Preparing To Celebrate 90 Years Of Fun

New Holland Farmers Day Association Fair president Paulene Redding and Kristie Overly, who handles premiums for the New Holland Fair exhibits, want the ELANCO community to know a few things about this year's 90th New Holland Fair. "We are still growing strong, but we could use their support," said Redding.

"We want (the organization) to be a strong part of the community for the next 90 years," added Overly.

The Farmers Day Association has lined up several new and special events for the 2022 fair, which will be held Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Saturday, Oct. 1. The fair will kick off with the annual parade. For the 2021, parade, Redding had asked longtime fair board member Cliff Day to serve as parade marshal. Day declined due to health issues, but he promised to ride in the carriage in 2022. Day died of COVID-19 in February, but Redding will honor him as marshal for the 2022 parade. In addition, Redding has designated specially priced sponsorships for Division 1 of the parade to help cover the costs of upgrades to the association's building at the corner of Roberts Avenue and Franklin Street. Those wishing to help with this effort may call 717-354-5880.

New for this year's fair will be a fair queen competition and a coloring contest. "We want to have a fair queen who is knowledgeable about our fair and agriculture in our community," said Overly. Funds to help send the New Holland queen to the state competition will be raised at a vendor bingo to be held at Garden Spot Fire Rescue, 339 E. Main St., New Holland, on Sunday, July 31, beginning at 2 pm.

The coloring contest will feature three pages for three age groups in the fair book or to print out from http://www.newhollandfair.org. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each age group.

The tug-of-war competition, long a fair favorite, will return, but teams will not be limited to fire companies. Instead, youth groups, sports teams, pastors, businesses, and more are encouraged to sign up. In addition, organizers are hoping to resurrect the bucket-brigade event, once associated with the fire company auxiliaries, at least as an exhibition this year. "We have some vintage items (to display)," said Overly.

Entertainment will be featured nightly on a stage at the corner of Main Street and Custer Avenue. The Kracker Beez will play on Thursday, Sept. 29. The Jess Zimmerman Band will perform on Friday, Sept. 30, and Josh Squared will take to the stage on Oct. 1.

Both organizers noted that they would like to hear fresh thoughts on the activities associated with the fair. "We would like to open up the lines of communication," said Overly.

"People don't have to join the board," pointed out Redding. "(They could come in to work) a few hours and give us their feedback and their ideas." Redding added that if a community member sees an area that he or she is interested in, the organization is working to build subcommittees and develop junior chairs in a mentorship relationship.