Coming off the successful celebration of the 90th New Holland Farmers Day Association Fair, president Paulene Redding and Kristie Overly, who handles exhibit premiums, began moving ahead for the 2023 event, which will be held Wednesday, Oct. 4, through Saturday, Oct. 7.

Last year, the fair's first fair queen competition winner Kendell Moats placed in the top five in the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs (PSACF) Queen Contest in Hershey. This year, the competition will be open to young women from the ELANCO, Conestoga Valley, and Pequea Valley school districts. Young women who wish to enter may call 717-355-2529 for more information.

Special vendor and craft bingo events are held to raise money for the fair and specifically for the fair queen competition. A bingo takes place on the fifth Sunday of each month when a fifth Sunday occurs. The next event will be held at Garden Spot Fire Rescue, 339 E. Main St., New Holland, on Sunday, Oct. 29. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. "We need people to come out and support that," said Overly, who noted that bingo fundraisers are also planned for Sunday, March 31, and Sunday, June 30, in 2024.

The 2023 tug-of-war competition was opened up to members of church youth groups, sports teams, businesses, and more, and five teams took part, with Weaverland Valley Fire Company taking the top spot. This year, prize amounts have increased to $2,000 and a $500 gift card to Yoder's Country Buffet, plus trophies for the first-place winners; $1,000 plus trophies for second place; $750 plus trophies for third place; and $500 plus trophies for the fourth-place team. Each participating team that does not place will receive a consolation prize of $50. This year, the tug-of-war will be held across from the New Holland Farmers Day Association building on Franklin Street. Other venu changes include the flower exhibition, which will be held in the CrossNet Youth Center on Franklin Street, and the entertainment stage, which will move to Towne Centre Green. On Franklin Street between Roberts Avenue and Railroad Avenue, organizers are planning to hold a farmers market during the hours that the fair is open. "We want to fill that up that area to bring the farm back to the farm show," said Redding, who noted that local vendors wishing to sell produce are being sought.

Volunteers are always needed for the fair. "Case New Holland sponsored volunteer shirts, so each volunteer will receive a commemorative shirt," said Redding, who noted that volunteers who give two hours may attend the fair banquet and those who work four hours may bring a guest along.

Improvements to the fair building include new flooring and new window treatments in the office. Currently, the fair board is working to raise funds to add an elevator. The organization needs to raise $8,000 more to receive a grant of $25,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. "The grant is specifically for fairs for capital improvements," noted Overly.

To donate, volunteer, or compete, visit the website at http://www.newhollandfair.org. Those wishing to take part in the coloring contest may download and print pages there as well. Readers with specific questions may email info@newhollandfair.org or call 717-354-5880.