LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — People filled the grounds for the last day of the Luzerne County Fair in Lehman Township, soaking up every bit of the sunny weather while participating in their favorite fair activities.
"I just ate a bunch of potato pancakes. It was wonderful. Now my wife is in here walking around looking at the cows, and earlier, she pet a goat; it's great. It's been great so far," said Matt Kester, Scranton.
Last year, the vendors and other non-profits who run stands took a major hit after flash flooding drenched the grounds, forcing organizers to close just three days into the event.
"This for the band is our biggest fundraiser of the year, so it is very important; last year was really devastating when we had to end it early," said Becki Brandenburg, Lake Lehman Band President.
"There is a lot of expense to run the food stand, so then we were out that expense for the money we out there was no return, so that was pretty hard last year," said Joe Russell, Luzerne County 4-H volunteer.
Money raised at the Luzerne County 4-H stand helps send students to camp and fund other events.
Over at the Lake Lehman Band food stand, volunteers were busy frying up potato pancakes. Volunteers there say they're happy Mother Nature gave everyone some sunshine.
"This year has been really amazing; we've had a great weather week. The crowds are out, and everybody seems to be having a good time," said Brandenburg.
As people walked the grounds, they couldn't help but think about the damage that severe weather had left behind.
"I couldn't even tell you looking at it; you couldn't tell it was flooded, so whatever they did, they spent a lot of time and effort putting it back together, and it looks really great," said Kester.
"Luzerne County always pretty much bounces back when things are tough. People help out, and we've had a lot of support," said Russell.
Soon, it will be time for the Luzerne County Fairgrounds to pack it up and look forward to next summer.
The fair wraps up around 9:30 p.m. Sunday. For a list of festivities, head to its Facebook page by clicking here.