Capturing the Country Fair

Just in time to whet one’s appetite for the upcoming cycle of country fairs in Pennsylvania, Michael P. Gadomski’s latest hardcover coffee-table book, Scenes From The Country Fair is hot off the press and filled with full-color photos that capture much of what makes this iconic American experience both fun and fascinating.

Photo of Author Michael P. Gadomski.

Michael P. Gadomski

A third-generation Pennsylvania native, Michael’s 25-year-career as a State Park ranger and naturalist has served him well in his publishing work as a freelance writer and photographer for more than 40 years. In this new work published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. of Atglen, PA, Michael shifts focus a bit, turning his lens on the multi-faceted aspects of the Keystone State’s agricultural communities as celebrated in country fairs.

Michael shares images that remind one of all that makes a trip to the country fair memorable. “The country fair is a regional snapshot,” he notes. “They’re a place to show pride in the homegrown and handmade, connect with neighbors and friends, and compete for the best draft horses and dairy cows, pumpkins and cherry pie.”

From the fanfare to the food, from the agricultural competitions to the animals, from the midway madness to the colorful displays of canned good and cakes, the book is filled with lively captures of all that is special about the state’s delightful and delicious fairs—including frog-jumping contests, demolition derbies, apple cider donuts, sausage sandwiches, pumpkin cotton candy and more.

Photo by Michael Gadomski of national pride displayed along the Lycoming County Fair midway.Take a mini trip to the fair with this photo amble through 13 country fairs in eastern and central Pennsylvania. When you close the cover, you’ll find yourself setting plans to check out some of the upcoming offerings—and just in time.

Michael will be selling and signing copies of the new book at the D&H Canal Festival along Route 6 between Hawley and Honesdale, Pennsylvania on August 18.

Michael is the author of seven books including Pennsylvania: A Portrait of the Keystone State; The Poconos: Pennsylvania’s Mountain Treasure; Pittsburgh: A Renaissance City; Wild Pennsylvania: A Celebration of Our State’s Natural Beauty; Philadelphia: Portrait of a City; Reserves of Strength: Pennsylvania’s Natural Landscape; and The Catskills: A Photographic Portrait.

His photography has been published worldwide in magazines, calendars, greeting cards, interpretive displays and advertisements.

Visit Michael’s website to learn more or to purchase copies. The book is also available through Schiffer Publishing and online book sellers.