Fair Fun in Lancaster County

One of the unique aspects of Lancaster County’s still thriving agricultural influence is the concept of a community fair. Community fairs allow farmers – predominantly 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 2015 fair season is just around the corner, and like always, Imagine Lancaster has you covered.

General Information About Community Fairs

Most community fairs occur in late summer to early fall, and last about three days. Beginning in the third week of August with the Elizabethtown Fair, fairs continue through the end of September, averaging about one community fair per week in the county. Below, Imagine Lancaster profiles each of the community fairs in Lancaster County.

Elizabethtown Fair – August 24-29, 2015

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 15-19, 2015

Although there are some community fairs outside of the county, between the Elizabethtown fair and this one, this is the next community fair in Lancaster County. 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 16-18, 2015

Ephrata Fair – September 22-26, 2015

West Lampeter Community Fair – September 23-25, 2015

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 30-October 3, 2015

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!

Fairs are fun in Lancaster!