YORK, Pa. — Hot weather over the weekend and storms this week are causing attendees at the York State Fair to reminisce about the fair being held in the fall.
The fair had been held in October or September for nearly its entire history since 1765 until it was moved to late July in 2021.
Fair-goers say that the hot weather in July is a contrast to the cooler temperatures in September, which they say makes it more comfortable.
"It's way too hot, and in the fall you have the cooler weather," said Kenneth Troup of Wellsville. "In the evening, you almost need a jacket. It just feels like a fair."
Others cite the greater abundance of produce at the fairs held in the fall during harvest season.
"I’d rather have it in September, because all the fruits and vegetables in the building are out," said Sue McQuay of New Freedom.
Fair representatives say that despite the hot weather over the weekend, attendance has been up, especially for its concerts, which have their highest total attendance for the fair since 2021.
"We had a great turnout," said fair communications director Montgomery Stambaugh. "The weather was on our side. We had two concerts, one that was over 10,000 and one that was sold out, with around 14,000. We had great crowds with our dollar day, people took advantage of all the food, the rides and a lot of our free attractions."
The fair runs through July 28 at the York Fairgrounds on Carlisle Avenue.