The New Holland Farmers Fair is arguably the biggest event to happen in New Holland each year. From the arrival of the sheep, goats, and swine at the tents on Fulton Street on Monday through the last turn of the merry-go-round on Saturday night, the fair attracts multitudes of visitors and offers fun and interesting activities for all.

The 2023 New Holland Fair will be held from Wednesday, Oct. 4, through Saturday, Oct. 7, on Main Street, Roberts Avenue, Franklin Street, and Fulton Street. The fair will kick off on Oct. 4 with the parade, which will begin at 7 p.m. As in the past, the fair will feature a midway, exhibits in a range of categories, a long john eating contest, pet and baby parades, games, and a variety of food vendors.

Area residents wishing to enter an item to exhibit in the fair for the first time will need to register for an entry number. Past exhibitors who did not receive a number in the mail must register as well. Registration for entry numbers will be held at the CrossNet Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland, on Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 8 p.m.

Kristie Overly, who oversees exhibits, noted that the floral exhibits will be located in the youth center this year and that the space will allow the addition of miniature gardens to the competition. "It will be a really beautiful display this year," said Overly, who encouraged all exhibitors to drop their items off early if possible.

Fair president Paulene Redding, who organizes the parade, said that she still has a few premium spots available. Premium spots provide funding to make necessary repairs to the farm show building at the corner of Franklin Street and Roberts Avenue. Seven high school and middle school bands will take part this year, with the Downingtown High School honor band leading the way and the rear brought up by the Fralinger String Band, a group of Mummers.

Nightly entertainment was introduced during the 2022 fair. The live music was so well received that the bands have been lined up to perform on Towne Centre Green from 7 to 10 p.m. each evening from Thursday, Oct. 5, through Saturday, Oct. 7. Clockwork Band will perform on Thursday, Adam and the Armadillos will perform on Friday, and The Nomads will play on Saturday.

Overly encouraged individuals who work in the New Holland area to come to the fair for lunch during the week, beginning on Wednesday. "(Those who come for lunch) can support the vendors and see it before it gets crowded," she pointed out. Daytime visitors may also visit the new farmers market on Franklin Street.

Redding noted that volunteers are always needed and that all farm show volunteers are invited to attend the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs convention in Hershey from Wednesday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. "It's amazing," said Overly.

Those who wish to purchase ride tickets early may do so at Yoder's Country Market, Stauffer's Drug Store, at the New Holland Church of the Nazarene, and the farm show building on Oct. 3. Children who wish to enter the coloring contest may pick up pages at the ELANCO Library. Premium booklets may be available at local post offices or online at http://www.newhollandfair.org/book.php.