Unionville Fair: ‘It takes a community’

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When former Unionville-Chadds Ford Superintendent Sharon Parker began her tenure in the school district in 2006, she acknowledged some queasiness regarding the annual Unionville Community Fair & Farm Show.

Parker said her knowledge of farm animals came from viewing them from afar on the road to Lancaster. Seeing old fair photos and hearing the excitement in people’s voices as they talked about the fair only exacerbated her discomfort at her lack of background.

The Unionville Fair includes many entertaining opportunities for children to learn about farm life.
The Unionville Fair includes many entertaining opportunities for children to learn about farm life.

“I felt like an ‘exchange student’ and became acutely aware of my lack of agrarian literacy,” she said.  “I was also intimidated by large animals and unfamiliar with the concept of Harvest Queens. Initially, I was a reluctant participant in this fall ritual.”

Nearly a decade later, the Unionville Community Fair & Farm Show is celebrating its 90th anniversary of entertaining and educating local families. In the process, it also provides a colorful reminder of the area’s deep agricultural roots, and Parker, who now serves on its board, is one of its biggest boosters.

On Friday, the fair will open to the public after a full year of preparations. Orchestrated by hundreds of volunteers, the event is supported by donations from businesses and community members. It will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

A crew works to erect the tent that will house llamas and alpacas for the Unionville Community Fair & Farm Show, which begins Friday, Oct. 3.
A crew works to erect the tent that will house llamas and alpacas for the Unionville Community Fair & Farm Show, which begins Friday, Oct. 3.

Parker said her initial awkwardness and hesitation were apparent, and volunteers like Bonnie Musser and Kathy Brown set out to convert her.  “While I had never been within 100 yards of a cow, Bonnie invited me to milk one at the 2006 Unionville Community Fair,” Parker said.  “Kathy showed me a cottage on a brood mare farm in West Marlborough, where I lived happily for six years. In emceeing the Fair Queen Pageant, I became deeply moved by the grace and community pride of the young participants.”

Danielle Chamberlain, the fair’s president, said she believes the fair’s popularity stems partly from the fact that it is truly a community event. “I think instead of saying ‘it takes a village,’ we should say, ‘it takes a community’ because it does.”

People who have never attended should know that the fair “has something for everyone,” Chamberlain said. She explained that the event is much more than an agricultural showcase. “It’s not just horses and cows,” she said. “There’s so much more.”

Volunteers have the barn ready to display a host of exhibits, ranging from floral displays to giant, youth-grown produce.
Unionville fair volunteers have the barn on the fairgrounds ready to display a host of exhibits, ranging from floral displays to giant, youth-grown vegetables.

In addition, new attractions keep getting added. “It’s never exactly the same,” Chamberlain said. “We’re always looking for ways to make it better.”

Chamberlain is particularly excited about the Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab that will be operated by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau on Saturday. She said she first learned about it when it came to Hillendale Elementary when her son, who’s now in fourth grade, was in kindergarten. In addition, she’s looking forward to the return of the popular lip-synching contest, she said.

The 2014 theme is “Treasure the Memories,” and a plethora of exhibits and activities will facilitate that process. Friday’s highlights will include magician Matt Cadabra, musical performers “Junk Rock Percussion Group,” Dan & Galla, Sycamore Muse, and the Downingtown School of Rock;” the popular “Giggles and Grins” booth for children; a lip-syncing contest; a cow-milking competition; a rescue demonstration by the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company; a family dance, and more.

On Saturday, a community parade, mechanical bull riding, scarecrow-making, a “Look Like Your Pet Contest,” storytelling, and the Willowdale Pro Rodeo (tickets required) are just some of the scheduled events. The Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All activities occur with a backdrop of food and craft vendors, exhibits ranging from colossal vegetables to inspiring photographs, a Photo Booth, and live music.

Horse and cattle will dominate the Sunday lineup, which includes an equestrian show and Cow Pie Bingo, but the animals will not be the only stars. More musical and magical entertainment will take the stage. Another new addition will be the Dixie Demons, a musical group of Kennett High alums who specialize in jazz classics and an eclectic mix of standards.

“While I will never be a competitive cow milker, I will always treasure my Unionville Community Fair experiences,” said Parker, adding that she is honored to serve on the Fair Board and eager to welcome others “to this extraordinary event.”

Hosted by Landhope Farms, the fair will be held on grounds located a mile south of Route 1 at the intersection of Routes 82 and 926. Proceeds from this year’s festivities will benefit the Chester County Food Bank and the Barn at Spring Brook Farm.

To view a schedule of events or receive more information, visit ucfairinc.org

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