After a year when most events were canceled, the Elizabethtown Fair committee is eager to get back in action. "We'll be doing things a little differently than past years, with masks and social distancing, but we are ready. The public is ready for the fair to come back. Everybody is ready," said Sally Nolt, fair secretary. "It's really exciting."

Fundraising is a big part of the preparation for the fair, which will run from Monday, Aug. 23, through Saturday, Aug. 28. The Elizabethtown Fair will hold its 35th annual chicken barbecue on Saturday, May 8, at the Elizabethtown Fairgrounds, 900 E. High St. It will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be a drive-through pickup. The meal will include a half-chicken, donated by Wenger Feeds and prepared by Harvey's Main Street BBQ; potato chips contributed by Herr's; applesauce provided by Charles & Alice; a roll, donated by Pepperidge Farm; a dessert, contributed by Mars Wrigley Confectionery; and a beverage, provided by Swiss Premium Dairy Inc. Land O'Lakes will provide butter.

"This is our only fundraiser for the fair," Nolt explained. "We usually hope to raise about $10,000." Proceeds from the barbecue will be used to cover fair expenses such as paying for operation costs including electricity and insurance as well as premium money.

"We will have some added expenses this year to be sure we're following COVID protocols," Nolt stated, noting that these costs include hand sanitizing stations and instructional signage throughout the fairgrounds. "Our expenses will be up, and we anticipate that our income at the fair may be down, so this fundraiser is very important to us."

The Elizabethtown Fair is celebrating its 48th anniversary this year. The fair offers animal, agricultural, competitive and commercial exhibits, as well as free nightly entertainment, rides and food.

Nolt encourages anyone to come out for the barbecue and then mark their calendars for the fair. "We rebooked all of last year's entertainment," she noted, adding that the fair schedule can be found at http://etownfair.org. "We are ready to go."

Advance tickets for the chicken barbecue may be purchased from Elizabethtown Fair members and friends or by calling 717-367-7256. Tickets may also be purchased at Brandt's Farm Supply, 601 E. High St., or at Groff's Meats, 33 N. Market St. There is a discount for tickets purchased in advance. Advance purchase is not required.