The Ephrata Fair is a special community tradition with fun activities for folks of all ages! Below, we’ve compiled all of the daily events so you won’t miss out on any of the excitement!
It’s that time of year again—fair season! For over a century, the Ephrata Fair has been an important tradition in our community. And after missing out on the festivities in 2020, we’re feeling more excited than ever for five days of fun!
Whether you enjoy the delicious food, exhilarating rides, agricultural exhibits, or all of the above, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Ephrata Fair! Keep reading to learn more about this year’s events and plan your 2021 fair schedule!
Tuesday, September 21, is Opening Day for the 102nd Ephrata Fair! The Midway officially opens at 11 am, and the exhibits and rides open at 4 pm. Visitors will be able to buy wristbands and tickets at booths scattered throughout the Midway. Houghton Enterprises is also offering discounted ride tickets online for pre-purchase. After enjoying all the rides, stop by the Petting Zoo in Tent City from 4-9 pm and enjoy a show from Sneakers the Clown from 5-7 pm. Lastly, don’t miss the cow milking contest at 6:30 pm in Tent City, where local celebrities and educators will compete for the 2021 Cow Milking Champion title!
Wednesday is Senior Citizens’ Day! Free entertainment, bingo, discounted food, refreshments, and parking will be available for seniors from 10 am-2 pm. It’s also Parade Night! The highly-anticipated 86th annual Ephrata parade will begin at 7 pm, beginning at Ephrata High School. Curbside parade spectators can catch candy and treats from passing parade floats, so have your spot ready! If you’re feeling hungry, be sure to check out the food stands located in the Midway offering hamburgers, corn dogs, french fries, cotton candy, and all of your favorite fair foods.
Thursday is Kiddie’s Day since Ephrata Area School District students have the day off to enjoy the fair! The Kiddie’s Day activities, including face painting, balloon art, and a clown performance, will be from 12 pm-6 pm. All ride admission will be reduced by one ticket for children! Two kid-friendly bands will be performing live at 7 pm—Easily Amused at Tent City and Heroes 4 Ransom at Whistle Stop Plaza. There’s also a Cornhole Tournament at the Ephrata Legion at 7pm. Don’t forget to check out the classic carnival games in the Midway like candy wheel, balloon darts, water races, fishbowl toss, ring toss, and roll-a-ball from 10 am-10 pm.
Friday is Family Fun Night at Tent City! Starting at 7 pm, there will be several family contests, including sack races, potato picking, and apple balancing races! All participants must register on Friday evening between 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm at the Ball Diamond in Grater Memorial Park. Your kiddos also won’t want to miss the Barrels of Fun Train Rides from 5-7 pm in Tent City. Additionally, Candy Scramble and the Antique Tractor Pull begin at 5:45 pm, followed by live music from The Den & Terry Band at 6:30 pm. Finally, be sure to visit the exhibits area in the Midway from 10 am-8 pm to view art, photography, woodworking, crafts, and more!
Saturday is the final day of the fair! Watch the Quoits Tournament at 8 am in Tent City to close out the week. Then, enjoy some live music from the Jess Zimmerman Band at 6:30 pm at Whistle Stop Plaza!
Are you ready to enjoy everything that the Ephrata Fair has to offer? We hope you come out and enjoy the “Largest Street Fair in Pennsylvania!” For more information regarding this year’s event schedule, visit the Ephrata Fair website!