It’s that time of year again; it’s time to get your “fair” share of farm follies and family-friendly fun by heading to the Franklin County Fair. The 2024 installment of this longstanding community mainstay just got underway yesterday, July 7, and will continue its run through July 13, presenting an ongoing array of activities, events, and exciting endeavors catering to all ages and interests.
A Fair Bit of History
The much-loved Franklin County Fair in its current format officially started back in 1965, but its preceding origins date back to as early as the 1850s. Farming and agriculture have always been so integral to the surrounding community. Furthermore, such agrarian practices have forever served many crucial, albeit often overlooked, roles in daily life both nationally and worldwide.
But the folks in Franklin County Pennsylvania have always known and understood this far better than those elsewhere, even recognizing the need to educate others and share agricultural appreciation with all. This is why the Agricultural Society of Franklin County started featuring such events. The very first was the Franklin County Agricultural Fair in 1854.
The name was eventually changed to the “Franklin County Fair” in 1868 when the Franklin County Farmer’s and Mechanics Association took over operations. The fair continued to be featured through the end of the 1880s but eventually ceased all operations. Things didn’t start up again until 1914 when the Harvest Home Picnic and Farmers’ Picnic was held at Red Bridge Park. The years that followed saw an increasing boom and interest in the event, with more and more exhibits being added to the mix and a triumphant return of the name Franklin County Fair. Yet once again, operations ended during the 1930s.
A renewed interest in the retired event emerged in the 1960s, following the formation of certain community clubs and organizations, including 4-H and others. That’s when these local groups started banding together to bring about a new carnival-like offering to help raise money and awareness. These events were held in a dairy barn, built in 1962, onsite where the current Franklin County Fairgrounds can now be found. The carnival, being such a great success, was eventually renamed the Franklin County Fair—the annual event we all know and love today.
An Ongoing Mission
Forever faithful to its founding initiative, the Franklin County Fair continues its mission of promoting agriculture and educating the public on its imperativeness and importance in our everyday lives. The fair’s participating exhibitors all present an abundance of diversified offerings. Yet, at the helm of it all, every single one keeps with this same initial goal.
Many of the versatile vendors you can expect to find here even tend to incorporate farm-made products. Unique offerings range from soaps to candles, fiber/wool crafted clothing to conventional consumable products like fresh produce and canned fruits, vegetables, and preserves. In the latter category, you’ll also find specialty kinds of milk, cheeses, baked goods, and more. Artwork and photography exhibitors amaze onlookers in the ways they capture the essence of rural life while showcasing the local small business services they provide. It truly is a diversified setup.
Exhibitors showcasing prizes won in a broad range of categories can generally be found in two locations onsite. The first is at the Clubhouse, and the other is in the Livestock Area.
Family-Friendly Farm Fun
In addition to serving as a mass educational farm display, attending the Franklin County Fair presents the ultimate chance at a family-friendly fun endeavor. With the good times lasting throughout the week, this is your time to enjoy live entertainment, get into loads of hands-on activities, check out the myriad attractions onsite, and even actively participate in some exciting contests.
The ongoing fun here is geared toward all ages and interests. So, rest assured that everyone in your group is in for a blast. This year’s highlight events include a karaoke contest, truck and tractor pulls, a Fair Royalty Crowning, and continuous stage performances. Click here to view a complete listing of all scheduled events and happenings, categorized by dates and times.
There’s just so much to see, do, and experience at the annual Franklin County Fair each and every year. And the 2024 season is no exception. Come out and discover it for yourself!
The site address for the Franklin County Fairgrounds is 3725 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202. The fair operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily during its weeklong run. Admission for entering is free, although parking fees do apply. Learn more about the fair and its versatile offerings on the website at www.franklincountyfair.org