The 2023 Solanco Fair kicked off on Sept. 20, bringing the aroma of funnel cakes and the rumble of tractor engines to Quarryville. The annual celebration brought three days of exciting activities and fair traditions to local residents, who look forward to fair season every year.

The fair commenced with a market lamb show and a market goat show. At 6 p.m., the street parade filled downtown Quarryville with creatively decorated floats from local businesses, nonprofit organizations and emergency service vehicles. Hundreds of spectators watched the procession from porches and lawn chairs set up along the sidewalk, including crowds of children who used hats and buckets to catch pieces of candy thrown by people with the floats. The steady beat of drums and the melodies of several brass sections could be heard from outside of town, courtesy of the local high school and middle school marching bands.

As the parade finished its loop through town, the crowds of spectators flocked to the fairgrounds to start enjoying the fair's signature foods. Local residents enjoyed funnel cakes, pulled pork sandwiches, pit beef sandwiches, milkshakes and more as the opening day of the fair drew to a close.

The following day, he fair resumed its activities at 10 a.m. with a swine judging competition, followed by an antique tractor pull at 11 a.m. The Holstein Feeder Calf Show took place at 3 p.m., and the lines for food vendors stretched across the fairgrounds throughout the day. At 5 p.m., the Uptown Band played a concert for fair attendees in the lower ball field. The show was followed by an antique and classic tractor pull and a market steer show at 6 p.m. The day's activities concluded with the annual baby parade at 7 p.m. in the upper ball field.

The final day of the fair kicked off at 10 a.m. with a tractor-driving contest between members of FFA, 4-H club affiliates and individuals confident in their tractor driving prowess. At 4:30 p.m., Keeley Kreider was crowned the 2023 Solanco Fair queen, and Emileigh Kreider was selected as the runner-up. The community-favorite celebrity cow milking contest commenced at 5 p.m., and awards were given out for the youth participation contest at 5:45 p.m. Solanco residents between 12 and 18 years old received prizes for exhibit entries containing livestock, fresh produce, dairy products, artwork and apiary goods. Fair activities continued with a pedal tractor pull competition at 6 p.m. and the peanut and candy scramble. The 73rd annual Solanco Fair wrapped up with an Iron Man contest at 7:30 p.m.

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