On Sept. 27, the West Lampeter Community Fair returned to the fairgrounds, accompanied by the aroma of funnel cakes and the rumble of tractor engines. The annual three-day celebration offered a multitude of tasty treats and exciting activities to local residents, who look forward to fair season every year.

The fair commenced by opening its various tents and freshly judged exhibits to the public. Antique tractors, locally grown produce and pieces of art displayed their ribbons and awards for fairgoers to admire throughout the day. The afternoon was filled with market livestock shows and live entertainment from performer Andy Rotz, who dazzled audiences with a flaming lasso and knife-throwing routine. Bluegrass outfit Barley & Steele played for the crowd before dozens of tractors fell in line for the tractor parade.

As the sun set on the opening day of the fair, crowds of people looked up from their sausage sandwiches and chocolate milkshakes to watch the procession of candidates for the 2023 West Lampeter Fair Queen Contest. The group of young women comprised nine Lampeter-Strasburg High School students, and each candidate represented one of the school's clubs or extracurricular activities. After the girls made their way to the stage, they were individually asked questions pertaining to the fair's activities, culture and importance to the community. Some fair queen contestants cited their favorite fair foods, while others recognized traditional activities such as the barnyard chase and the horse show in their responses. Each candidate acknowledged the importance of elevating local agriculture and time-honored traditions through the fair.

When asked what she would include in an advertisement for the West Lampeter Community Fair, senior Sarah Blount said she would emphasize the event's accessibility. "I believe that the fair is for all ages. There is truly something for everyone," said Blount, who represented the Lampeter-Strasburg High School's band program. "Obviously the food is delicious, and it gets people in the door. But once you're here, you don't want to leave." After several rounds of questions, Blount was crowned the West Lampeter Fair queen of 2023. Sydney Albright, who represented the Garden Spot FFA club, was chosen as the fair queen alternate. Last year's fair queen, Kiera Knapp, completed the ceremony with a farewell speech, reflecting on her reigning year and passing the torch to Blount. "This was definitely the hardest public speaking competition I've ever done, but it was so worth it," Blount said. "I was confident I would know what to say behind the podium, and I loved getting to see all the familiar faces in the audience."

The following day of the fair continued the festivities with the children's sunflower contest, the baby parade, the barnyard chase and tractor games. Lampeter-Strasburg High School's marching band played a concert in the evening, and Rotz offered multiple shows throughout the day. The third and final day of activities concluded the fair with the All Western Horse Show, tractor pull competitions and a calf roping contest.

To view photos from the fair, visit http://www.townlively.com/in-the-community.