Community Fairs In Lancaster County
A 2016 Guide to Fair Fun in PA Dutch Country

posted on July 6, 2016

One of the unique aspects of Lancaster County’s still thriving agricultural influence is the concept of a community fair. Community fairs allow farmers – mostly youth – to showcase the livestock they have raised over the preceding year, businesses the chance to advertise in tents, and the community to come together to celebrate agriculture by eating delicious food, including milkshakes, funnel cakes, and more delectable delights.

The 2016 fair season is just around the corner, and as always, Imagine Lancaster has you covered.

Elizabethtown Fair - August 22-27, 2016

A classic community fair held on the campus of Elizabethtown Area School District, the E-Town Fair includes many traditional fair activities, chief among them being the crowning of a fair queen, which occurs Monday of the fair week. Also included in the fair is livestock judging, as well as contests to determine the best of the best among apple pies, decorated cakes, baked goods, and angel food cakes. Kids can participate in a coloring contest, sack races, egg and spoon relays, and much more! All told, it is a fun activity to participate in with your family in Lancaster County!

Denver Fair - September 13-17, 2016

From chaotic beginnings trying to collect admission from patrons, the Denver Fair has evolved into what it is now – a fun, free community event in Lancaster County. The fair features a fair queen contest, agricultural exhibits, and amusement park rides, such as a Ferris wheel. There is also an emphasis on music, which various groups perform in the evenings – one night even features the Cocalico School District music department! The Denver Fair is a classic fair that offers fun for the community in Lancaster County.

Solanco Fair - September 14-16, 2016

The next week features perhaps the most agriculturally-themed fair in the area, the Solanco Fair. With exhibitions in the categories of dairy, rabbits, hay and grain, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and commercial livestock, the fair gives local farmers an opportunity to display the results of their hard work over the preceding months. There is also a tractor pull competition, as well as delicious fair delicacies - our favorite here at Imagine Lancaster being the milkshake!

Ephrata Fair - September 20-24, 2016

Known as the “largest street fair in Pennsylvania”, the Ephrata fair is a celebration of community. Among its attractions are rides, agricultural exhibits, and a huge parade complete with the marching band. Overall, the Ephrata fair is an incredibly fun thing to do in Lancaster County!

West Lampeter Fair - September 28-30, 2016

The West Lampeter Community Fair is the oldest community fair in Lancaster County. Probably the favorite of the editors here at VisitLancasterPA.net (we are admittedly biased though, as this is our community), the Lampeter Fair is heavily agricultural, and features a fair queen contest, local vendors, great food, and a sense of community unlike any other.

New Holland Farmers Fair - September 28-30, 2016

Food, games, rides, exhibits, livestock exhibitions, contests, kids' activities, and a sense of community highlight the New Holland Farmers Fair, which closes fair season in Lancaster County. The fair also features a huge parade, in which marching bands perform and compete, and floats that dazzle the crowd. Fair season definitely closes with a "bang", and that bang is the New Holland Farmers Fair!