814-Lanc«tter Fanning, Saturday, October 3, 1996
(Continued from Page B 2)
mal evening balls with guests
dressed in gowns and top hats
allow visitors to revisit the past.
A Conestoga wagon was also on
display, and sitting in front were
Tom Grasso and Linda Funk. As
members of the Conestoga Aren
Historical Society, it was their
intention to acquaint fairgoers with
the society and help them visualize
the activities of a bygone era.
A collection of hit-and-miss
engines and antique farm equip
ment was displayed in front of the
sheds that housed Grandpa's and
Grandma’s Old Things.
“Each year we change catego
ries,” Jason Miller said of the vin
tage paraphernalia. This year, can
ning jars and funnels, berry pails,
pie boars, and advertising pencils
were featured and prizes given.
According to John McMichael,
judges select the winning objects
based on condition, rarity, and age.
A crowd favorite is watching
one of the hit-and-miss engines
used to make homemade ice
cream. Actually, the crowd prob
ably enjoys eating ice cream more
than watching it being made, but it
is one of the fascinating demon
strations that merge the past with
the future.
Ephrata Fair is billed as Pennsyl
vania’s largest street fair, but in the
park several blocks from the street
event is Tent City. This is the big
attraction, with animal shows, a
petting zoo featuring exotic ani
mals and farm animals. Pygmy
goats are a recent addition and a
crowd pleaser.
Ephrata held its 2Sth annual pig
race and a rooster chase was held
for children under seven years of
age.
Squeels, greasy muck, and lots
of energy are expended during the
pig race.
i A
Best of the Show goes to
these pompom dahlias
entered by Mervin Weaver
and admired by his wife.
Andrew Gerhart, 11, won
this lamb from the Lamb and
Wool Growers Association.
The 2-month-old Hampshire
named Lucky (“because I'm
lucky to win”) helped Andrew
clinch a reserve title at the
Ephrata Fair. Andrew raises
about 25 head Suffolks on the
family’s Relnhold's farm.
Andrew said that he always
preferred Suffolks because
the breed hold themselves
proudly, but since he won the
Hampshire, he Is impressed
with the breed’s mellow,
friendly disposition.
“Whenever I went to the pen,
Lucky was always the first to
greet me," Andrew said.
Things That Make The Fairs Go ’Round
Secretary of Agriculture Sapiuel Hayes Jr., left, accompa
nies Chris Herr, deputy ag secretary, and his son Ryan, 4, to
the Ephrata Fair Sheep Show.
‘ t'
Tom Grasso admires a restored corn wagon that belongs
to the Abram Hess family of Pine View Acres. Lampeter Fair
had an extensive display of antique farm equipment, which
intrigued fairgoers.
Lloyd and Maxine Flory of Lititz follow the fair circuit to
watch their grandchildren show sheep. Now in their 70s, the
couple recall sheep shows of the past. Maxine had showed
the champion market lamb and pen at the state Farm Show
for two years. It brings the couple great pleasure and a bit of
nervousness to watch their grandchildren Jen and Jimmy
Zimmerman carry on the family tradition. “I think I ought to
be in there (show ring), telling them what to do,” Maxine said
of the long wait for the judge’s decision.
As part of the Conestoga Area Historical Society, Tom
Grasso and Linda Funk drew Lampeter fairgoers’ atten
tions. A covered wagon Is in the background. Two buildings
with displays of Grandma’s and Grandpa’s Old Things were
entered by community members and ribbons were awarded
based on rarity, age, and condition.
Bob VanderPlate and aon Jordan, 13, were recruKlng for
the Civil War Re-enactment Encampment at Lampeter. -