KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Prize-winning produce, dairy cows, tractor parades, and a new petting zoo will share the grounds with magic, live music, and plenty of red, white, and blue when the Unionville Community Fair returns for its 102nd year this October.
The three-day fair runs Oct. 2-4 at the Landhope Farms property in Kennett Square, where organizers expect about 8,000 visitors from Chester County and surrounding communities. This year’s theme, “America at 250: Rooted in Freedom, Raised by Farming,” will weave the nation’s 250th anniversary into a local tradition built around agriculture, education and community participation.
Saturday, Oct. 3, has been designated Red, White and Blue Day, with fairgoers encouraged to dress in patriotic colors.
Agriculture remains at the center of the weekend. Dairy cow and goat shows, a cow milking contest, tractor parade and other activities will join an Antique Car Show, Cheshire Foxhounds, Robotics & STEM activities, the Fair Queen Parade, food trucks, vendors and a Beer and Wine Garden.
Families will also find several attractions geared toward younger visitors, including the new Brisinger Farm Petting Zoo, Kiddie Corral, hayrides and Balloons by Jim.
Another featured attraction, Boston Bachert’s Spectacular Variety Show, will bring juggling, magic and illusions, circus stunts, comedy, a Cyr wheel and audience participation to performances throughout the weekend near the Main Stage.
A Fair Built Around Local Talent
Visitors do not have to remain spectators. The fair is inviting community members to enter their own work in categories ranging from plants and produce to baking, preserves, photography, woodworking, needlework, arts and crafts.
Entries will be accepted Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 2 to 9 p.m. After judging, the exhibits will remain on display in the Exhibit Barn throughout fair weekend. Categories and entry information are available at www.ucfair.org.
The festivities actually begin before the gates open Friday. The annual community tailgate is scheduled for Thursday evening, Oct. 1.
Another longtime tradition arrives even earlier. The Fair Queen and Princess Pageant will be held Thursday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. at Unionville Elementary School and is open to the public. The Fair Queen winner and winners of other eligible competitions may advance to statewide competition.
From a Student Corn Show to a Community Tradition
The Unionville Community Fair traces its roots to 1924, when it began as a student corn show centered on agricultural education and community involvement. More than a century later, the volunteer-run event has grown into a three-day celebration while maintaining agriculture and local participation at its core.
That history makes the America250 theme a natural fit for the 102nd edition: a national milestone viewed through the farming traditions and community institutions that have shaped southern Chester County across generations.
Event Details
- What: 102nd Unionville Community Fair
- When: Friday, Oct. 2, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Where: Landhope Farms Property; general parking entrance at 147 East Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
- Cost/Tickets: Admission is free. Parking is $5 per person or $10 per carload.
- More Info: www.ucfair.org
As the fair enters its second century, the familiar mix of livestock, homemade exhibits, entertainment and neighbors gathering together continues to connect Unionville’s agricultural roots with new generations. This year’s America250 theme adds another layer to that tradition, giving families a chance to celebrate both the nation’s milestone and a community institution that has been part of southern Chester County life since 1924.
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