ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. — The Elizabethtown Fair is returning this week to Lancaster County.
“Everybody working here, pulling this all together, are volunteers," explained Scott Schmittel, one of the fair's board directors. "Volunteers doing it because we love it and what it brings to the community.”
The fair officially opens Monday evening, but the fairgrounds on E. High Street were still buzzing with activity during the day.
“I think there’s a lot to do, the people are great, it’s a pretty chill fair," said Jaelyn Rivera of Grantville. "There’s a little bit of everything.”
Farm animals from across the region are being shown at the fair, and will then be auctioned off.
“The amount of money that brings in to the local economy and the local kids here is astronomical," explained Schmittel. "The opportunities these ag kids have to do this and make money, this is where their college funds come from.”
Emercyn Winfindale and Rivera, who is Emercyn's niece, won first place for one of their goats.
“It’s just special, pays off your hard work, makes it look like you did something good," said Rivera.
“This is my last year showing, this is our home fair so it’s special to come to and since I’m aging out it’s like a little sad but it’s okay," added Winfindale. "This is my favorite fair of all four we go to, this is the best one.”
Their goat was just one of nearly 1,200 animals which will make an appearance this week at the fair.
Another is 8-year-old Austin Halbleib’s lamb, Benny.
“He’s pretty good at running away, he did get loose before and he’s a fast runner," said Halbleib, whose family has a farm in Hummelstown.
There are a few new things at the Elizabethtown fair this year, including the "Discover Ag" exhibit. Schmittel says it's a chance for fairgoers to learn about Pennsylvania's largest industry.
Beyond all the animals, the fair also features carnival rides and games, food, and entertainment all week.
It's open Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. as well as from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
There will be a fireworks show on Saturday night.