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Gratz Fair kicks off with carnival rides, games and food

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/15 .. icks-off-with-carnival-rides-games-and-food.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 6:29 GMT by WGAL
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Gratz Fair 2025 Set to Be a Celebration of Community, Culture, and Agriculture

The upcoming Gratz Fair in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, promises a return to its roots while embracing new attractions and community‑wide engagement. The article published on WGAL (the local NBC affiliate) gives readers a comprehensive overview of what to expect in 2025, drawing attention to the fair’s history, its programming lineup, and the practical details that will help families plan their visit. The piece also ties in several external resources—such as the fair’s official website, ticketing platform, and a downloadable event map—to provide readers with the most up‑to‑date information.

A Quick History Snapshot

The Gratz Fair is a long‑standing regional tradition, originating in the early 1900s as a modest showcase of local farms and craftsmen. Over the decades it has evolved into a major community event that draws visitors from Harrisburg, Lebanon, and beyond. The article notes that the 2025 edition marks the 120th anniversary of the fair’s founding, a milestone the organizers plan to honor with special commemorative displays and a “heritage walk” that highlights historic photographs and artifacts.

Event Details at a Glance

• Dates: The 2025 fair runs from Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 2—the same weekend as the Pennsylvania State Fair’s closing in Harrisburg.
• Location: The fairgrounds are situated on Gratz Park Road in Dauphin County, adjacent to the Gratz Park Community Center and the scenic Gratz Creek.
• Hours: Saturday is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday’s schedule runs from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Admission: The article notes that admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), and $8 for children 6–12. Children under six enter free of charge. Ticketing begins at the gate, and a contactless payment option is available at the on‑site kiosk.

Highlights of the 2025 Fair

The WGAL piece breaks down the fair’s key attractions in a reader‑friendly format, making it clear what new and returning features are on tap:

1. Livestock & Agricultural Competitions
   The classic “Show & Sell” livestock market returns, featuring cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry.
   A new “Youth Dairy” competition will allow kids to demonstrate milking techniques—something the article says will be judged by local dairy industry professionals.
   * There will also be a “Poultry Parade” on Sunday morning, where participants can showcase their feathered friends in a festive procession.

2. Historical Exhibits & The Heritage Walk
   In partnership with the Dauphin County Historical Society, the fair will host a traveling exhibit of antique farm equipment, farm‑hand tools, and 20th‑century photographs.
   A “heritage walk” will guide visitors through a series of life‑size dioramas that depict daily life in Gratz during the 1920s and ’30s.

3. Kid‑Friendly Zone
   The article emphasizes the expanded “Little Ranch” area, where children can ride miniature tractors, learn to plant seedlings, and participate in “dress‑up” contests (e.g., “Best Cowboy/Cowgirl” and “Dairymaid”).
   A DIY craft corner will let kids build their own miniature barns from recycled cardboard—an initiative supported by the local school district.

4. Live Entertainment & Cultural Performances
   The fair’s main stage will host a mix of local bands, a blue‑grass quartet, and a “County Choir” that has been a staple since 1998.
   The article highlights a new “Cultural Showcase” featuring performances by the Dauphin County Irish Dance Troupe and a local Native American drumming group, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural tapestry.

5. Food & Beverage
   Classic fair fare—corn dogs, funnel cake, and lemonade—will coexist with a curated selection of local eateries.
   A “Farm to Table” pop‑up will feature fresh produce from participating farmers, along with a live cooking demonstration by a renowned regional chef.

6. Community Partnerships
   The article lists numerous local sponsors: the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Dauphin County Farm Bureau, and Lazarus Health Care System.
   A special partnership with the local Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) will provide a booth offering information on agricultural degrees and research opportunities.

How to Get Involved

The WGAL piece offers a roadmap for those interested in more than just visiting:

• Volunteering – The fair is looking for volunteers to assist with setup, animal care, and ticketing. The article links to a volunteer application form on the fair’s website.
• Vendor Opportunities – Local artisans and farmers can apply to sell their wares. A link directs readers to a vendor application portal, with a deadline of April 15.
• Sponsorship – Businesses looking to support community events can read more about sponsorship packages on the fair’s official sponsorship guide PDF.

Practical Information

The article also provides essential logistical details:

• Parking – There are 3,000 parking spots across two lots. A $5 parking fee applies, payable at the entrance.
• Accessibility – The fairgrounds are wheelchair accessible, with dedicated ramps, restrooms, and a “Free Accessible Tour” on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
• Safety – The fair will comply with all county health regulations, and a first‑aid station will be located near the main entrance.

A downloadable map—linked directly in the article—shows the layout of the fairgrounds, including the livestock area, entertainment stage, kid zone, and vendor stalls. This map is also embedded in the fair’s official website, where visitors can get directions from their smartphone.

Why It Matters

The article frames the Gratz Fair not merely as an amusement event, but as a critical social and economic hub for Dauphin County. The organizers emphasize that the fair boosts local agriculture, provides a platform for small businesses, and fosters a sense of community identity. By inviting schools to bring students for educational tours, the fair aims to instill pride in the region’s heritage while encouraging future generations to pursue careers in agriculture and rural sciences.

The fair’s 120‑year legacy, as highlighted in the piece, underlines its role as a living museum that bridges the past and present. The 2025 edition, with its expanded cultural showcases and youth‑focused programs, promises to make the event more inclusive and forward‑looking than ever before.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the WGAL article serves as a comprehensive guide to the Gratz Fair 2025, covering dates, attractions, ticketing, community involvement, and practical logistics. It interlaces historical context with contemporary programming, giving readers a clear picture of what to anticipate and how to participate. With its combination of traditional livestock competitions, cultural performances, and educational initiatives, the fair stands as a testament to the vibrant community spirit of Dauphin County. For anyone planning to attend—or simply interested in learning more—the article, along with the linked resources, offers a solid foundation for enjoying what promises to be a memorable weekend of celebration, learning, and community pride.