hile many local residents identify the beginning of fall with crisp air and kids heading back to school, the onset of cooler temperatures and shorter days also marks the opening of fair season in a number of local communities. Several fairs and farm shows that are scheduled in our area in the coming weeks will provide a great deal of entertainment for community residents and highlight the best our agriculture community has to offer.
The 94th Annual Ephrata Fair, the largest street fair in PA, will be held September 25-29. In addition to featuring a wide range of exhibits, food and rides each day, special days have been set aside for kids (Thursday) and seniors (Wednesday). The 79th Anniversary Ephrata Parade is also scheduled for Wednesday. Additional information and a full schedule of events is available online at www.ephratafair.org.
The New Holland Farmer’s Fair will celebrate agriculture and community October 3-6. The Spectacle of Bands Parade is scheduled on the first evening of the fair, and the 48th annual fireman’s tug-of-war, 31st annual horseshoe pitching contest and several kids’ events will be just a few of the highlights of the event. The schedule of all events and attractions for the week is available online at www.newhollandfair.org.
The 59th Annual Manheim Community Farm Show will run from October 8-12. In addition to featuring a number of exhibits, animal shows and sales, the event will include special attractions, including an antique tractor demonstration, business expo, tractor pulls and a family fun night on Wednesday. The schedule of events and a list of exhibitors is available online at www.manheimfarmshow.org/wp/.
The Denver Fair, which took place September 10-15, also drew a large number of visitors who enjoyed a number of exciting and interesting exhibits, contests and attractions. More information on the Denver Fair is available online at www.thedenverfair.com.
These events offer visitors an opportunity to not only enjoy the hard work of the agriculture community and the unique talents of local residents, but also a chance to take part in a rich tradition that spans generations. I encourage district residents to support these local events and enjoy an important part of our shared heritage.
Grants Available for Volunteer Fire, EMS Companies
Local volunteer fire companies and ambulance services can apply now for grants as part of the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program. The program offers grants to be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training and certification of members, or debt reduction.
Many volunteer fire and ambulance companies struggle just to make ends meet, so the program offers an extremely valuable opportunity for these volunteer organizations to get the tools and training they need to respond to emergencies. I recently supported a new law to reauthorize the grant program for an additional four years and provide additional funding to aid our first responders. The new law also adds approximately 35 career fire departments to the list of organizations eligible for grant funding.
Grant applications and program information are available online at www.osfc.state.pa.us. The application period closes Oct. 20.
For more information on issues of importance to Lancaster and Chester County residents, please visit my website at senatorbrubaker.com.