[1] Although it stays true to its agricultural roots by offering petting zoos, livestock judging contests, and a farmer's market, the modern-day fair focuses more on entertainment; it boasts a carnival, talent shows, and concerts.

[6] One of the most popular attractions of these early fairs was Stephen Lentz's Flying Coach, a brass band that performed atop a hay wagon.

In 1876, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a large reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill was held, which included many of Lehigh County's Civil War regiments and veterans as participants.

[8] Throughout the 1870s and 1880s, the popularity of the Allentown Fair continued to grow, outgrowing the fairground's size, facilities, short race track, and small grandstand.

"[10] At the Great Allentown Fair in 1905, racehorse Dan Patch set a record of 2:01 on the half-mile track.

[12] In 1909, two airships, one bearing the American flag and the other that of Germany, took off from the fairgrounds, raced down Hamilton Street, circled the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and returned.

[12] The following year, in 1910, pilot Glenn Curtiss took off in his plane, using 19th Street as his runway, and flew over the Allentown Fair in what was the first known heavier-than-air flight in the Lehigh Valley.

[13] Sprint car legends Tommy Hinnershitz and Ira Vail both captured numerous wins on the half-mile dirt track, and Indianapolis 500 winners Mario Andretti, A. J. Foyt, and Parnelli Jones all raced at the Great Allentown Fair before going on to greater fame.

[13] In 1960, Johnny Thomson was killed during a race at the fair when his car crashed through the inside track fence.

[14] The caretaker's house, which stood at 1701 Chew Street until demolished in 1960 to make room for a bank, was used as the officer's club.