Each summer, the Elizabethtown Fair provides a week of agriculture-focused, community fun. To support the event, fair organizers will hold the 39th annual Elizabethtown Fair chicken barbecue on Saturday, May 10. The meal will be available for drive-through pickup at the fairgrounds, 900 E. High St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The dinner will include a half-chicken, potato chips, applesauce, a roll, dessert and a drink. A bake sale will be held in conjunction with the barbecue, with proceeds benefiting the fair queen scholarship competition.

Cookbooks, titled "Making Memories II," will be for sale as well. Filled with recipes from local residents, the cookbooks were created to celebrate the 50th Elizabethtown Fair in 2023.

The chicken for the barbecue will be donated by Wenger Feeds and prepared by Harvey's Main Street BBQ. Herr's will provide potato chips, and Pepperidge Farm will donate the rolls. Swiss Premium Dairy will supply discounted drinks. Mars Wrigley will contribute the desserts, and Charles & Alice will donate the applesauce.

The barbecue is the only fundraiser held to benefit the fair, which operates with no admission charge.

"People should purchase the barbecue to help keep the community event free and continuing," said Sally Nolt, fair secretary. "The fair provides something for people of all ages, from the baby photo contest and baby race to Senior Citizens Day."

The 52nd annual Elizabethtown Fair will run from Monday, Aug. 18, through Saturday, Aug. 23.

"Each August, the Elizabethtown Fair provides an opportunity for the showcasing of Lancaster County agriculture," Nolt stated. "The Elizabethtown Fair strives to promote agriculture, creativity and community involvement in an atmosphere conducive to wholesome family fun."

The weeklong event features activities, exhibits, contests and entertainment, as well as rides and a variety of food. New activities this year will include a circus, an alpaca show and a costume contest.

The fair is the perfect example of a small-town community event, Nolt said.

"Join us as we celebrate the talents of our community members, showcase local businesses and support local nonprofit organizations," she commented.

Advance tickets for the chicken barbecue may be purchased from Elizabethtown Fair members and friends or by calling 717-808-1397. Tickets may also be purchased at the following Elizabethtown locations: Brandt's Farm Supply, 601 E. High St.; Groff's Meats, 33 N. Market St.; and B&G Lumber, 212 W. High St. There is a discount for purchasing tickets in advance, but advance purchase is not required.

A tentative premium book and schedule for the 2025 Elizabethtown Fair can be found at https://etownfair.com.