York countians are proud of the York Fair, and there’s a lot to be proud about
These patriotic pre-World War II York (Pa.) Fair days were hopeful after a rough summer of battling a polio outbreak. Fairgoers needed this respite. Just two months later, Pearl Harbor changed everything. Also of interest: This York Fair mural is fading from sight and Good old days at the York Fair were at least old and JFK received grand applause at York Fair visit.
An e-mailer, an exec with a local firm and proud of the York Fair, asked the York Daily Record/Sunday News to ask for special York Fair memories.
I wrote back saying we have done just that, and they’re available with audio clips by clicking here.
And we’ve created a thread on the York Daily Record/Sunday News’ bulletin board, The Exchange, for you to share your memories.
And the posts on the blog All’s Fair includes many historical memories of the fair.
Here’s one query that deals with the fair’s past: …
The e-mailer pointed to the often repeated claim that York Fair is the nation’s oldest.
I wrote back:
“But sadly, I’m still awaiting documentation that York Fair is the nation’s oldest. As far inland as we were, it’s hard to fathom that no fairs were held between the landing at Plymouth Rock and 1765, when York Fair was founded. I explore that claim here… .”
I added: “It’s still old though, and merits the extensive coverage we have planned for it in coming days.”
Then I threw in:
“My favorite stop in the Bury’s burger stands. I’ve blogged on those visits, too: Bury’s Burgers secret sauce: ‘You won’t get that recipe’… .
It’s great to hear about such pride in a wonderful York County rite of summer/fall.
And here’s a sampling of past York Fair posts:
Teddy Roosevelt at the York Fair: ‘I know York county farmers are prosperous. Their barns are bigger than their houses’.
This York Fair mural is fading from sight .
Good old days at the York Fair were at least old.
JFK received grand applause at York Fair visit.
Young curators produce York Fair exhibit: ‘A Fair of Our Own’.
All’s Fair blog gives all kinds of insight about York Fair.
Both Yanks, Rebs camped at old York Fairgrounds.
‘The lower she sank in her chair’.
*Edited, 8/31/10
