Shippensburg Community Fair offers something for everyone
SHIPPENSBURG - Each year around this time, area residents begin looking forward to an event that combines the celebration of the region’s agriculture with summertime fun.
Organizers plan the Shippensburg Community Fair with one mission in mind: to educate and inform the public about agricultural products and services and provide a venue for family entertainment.
What began as a three-day affair has grown to six days and temporary structures have given away to permanent buildings, including a dining pavilion which was erected in 2009.
The free event held during the last week in July, attracts between 45-65,000 visitors per year and is made possible through the hard work of volunteers. Now in its 59th year, the fair begins on July 25 and continues through July 30.
Four-legged friends compete
Livestock shows play an important part in the Shippensburg Community Fair, including youth shows where members of the 4-H Club and the FFA enter their animals in friendly competition designed to help hone the students’ showmanship skills. Horses, cattle, swine, sheep, rabbits, alpacas and an array of other animals are critiqued by teams of judges and winners are awarded cash prizes for their efforts.
Homemade handiwork on display
The home products competition now attracts upwards of 3,500 entries. Among the categories are baked goods, canned goods, homemade crafts, needlework projects, woodworking and photography. All items will be on display throughout the week.
Musical entertainment and more
This year’s free musical entertainment begins on Tuesday night at 7:30 with Chris Woodward and Shindiggin’. “Woodward is a local country singer who is extremely talented,” said entertainment committee member Jerry Rhine.
On Wednesday, The Joseph Sisters will take the stage and enchant the crowd with their brand of modern country. The national act hails from West Virginia and has opened for Toby Keith, The Oakridge Boys and Phil Vassar, to name a few.
On Thursday night, Rick K. and the Allnighters will entertain the crowd. For an $8 admission fee, guests will hear hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. “They are a national Vegas-style act from West Virginia, with one of the best drummers in the country,” said Rhine.
Friday night, festival-goers can show off their own musical talents by participating in free karaoke, and on Saturday night guests will be treated to the sizzlin’ summer sounds of Smokin’ Gunnz, a local country rock band that gets the crowd up on its feet. “If you like Lynyrd Skynyrd, you’ll love them,” promises Jamie Rhine, fair spokesman.
Added to the entertainment extravaganza is a family act which wows audiences all over the country with their feats of acrobatic skill. The “Hansen’s Spectacular Acrobatic Thrill Show,” will take place each night throughout the fair.
And no entertainment lineup would be complete without amusement rides and games. The Shippensburg Fair offers an array for both young and old. On Wednesday and Saturday, guests of all ages can take advantage of special pricing and ride until 4 p.m. for $15.
Food and more food
Food is always a highlight at any festival and the fare at the Shippensburg Community fair runs the gamut. From pizza, to smoothies, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, ox roast sandwiches, cheesesteaks, chili and more, there’s something to suit every taste. The food booths at the Shippensburg Fair are all run by local nonprofits.
Micah Longo, a Shippensburg University Alum who has relocated to Florida, said he misses the days when the Shippensburg fair was part of his summer.
"I have very fond memories of the tractor pulls, the demolition derby and, of course, the amazing food. To me the Shippensburg Fair is synonymous with summer and family fun!” he said.
When you go:
Shippensburg Community Fair
Shippensburg Fairgrounds
10131 Possum Hollow Rd, Shippensburg
July 25-30
Admission: Free
Parking: $5 per carload
To learn more, visit: www.shippensburgfair.com
For a schedule of events at the fair, click here.