America’s First Fair – York, PA

The York Fair, held annually, is one of the country’s oldest fairs, with the first fair held in 1765, eleven years before our nation was born. William Penn’s son, Thomas, presented the people of York with a charter to have the Fair. In the early years, the Fair was a two-day agricultural market. Over the years, it grew to a three-day, a five-day, and today a 10-day event.

The Fair evolved over the decades adding different types of entertainment, horse races, strong man competitions and midways offering all sorts of games. Grandstands and exhibition halls were also built as the Fair continued to grow and attract more visitors.

The York Fair, one of Pennsylvania’s most visited fairs, is held at the York Fairgrounds at 334 Carlisle Avenue, York. PA. Fairgrounds Fun includes`: livestock & draft horses, butter sculpture, hypnotist, hot dog racing pigs, Royal Hanneford Circus of Thrills, Endora Farms Exotic Animal Petting Zoo, Team Ironmill Strongman Challenges, antique tractor & steam engine displays, harness racing, high school bands on parade, Remembering 9/11 parade, lawnmower races, and ziplining.

The best part of the York Fair is its monstrous lineup of concerts. This year’s fair hosts: Lady Antebellum on 9/6, Jackyl with Molly Hatchet on 9/9, McClain including China Anne McClain on 9/10, Jeff Dunhams’s “Disorderly Conduct” tour on 9/12, and Hunter Hayes on 9/13. Tickets can be purchased at the York Fair Events website.

Admission to the York Fair is $8 for adults, $4 for children 6-18 & college students, and children under 5 are free. Parking is $7. There is an additional cost for concerts. Gates open from 11:00 am Friday to Sunday and Noon Monday to Thursday.

Enjoy this unique classic agricultural fair that offers competitions, interactive entertainers bringing family fun and vendors offering the best fair food. Put on your boots and get back to your roots with the timeless magic of a fair.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.yorkfair.org.