Autumn’s arrival set the perfect stage for the 18th annual New Oxford Harvest Day Festival, proudly sponsored by the New Oxford Chamber of Commerce.
As red and gold leaves drifted down under crisp blue skies. Hundreds of visitors filled the town square to enjoy 95 exhibitors, 14 food vendors, children’s activities, and a lively parade.
Unlike many local festivals, this one placed most of its exhibitors right in the center of New Oxford’s square. Crossing guards helped attendees navigate safely across the busy streets to explore booths offering handmade arts and crafts, clothing, baked goods, honey, and foods ranging from popcorn to Asian fusion. Local businesses—from construction and banking to cell phone services and tax preparation—were well represented. Community organizations including churches, veterans groups, the New Oxford Historical Society, the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center, and Special Olympics Adams County also joined the celebration. Children delighted in decorating pumpkins while parents browsed the exhibits.
For those ready to take a break and grab a bite, the first block of Carlisle Street was closed to traffic and transformed into an open-air dining area filled with food trucks and tables. Festivalgoers could enjoy everything from a hot cup of coffee to a hearty meal.
The day concluded with a spirited parade that traveled down Carlisle Street from New Oxford High School. Leading the procession was Grand Marshal Mary Rabine, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She was followed by the New Oxford High School Band, Miss Hanover Lillian Crabbs, the 2025 Pennsylvania Apple Queen Sophia Taylor, and Apple Princess Valaria Lepiz-Cardenas. Spectators were especially impressed by the performers from MJ’s Starlights Baton and Dance Studio, who dazzled with their flaming baton routines. Classic and antique tractors—about 20 in total—rolled through, including a 1924 Ford Model T, a 1941 John Deere, a 1937 Chevrolet, and a 1945 Allis Chalmers. Santa Claus himself closed out the parade atop a New Oxford Fire Truck.
Pete Vogel, freelance reporter and photographer, is a writer and photographer in the Gettysburg Area.
Beautiful