The sights and sounds of fair week are beginning to come alive as volunteers spend countless hours preparing the grounds, cleaning buildings, preparing exhibits, and putting the finishing touches on the fairgrounds for this year’s 104th Annual South Mountain Fair.
New this year, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, livestock departments have added classes that must have a patriotic theme. The animal pens will also include patriotic flare. Also, look for the patriotic themed landscape displays, cakes, tractors, and more.
The fair, which runs today through Saturday, is at 615 Narrows Road, Biglerville. The admission price of $8 includes rides, entertainment, and parking. The gates will be open 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. through Friday, and Saturday hours will be 1:00 pm. – 10:00 pm.
“10,000 visitors coming to the fair is optimistic; Today’s weather may slow things,” said long-time Fair Volunteer and Arendtsville Lions Club member, Dennis Cope, while cleaning and setting up the Lions Club Restaurant,
“We usually earn about $15,000,” he said. “hen expenses are deducted, we have around $6,000 – $7,000 to give back to the community.” The funds will directly help non-profit groups including John’s Meals, Senior Center, Arendtsville PTO, Holiday Family Outreach, Boy Scouts, and Survivors.
Volunteers for the Lions Club Restaurant worked diligently to place orders with food distributers and purchase paper products about a month prior to the fair. Cleaning takes place a week before the fair opens and final touches occur right up to opening night. Refrigerators get stocked with burgers, soft pretzels, and more. Cope uses Sign-up Genius to organize volunteers to cover various shifts throughout fair week at the stand.
One of the favorite stops for fairgoers is the Lions Club Restaurant, where visitors can enjoy a variety of freshly prepared meals and treats. The menu includes hamburgers for $5, bacon cheeseburgers for $6, Italian sausage sandwiches and pork barbecue for $7 each. There are also walking tacos, chicken corn soup, fries, and more. No visit is complete without getting an Old Time thick milkshake.
The fair week got underway with yesterday’s Market Swine Check-In, Rabbit and Cavy Show, and registration of open exhibits. Additional open exhibit registration and Livestock Check-in will continue today.
The fair officially opens to the public on today at 4:00 p.m. Exhibit buildings will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with carnival rides operating throughout the same timeline.
Tuesday is 4-H Day. One of Tuesday’s highlights will be the Mullet Contest at 7:30 p.m. The Baked Goods Auction at 7:30 p.m. will benefit the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center. Families can also enjoy Touch-a-Truck from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. They will have the opportunity to explore a variety vehicles up close.
On Wednesday, the tradition continues with the Draft and Miniature Horse Pulling Contest beginning at 6:00 p.m., showcasing the strength and skill of these impressive animals. Sarah and Cory will perform in the Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday evening features live entertainment by New Oxford native Austin Rife in the auditorium beginning at 7:00 p.m., followed by the fair’s popular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. They will be visible from the entire fairgrounds and the surrounding area.
Country music fans can enjoy a performance by Chris Woodward and Shindiggin on Friday at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Woodward performs songs from his own records as well as top 40 hits, older country songs, and classic rock.
The fair wraps up on Saturday with several family-friendly traditions, including the Antique Tractor Parade at 4:30 p.m. and the Pedal Tractor Pull for Kids at 6:00 p.m. The evening will conclude with Country Line dancing with Lars and Dana from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. At 10:00 p.m., Exhibit Buildings close and livestock may be removed.
Sunday afternoon is wrap-up time. Exhibit buildings open to allow participants to remove entries from all departments from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The South Mountain Fair continues to be a competitive exhibition of local agriculture products, livestock, baked goods, photography, arts and crafts, and so much more. It celebrates Adams County heritage while bringing together families, farmers, exhibitors, volunteers, and visitors for a memorable week.
For more information, be sure to visit: www.southmountainfair.com.
Photo credit: Landon and Amy Thomas
