When the Elizabethtown Fair returns later this month, guests will enjoy lots of new activities, along with old favorites, said Sally Nolt, fair secretary.

The Elizabethtown Fair will run from Monday, Aug. 24, through Saturday, Aug. 29, at the fairgrounds, 900 E. High St.

"Competitive exhibit registration will be online this year," Nolt said. "Camel rides and hatching chicks are back. The ventriloquist Ryan and Friends is back. There are new presentations daily in Discover Ag in the Expo Hall and new entertainment."

New entertainment will include Daughters of Thunder, who perform a variety of music, on the Kiwanis Stage. Gillian Smith will entertain with country music on the PA Lottery Stage, and Charles Lee and Vinyl Rush will perform variety and rock on the same stage.

Musical acts in the Pop-Up Tent include Nixon Harmony, Stephen Kissinger, Sarah Rathburn and Jimmy the Whale.

To celebrate the country's semiquincentennial, the fair has added an America 250 contest with seven categories in the competitive exhibits, Nolt said. Categories include vegetables, baked goods, flowers, needlecraft, art, photography and handcrafts.

A worship service by Conewago Community Church will be held on Sunday, Aug. 23, on the Kiwanis Stage, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Fair Queen competition will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 24. Competitive exhibits will open in the fellowship hall of the Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

For more than 50 years, the fair has offered entertainment and fun for everyone, Nolt said.

"The fair provides activities, exhibits, contests and entertainment for all ages, from our Baby Race to Senior Citizens Day," she stated. "Exhibits include animal, agricultural, competitive and commercial exhibits. In addition, attractions include rides and a variety of food."

She noted that the fair's mission is to promote educational activities for people of all ages, involving agriculture, creativity, community involvement, spirit and pride in an atmosphere conducive to wholesome family fun.

"The fair provides a means for local businesses and organizations to meet with the public," Nolt said. "Many church and civic groups are provided with a means to raise funds, which are funneled back into the community."

She emphasized that it takes teamwork to pull off a successful fair.

"Without the tremendous community support received, the Elizabethtown Fair would not exist," she said. "The Elizabethtown Fair has continued to grow and serve as a place for us to gather as a community to exhibit, compete, be entertained and fellowship together. The Elizabethtown Fair has successfully been able to bring together agriculture, business, church and education in a great wholesome atmosphere."

The 2026 Elizabethtown Fair will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. on Aug. 24, and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. the rest of the week. Admission is free. For more information, visit https://etownfair.com.