How the York State Fair Has Evolved from a Farmers Fair to a top York County Entertainment Event

Course | Registration opens 8/4/2025 8:00 AM EDT

Penn State York, 1031 Edgecomb Avenue York, PA 17403-3398 United States
Main Classroom Building, Conference center
Members and nonmembers
11/12/2025 (one day)
11:00 AM-12:30 PM EDT on Wed
$20.00
$8.00

How the York State Fair Has Evolved from a Farmers Fair to a top York County Entertainment Event

Course | Registration opens 8/4/2025 8:00 AM EDT

The York State Fair has served as a much-anticipated coming-together moment for York County residents for 260 years. In its early years, it was a time for farm people to meet and mingle. "A great many marriages take place by the young countrymen and girls at the time of their harvest frolics," one history states. It has evolved from an event for the agricultural community to one that also includes top entertainment on its stage and an array of food. Over the years, the fair has changed its venues, time of year, number of days, and its name to remain a top attraction for the region and state.


Jim McClure

Jim McClure is an author and historian, and the former editor of the York Daily Record and Atlantic group editor at USA Today Network.