Looking ahead to the 2024 New Holland Fair

Each January, representatives of the New Holland Fair head to Hershey to attend the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs (PSACF) convention. This year, 15 representatives attended, along with New Holland Fair queen Ryleigh Libell, who competed against nearly 50 other fair queens at the event.

"We learn a lot there," reported New Holland Fair board president Paulene Redding. "There are breakout sessions and roundtable discussions, and we discuss things that worked or didn't work, and we share ideas."

Redding noted that the attendees always return to New Holland with new ideas for the upcoming fair. This year's fair, which will be held from Wednesday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Oct. 5, will feature a mobile petting zoo provided by Swartz's Roadside Stand and sponsored by Martin Tree Service, Homestead Nutrition, CE Sauder and Sons, and Shady Maple. "(The petting zoo) will be there Friday and Saturday with rabbits, sheep, and goats," said Redding, who hopes to place the zoo on Franklin Street across from the farm show building and near the merry-go-round. "We are trying to put the farm back in the farm show," noted Redding.

The tug-of-war - long a fair tradition - made a comeback last year, with new sponsorship and prizes. Ten teams participated with Intercourse Fire Company taking the top prize and Weaverland Valley Fire Department Team 1 placing second. Farmersville Fire Company placed third, and Weaverland Valley Fire Department Team 2 placed fourth. The event was open to businesses, churches, and other organizations last year, with prize winners receiving $2,000, a $500 gift card to Yoder's Country Buffet, and trophies for first place; $1,000 plus trophies for second place; $750 plus trophies for third place; and $500 plus trophies for fourth place. Each participating team that did not place received a consolation prize of $50. This year, the tug-of-war will move to its original location at the corner of Franklin Street and Railroad Avenue.

Live entertainment has been added to the fair in recent years, and for 2024, Redding noted that entertainment will be on Towne Centre Greene on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

The queen competition began in 2022, with Libell being only the second queen crowned. "We are looking forward to having queen applicants again," said Redding. Young women who wish to take part must be 16 to 20 years old and live in ELANCO, Pequea Valley, or Conestoga Valley School District, but contestants are not required to attend public school. Knowledge of the fair and the community will be a plus for the contestant.

Redding is also looking for volunteers to help out at the fair. "Case New Holland is providing T-shirts for our volunteers," said Redding, who added that volunteers who work for four hours or more may bring a guest to the fair banquet. "We had 190 people attend last year," said Redding, who added that at least 100 to 150 volunteers are needed to have a successful fair. "We are looking for volunteers to help us follow through with new ideas, and we are open to ideas they would bring about things they would like to see or change," stated Redding.

The New Holland Farmers Fair building at the corner of Roberts Avenue and Franklin Street is in the process of getting an elevator. "We should have a working elevator by March of 2025," pointed out Redding, who noted that $31,000 needs to be raised to complete the installation.

Another recent addition to the fair competitions is a coloring contest. Those wishing to take part in the coloring contest may download and print pages from http://www.newhollandfair.org or visit the ELANCO Library in September to pick them up.

Readers who would like to donate, volunteer, or compete may visit the website. Readers with specific questions may email info@newhollandfair.org or call 717-354-5880.