Franklin County Fair Offers Fun-Filled Week

FRANKLIN COUNTY — Time is running out for residents to get entries in for the 2019 Franklin County Fair.

The deadline is June 26 to mail entries to the fair board for the upcoming fair, set for July 7-14 at the Chambersburg Rod and Gun Club grounds, 3725 Warm Spring Road.

Fair hours and food stands hours are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Club House Exhibit Hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Entries can also be submitted by email at franklincofairpa@gmail.com.

Most people who enter — especially those involved in the county’s farming industry and 4-H clubs — have likely had their entries prepared for quite a while.

But there are many categories that could prompt last-minute entries that don’t require weeks or months of planning. Such as fine arts, photography, crafts, needlework, floral arrangements, and even baking.

Area residents who have not seen the fair book, or who need an entry form, can download one at the fair website.

Franklin County Fair: Something for Everyone

This year’s fair offers a week full of excitement for local residents — from the traditional agricultural and farm animal entries to tractor pulls, musical entertainment, a kiddies play section with bounce houses and other fun entertainment — Including the crowning of 2019’s Franklin County Fair Queen and her court.

In between, there will be lots of exhibits and shows as well as food stands with all the fair favorites.

The fair starts with the 46th annual Vesper Service at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 7. Admission is free and parking is only $5.

For most, the highlight of the week will be the selection of the Little Miss, Princess, and Fair Queen, scheduled to take place on the Midway stage the evening of Monday, July 8.

The Little Miss competition, for girls between the ages of 7 and 10, starts at 6 p.m. Princess competition for girls 11-15 follows at 7 p.m.

Once the excitement of the fair royalty selection is finished, there is still a lot left to do before the week is over.

The competition to select the 2019’s Fair Queen starts at 8 p.m. The 2019 Franklin County Fair Queen will be required to compete at the PA State Fair Queen Contest in January 2020 in Hershey. And will represent the county at various events until a new Queen is crowned next year.

Something Special Every Night

Don’t miss the Rock and Roll Relics Tuesday, July 9, at 7 p.m. They’re bringing the best of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s to Franklin County as they perform at the fair.

Jason Kabler, Franklin County native and now Nashville recording artist, is bringing his talent back home to perform at the fair at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 10.m mop

David King, the popular Elvis impersonator, is coming back to the Franklin County Fair with The Elvis Experience beginning at 7:30 pm Thursday, July 11.

Friday, July 12, is karaoke night and the public is invited to bring their talents and singing voice to karaoke and talent contests. Area residents can come out for the chance to take home bragging rights and prize money.

Hometown favorite, New Country, brings their bluegrass and classic country to the fair at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Everyone can sing along and dance to the best of the country through the decades at this show.

History of the Franklin County Fair

The Franklin County Fair traces its roots all the way back to 1854 when it was considered the Franklin County Agricultural Fair and was organized by the Agricultural Society of Franklin County.

In 1868, the Franklin County Farmer’s and Mechanics Association took over and changed the name to Franklin County Fair. This fair continued through the 1880s.

It wasn’t until 1914 that another fair was held under the guise of the Harvest Home Picnic and Farmers’ Picnic. The location was Red Bridge Park. The Picnic became increasingly popular with more people attending each year.

In 1922 the name was changed back to Franklin County Fair. For the next 12 years, the fair grew in size with more animals and exhibits being added. The community event came to an end in the 1930s.

The Franklin County Fair, as we know it today, has operated continuously since 1965.

2018 Franklin County Fair Photos