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York Counties are finally returning to the York State Fair for a week of concerts, carnival games, and familiar food smells wafting through the stalls.
This is the first time the fair has been held in July following a controversial decision by the York County Agricultural Society in 2019 to postpone its run from September.
Long-time visitors to the fair had opinions about the changes – including Mount Wolf resident Kelley McJunkens, who said she missed the fall event.
“We’d probably like it better in the fall,” said McJunkens, who was standing in the stands with her family. “Trade fairs feel like autumn.”
According to AccuWeather, temperatures in York averaged just under 90 degrees on Sunday. It was a little too hot for McJunkens and her family, including pregnant niece Lauren.
Despite the changes, the family was still happy to be outside.
“I still love coming,” said McJunkens. “We didn’t make it last year so it’s still nice to come and get the food.”
The York State Fair drew a large crowd on a Sunday afternoon, with many waiting for food and games. On Saturday evening the fair was full, with long lines in front of several attractions.
While the hotter weather was a departure from the typical York State Fair season, some farmers enjoyed and welcomed the changes – including farmer Julie Libengoob.
While the heat initially worried Libengoob, the owner of Whisper Creeks Farm in Dover Township, the weather wasn’t brutal for their dairy cows.
“It’s almost more convenient,” Libengoob said of the change. “The children have to miss school in September, so that’s a little more convenient. So they were here the whole time and helped. “
This is the third time Whisper Creeks Farm has been exhibiting at the fair. And while oscillating fans were found on Sunday to keep the cows cool, Libengoob said that cooling fans would have been set up regardless of the time of the fair.
In 2019, when changes to the show were first announced, many vendors were concerned about how the heat would affect cooks behind hot griddles – including Austin Groff, the owner of Dutch Country Hand-rolled Soft Brezels.
To his surprise, the weather has not been bad so far, said Groff.
“I was worried about the hot weather – that worried me,” said Groff. “Especially for the elderly. But the weather was really nice. “
Dutch Country Hand-rolled Soft Pretzels have been at the York State Fair for 30 years, Groff said. With a stand in the stands, Groff’s pretzel roll team avoided the sun.
The York State Fair’s concert schedule has also increased the number of customers browsing the pretzel store, a welcome sight for Groff and many other small businesses.
“It’s my favorite event of the year, come to the York Fair,” said Groff. “It’s unique, I’ll tell you.”
While the weather was a hot topic of conversation for many York County residents during this year’s fair, attendee Mike Springer had other issues.
West Manchester Township resident waited about an hour to get in to see Saturday’s concert – Styx and REO Speedwagon.
He and hundreds of other concertgoers missed part of the concert because they had long lines in front of the stands, he said.
“This year the lines feel longer than normal,” said Springer. “I can only assume that it has to do with COVID and that there are logs today.”
This year only the West Gate entrance is open to concert-goers.
“It has never taken so long to get in the stands to see the show,” he added.
York State Fair officials did not immediately respond to calls on Sunday asking about waiting times for concert goers.
Despite the waiting time, said Springer, he enjoyed his time at the fair.
“I’m a traditionalist, so I got used to the old way in September, which is my personal preference,” said Springer. “I understand that they are trying to improve their profitability and productivity so that they can carry on a wonderful tradition – so I support them and that is why I am here.”
– Reach Tina Locurto at tlocurto@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter at @tina_locurto.
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