Rooted In History, Livelier Than Ever: The York State Fair

By Jason McSherry | Manager, Events & Programs

In 1765, Thomas Penn, son of William Penn, granted a charter to the residents of York to hold a two-day agricultural market and fair on the town commons. With the fair reportedly being “the liveliest days of the whole year,” America’s 1st Fair was born. More than a decade before the founding of our nation, York County was already showing the rest of the New World how to have fun!

Fast forward 256 years and the York State Fair is primed to kick off on July 23 and run through August 1. This year’s Fair will feature the best of YoCo’s agriculture and history, carnival games and rides, a blockbuster lineup of musical performances, and fun for the entire family.

“Fairs are all about showcasing agriculture, industry, and community,” said Bryan Blair, CEO of the York State Fair. And this year, he is excited to have enhanced agricultural activities and exhibits. “From the field to table, that’s what we are all about. That is the mission of fairs; to promote agriculture. And that is where the root of this fair is.”

Photo courtesy of York Daily Record

From Highland Cattle and sheep to rabbits and pigeons, the livestock showing areas are always a favorite for kids and some of the most visited exhibits at the Fair. However, Fair goers are encouraged to not just look at the exhibits, but to also enter home grown fruits and vegetables, crafts, baked goods, and numerous other items into one of many competitive categories posted on the Fair’s website. Viewing the entries are even sweeter when you see the blue ribbon on your homemade apple pie!

Speaking of pie, it is easy to work up an appetite while attending the Fair. Fortunately there is no shortage of specialties and treats that are only available during the 10 days of the Fair. Funnel cakes, French fries, smoked sausage, whoopie pies, stuffed pretzels, and fried pickles only start to scratch the surface of what is available. The grounds are dotted with local vendors and food trucks sure to satisfy every craving.

As twilight descends, the Fair really comes to life. Along Midway, the bright neon lights from rides and games fill the night sky and create a colorful, magical atmosphere. Add in the smell of kettle corn and cotton candy with every breath and the buzzers and bells of the games and rides, and the Fair easily rivals the liveliness of the early days.

Photo courtesy of York Daily Record

Each day, the Fair culminates with a grand finale on the Grandstand Stage. This year’s lineup features international icon ‘Pitbull’, local rockers ‘Halestorm’, country music superstar ‘Kane Brown’, children’s favorite ‘Blippi the Musical’, contemporary Christian band ‘Casting Crowns’, classic rock legends ‘REO Speedwagon’ and ‘Styx’.

“It’s the first year in a long time that there has not been a single night with nothing on the stage,” said Bryan. “Whatever your musical interest is, we have something for everybody.”

Half a million visitors make the York State Fair the 35th largest fair in the country. But the experience of America’s Oldest Fair is second to none. Visit YorkStateFair.org to see all of the concerts, activities, concessions, and agricultural competitions. But don’t miss the liveliest days of the year!