Annual Unionville Community Fair

Whether you’re a third grader attending the fair with your parents or a junior seeking volunteer hours, the Unionville Community Fair has something for everyone. The annual fair is filled with flavorful food, engaging entertainment, and handmade crafts available for purchase. It provides an opportunity for everyone to reconnect with the community. It was held from October 2-4 at Landhope Farms Property.

The Unionville Fair has been an ongoing event since 1924. It started as a student corn show which focused on agricultural education and community involvement. Students began selling their handmade crafts such as crochet trinkets and UHS seniors opened food stalls. During the late 1930’s, the tradition of fair queen was introduced. Other than the interruptions caused by World War two, the community fair has continued consecutively.

A unique part of the community fair is the queen and princess pageants. The pageants act as a way to promote the fair and agriculture, as well as an opportunity to experience self growth and development. It allows the young ladies to build confidence, pride in accomplishment and skill in communication. Sophomore Lizzie Caron received the title of Princess Alternate. Her job was to act in place of the fair princess when she can’t perform her duties. Lizzies said her favorite part is “finding [her] space in the community by helping different people with their needs.” The queen’s court also has the chance to participate in the holiday parade and take a trip to Harrisburg. The program also offers scholarships to the queen and her alternate with one girl representing the fair at the State Fair Queen Pageant in January 2027.

Student-led clubs and volunteers are crucial to the success of the fair. They supply several activities for the community to participate in. The face paint and henna booths provide complimentary services. Other groups include the high school cheerleading team, a Girl Scout troop, Unionville Post, and local robotics teams. For example, FTC robotics team the Green Lemons organized a STEM tent on Sunday, October 4 from 10 AM to 1 PM. Sophomore Aray Garg said the team “hosted a paper place contest” and used their robot to conduct activities for the children. Their fundraiser was very successful and made about $100. The fair also had a few tents filled with friendly farm animals with rabbits of all sizes, spray-painted goats and calm cows.

Over the 102 years, the Unionville Fair has continued to bring together people of all ages. The pageant program, student-led activities, and ample opportunities for community involvement helps the fair preserve a long standing tradition. The participation of students, volunteers, and local organizations helps keep the event thriving, allowing the community to celebrate its agricultural roots while creating new memories each year.