When the New Holland Farmer's Day Association, organizers of the New Holland Fair, purchased the building at the corner of Roberts Avenue and Franklin Street in 2009, the board knew an elevator might be needed at some point, but other facility requirements rated a higher level of importance.

More than 10 years later, fair president Paulene Redding knew that in order for the building to be used year-round to benefit the community, adding an elevator was essential. In 2022, Redding drafted the original fundraising letter focusing on raising money to purchase an elevator for the building. Redding noted that having the elevator will allow the fair organizers to "focus on agriculture and make it an education hub to offer agricultural activities." She explained that in order to host the public upstairs, the building must be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.

Efforts over the next few years resulted in funds of $129,100 being raised to purchase an elevator. Money came in from a variety of sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, New Holland businesses, Caernarvon Township Agriculture Advisory Board, and special registration fees for premium positions in the fair parade. "The final amount was from Scott Martin's office in October," noted Redding. "That pushed us over what we needed to purchase the elevator." The excess $4,100 will go into a fund to help make going up and down via the lift at the farm show building a reality. "It will cost around $150,000 to get it installed and running," explained Redding, who noted that the existing shaft and surrounding area must be upgraded and brought up to code before the elevator can provide access to the upstairs.

Redding would like to see that happen during the upcoming year. Working with Tippetts/Weaver Architects, fair representatives are learning how the shaft located on the north wall of the building may be remodeled to accommodate the new elevator to reach the upper floor where office space is currently located. Following the installation of the elevator, windows, floors, and other areas of the building may be remodeled in phases.

Redding hopes the completed building will be able to host hands-on educational activities. She has been attending agricultural advisory meetings in Caernarvon Township where she lives. "I hear the farmers," she said, noting that many area residents with agricultural experience could speak in the new educational area.

To raise the additional funds to install the elevator, Redding is considering a number of different types of fundraisers, and she is looking to the community. "The fair benefits the community so much," she said. "Maybe they want to help." Readers who wish to donate online may visit https://newhollandfair.org. Individuals who have specific questions about the fair building may call 717-355-2529.

Redding pointed out that since becoming involved with the fair, her own knowledge of agriculture has grown significantly. "Ten years ago, I am sure I would have thought that agriculture was for farmers only," she wrote in a letter asking for funding for the building renovations. She likes to tell the story of how a friend helped her with a backyard garden that resulted in her growing a variety of vegetables, including potatoes. "I never thought I would do that," shared Redding. "I'm not the only one who is like that, and if we don't tell people, they will never know."

Currently, Redding and nearly a dozen other representatives of the New Holland Farmer's Fair, including 2024 New Holland Farmers Fair queen Genevieve Adamow, are attending the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs convention in Hershey, which runs from Wednesday, Jan. 22, through Saturday, Jan. 25.