, demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls and rodeos. Its unique construction includes two tunnels below it as opposite sides for pedestrians and vehicles to enter the exhibit and stage area in the center field. The track is home to outstanding harness racing that has attracted attendees to the fair for well over a century. The fair was very fortunate in receiving the U.S. Trotting Association's Blue Ribbon Fair Award for the best harness racing program in 2002. This honor has been given to only three fairs a year in the whole United State since the award started. Many horses and talented drivers have raced on this track. The track record for trotting was set in 1986 by the horse Laser Almahurst in 2 min. 2 sec. with a local driver H. Brocklehurst. The pacer record was set in 2002 by the horse J.T. Arturo in 1 min 57.2 sec with the driver R. Hammer. Several horse owners stable and train their horses at the fairground year round. Along with the original grandstand, several other buildings were erected before the 1900's and have weathered the course of time. The fine arts hall with vaulted ceilings and spacious display booths on the inside features amateur arts and crafts for competition. The hall is just as popular outside with a rap-around porch offering seating that is welcome respite for fairgoers who can rest and enjoy the sights, sounds and aroma of the fair. Next to the hall is the two-story administrative office where the business of the fair has been conducted for over 100 years. In response to the rising popularity of the fair, many permanent structures were erected. Today there are 2 horse barns, 2 cow barns, and a milking parlor, 4 racehorse stables, the Mohney Show Arena, the Ibbs Agricultural Building, a rabbit building, a wildlife educational building, a steel building for area merchants, numerous lavatories, and the concrete and steel grandstand that can accommodate about 2000 people. Under the grandstand the ample room houses the Stoneboro Lions Club's Concession Stand, displays from local granges and merchants, as well as information booths for political candidates. The Fair has featured a variety of animals. Visitors have been able to see and touch farm animals and learn about wild animals and even exotic animals such as elephants, lions, and camels. Though a farming community, many local children are not closely acquainted with agriculture. The fair directors arrange for the first grade students of Lakeview Schools to attend the fair on Thursday morning free of charge for hands-on learning and lectures by the exhibitors and the Mercer County Federation of Sportsman Club. They top off their visit with ice cream furnished by the Mercer County Diary Princess. Fair food is another treat that visitors come to anticipate year after year. Back in the 1920's and 1930's the Stoneboro Presbyterian Church had a tent where they could serve hot meals. There were very few eating places on the grounds at that time. Now the fair serves as the leading fundraising event for many local organizations. Many people patronize these booths for particular edibles. The Girl Scouts are known for barbequed chicken and pie, the Lions Club for hot sausage and the Stoneboro Fireman for french fries. Man

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 96.8%; rating input score 97
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 2 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 25
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Fail
  • Whistleblower policy: Fail
  • Document-retention policy: Fail
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -5.8%; rating input score 23; 23rd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.32; rating input score 69; 69th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 91; 91st percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 2.4%; rating input score 58; 58th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 5.6% per year; rating input score 100; 45th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 7.4% per year; rating input score 100; 56th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -1% per year; rating input score 0; 15th percentile among comparable filings