In concert with The Great Allentown Fair Foundation’s mission to support preservation and improvement of the Allentown Fairgrounds, and in conjunction with the ongoing 19th Street improvement zone efforts, we have launched “The Great Allentown Fair Lights It Up!” capital campaign to renovate and illuminate the cupola atop the landmark grandstand of the Allentown Fairgrounds. The campaign has secured approximately two-thirds of the total estimated cost to renovate the cupola’s structure, install electrical connections and outline it with energy-efficient LED lighting.
We envision this project to be the first phase of a comprehensive lighting and landscaping plan for the fairgrounds’ 46 acres that will bring a functional and aesthetic revival to the benefit of the city, neighborhood residents, merchants, and patrons by creating a visual beacon reminiscent of Boathouse Row in Philadelphia.
Part of the financing for this project includes a $25,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Capital Improvement Matching Grant Program. The contract for this grant requires that the project be completed and paid for by May 31, 2021. In coordination with the Lehigh County Agricultural Society, the Great Allentown Fair Foundation is seeking additional funds from corporate and individual donors who agree that “Light Up The Fair” will be an interesting and aesthetically pleasing enhancement to the area. Due to the Foundation’s 501(c)(3) charitable organization status, all contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible.
Donations can be made by check payable to “The Great Allentown Fair Foundation” (be sure to write “Capital Projects” on the memo line) to and mailed to 302 North 17th Street, Allentown, PA 18104. Additionally, donations can be made securely through this website by selecting the Donate button. Be sure to select “Capital Projects” in the pull-down menu on the PayPal page.