New Holland Fair Committee Looks Ahead To 2021
In May, when the 14 members of the New Holland Farmers Day Association board of directors made the decision to cancel this year's annual fair due to the uncertainty associated with COVID-19 and large public gatherings, they were met with many comments from the community that pointed to the tradition and history associated with the event.
Kristie Overly, who handles premiums for the fair exhibits, told the story of a woman who met her husband at the fair more than 50 years ago. "We felt this was a very sad decision ... because our community needs this (event) more than ever," said Overly. "This is how this (new) generation learns about agriculture and how this community pulls together to put something worthwhile in front of the (youngest members)."
Fair president Paulene Redding agreed, citing all the restrictions and uncertainties, even after the county moves to green. "It was a really hard decision," said Redding. "We put a lot of effort into discussing everything."
The first New Holland Fair was held in 1927, with the organization incorporating in 1933. This is the first time the fair has been canceled since World War II, when fairs were not held from 1941 to 1945. Not to be deterred by the occurrence, Redding noted the board is looking ahead. "We plan to focus now on making 2021 bigger and better," she said.
Among the initial plans are updating the bylaws to make the language more current and talking about ways to expand the types of exhibits that are included. Overly also noted the organization is looking for ways to improve the New Holland Farmers Day Association building located at 101 W. Franklin St., New Holland. Improvements have already been made to the air quality and lighting in the exhibit area.
Overly noted that there is much more to the fair than what spectators see during the four days it is held each fall. "There's a lot of cleanup when the fair is over," she noted. "The whole next week and the week after for me is cleaning up premiums, backing up computers with data," she noted.
Those weeks are followed by the volunteer appreciation banquet, which is usually held in mid-November. "If you volunteer for two hours, you are invited to the banquet," said Overly, who pointed out that special events associated with the fair, such as the baby and pet parades, tug-of-war, and animal exhibits and sale, are manned by volunteers. Redding remarked that about 250 people attend the banquet and about 500 are needed to hold the fair. Volunteers who have building and maintenance skills to contribute are especially welcome.
Following last year's fair, board members attended the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs convention held each January in Hershey. Redding and Overly reported that the weeklong event introduces attendees to entertainers and food vendors along with a variety of workshops that teach on best practices, how to apply for funding, and ways to incorporate technology, among other topics.
Overly noted that based on suggestions from board members and volunteers, plans for this year's fair were underway. "We had a lot of things we wanted to improve for 2020," she said, adding that suggestions to make the event run more smoothly, along with ways to add to the offerings or remove outdated activities, were being considered. "It takes time to get all of those done," said Overly. "We can't get off the gas of planning for next year. We have to take this speed bump (and use the time to move forward for next year)."
Readers who are interested in learning more about the fair may search for "New Holland Fair" on Facebook. Those who are interested in volunteering may call 717-354-5880.
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