The fair hosts carnival rides, animal shows, arts and craft vendors, and grandstand events such as a demolition derby, quad racing, and monster trucks. Adult admission is $25, and children are $15.
Admission includes parking, grandstand and midway shows, interactive animal exhibits, and home-arts demonstrations, but does not include midway rides—those require separate wristbands or individual ride tickets. More information is available online.
The Fairgrounds have been a regional staple since 1949, when it was first used for a dairy show organized by World War II veterans who wanted to promote agriculture in the county, a Visit Prince William website states. It is the largest county fair in the Commonwealth, and it has consistently drawn more than 90,000 visitors in recent years.
Bridget Mullins with the Fair said attendees can visit the 4-H Club demonstrations or the livestock shows to delve into the Fair’s history.
The fair, held annually since 1949, except 2020, was born from a dairy show started by returning World War II veterans—the fair runs through August 17 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, just outside Manassas.
We’re excited to launch “Local Lens,” a new feature where your photos and stories take center stage. Whether it’s a stunning sunset, a community event, or just a moment that made you smile, we want to see and share it!
The fair, held annually since 1949, except 2020, was born from a dairy show started by returning World War II veterans—the fair runs through August 17 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, just outside Manassas.
We’re excited to launch “Local Lens,” a new feature where your photos and stories take center stage. Whether it’s a stunning sunset, a community event, or just a moment that made you smile, we want to see and share it!
Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home & Crematory – Dale City: “Robert Harry Tyrrell, Age 96, of Woodbridge, Va., passed away, on June 22, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Graves Tyrrell. Robert was a lifelong resident of Prince William County…He served from 1942-1944 in the Seventh Fleet, mostly in the South Pacific. He was stationed at a PT boat base in the Philippines where he worked on boat engines.”
“Robert was in business for many years, raising cattle and hogs with his grandfather and uncle. Later, in the 1950’s, Robert and another uncle went into business building Custom Homes in the fast-developing Woodbridge area. In 1950, Robert took an agriculture class offered to WWII Veterans, and he and his four classmates wanted to do something to stay in touch. So, the five friends formed the Veterans Farm Club in Manassas, VA. The club decided to start planning a fair to be held August 31, 1950. From that day forward the PWC Fair was enjoyed for 70 years. Robert was an active member for all 70 years.”
Tonight, Thursday, August 18, it will be 90s night at the Prince William County Fair, and country music artist Tracy Byrd, known for songs like “10 Rounds with Jose Cuervo” and “Watermelon Crawl,” will perform live at the grandstand.
Tickets are $35 to $40, are limited, and are on sale on the fair’s website.
Sea lions are making a splash at the Prince William County Fair.
An animal act called Sea Lion Splash holds live performances at 6 and 8 p.m. nightly. During the 25-minute show, three sea lions demonstrate their skills by catching rings tossed into the air by an audience volunteer and how they can use their bodies to scoot across the land.
Garden lovers! SERVE in Manassas needs volunteers to assist with upkeep of a meditation garden created for staff, clients and volunteers. Volunteers will water, weed, and remove trash as well as give tables and benches a quick wipe down. Volunteers must be at least 16 years to volunteer independently; volunteers under 16 can volunteer with a parent. You’ll feel great as you spend an hour sprucing up a space that will provide for reflection and relaxation! Please email[email protected] for more information.
Spanish speakers! Volunteer Prince William (VPW) urgently needs virtual Bilingual Volunteer Translators age 18+ to translate for our Alternative Community Service (ACS) clients who speak little or no English. The volunteer will participate in a conference call between VPW staff and the client to translate questions and responses during the initial intake interview. You’ll be scheduled once a week ahead of time for specific shifts and must be available by phone during these times. Must be proficient in English and Spanish and able to speak clearly. Accurate translation is a must! You’ll feel great as you help those who struggle with English get enrolled in this important program! Please email[email protected] to learn more.
Haley Heflin, 18, is Miss Prince William County Fair 2022.
She is the first queen of the fair in more than 30 years. Heflin of Fredericksburg won the fair’s beauty pageant on Friday, August 12. Heflin won $1,000 in scholarship funds from DTR Towing, $2,000 in scholarship funding from an anonymous donor, and a flower bouquet from Flower Gallery of Manassas.
The tractor pull at the Grandstand is tonight’s main event at 7 p.m.
The Miss Teen and Miss Prince William County Fair Pageant begins at 6 p.m. Tonight’s beauty competition marks a return of the “Miss” pageant, something the fair has not seen in 30 years.
