Troy, PA (WENY) -- After failing to have an exhibition in 2020, Troy welcomed back its annual fair. The ribbon was cut on Sunday, essentially opening the 145th annual festival and on Monday people returned to enjoy some nice weather.

The gates to the Troy Fair opened first thing Monday morning at 8:00. Several hours later at 4:00 PM, the place was packed with people excited to return to the fairgrounds after being cooped up inside because of COVID-19 restrictions. There almost seemed to be a steady flow of people coming in each entry gate. Hundreds descended onto the fairgrounds in Troy looking to have a good time and enjoy themselves. The fair president, Cathy Jenkins said seeing people on the ground also seems like a return to normal.

The 145th Troy Fair returned after a brief forced hiatus. While walking in people can see the bright lights of Ferris Wheels and hear the sound of entertainment like people singing and cars racing. One of those sounds people will hear is a chain saw by an expert who makes art using the machine and a log of wood. 

“It was going to be (the 145th fair) last year. Obviously, with COVID we did not open, so super excited to open back up. I think the people are excited,” said Jenkins.

For some people like Billy Rosanelli, the fair is an annual event. He’s been coming to the fair ever since he was a child. What brought him out to the fair Monday, was supporting his friend who was showing a pig

“I've come every year since I was little,” said Rosanelli.

“Last year was tough on the kids showing pigs and cows and things like that because they prepared their animals and then there was no fair,” said Jenkins.

This year the fair is expected to bring in a massive crowd. The fair president says they’re expecting to see larger than normal years partly because people are yearning for a return to normal and get out of the house.

“It is busy. It's starting to really crank up on Monday night and every day just gets busier and busier all week. So we're looking forward to probably a record crowd,” said Jenkins.

Each day the fair is offering a different theme, for example, Tuesday is Seniors Day, Wednesday is Milk Mania Day and Saturday is Kid’s Day. The fair isn't all about the food and rides. There are also games popping balloons and throwing a softball to win a prize.

“It's one hour after hour. We have different entertainment all day long and we always end the evening with grandstand shows,” said Jenkins.

When asked what recommendations both Rosanelli and Jenkins have for people coming back out to the fair it was just one response, the food.

“You've got to come hungry. We've got some amazing food here,” said Jenkins.

“Foods is good,” said Rosanelli.   

The last events of the day are scheduled for 9:00 pm, which is the concerts.  Tickets to get into the fair are $9. People can learn more about the different programs here.