Michael Hopson
Staff Writer

Signalling the start of the fall season, the 2013 York Fair engulfed the York Fairgrounds over the span of September 6-15. For 10 days, many citizens of central Pennsylvania were treated to what many speculate as the best showing that the York Fair had produced.
For a minimal fee of $4, the public could be admitted into the York Fair, also known as America’s first fair. This years’ fair had a different feel to it as opposed to previous years. From sun up to sunset anyone could get their fix of jubilance, whether it had been stuffing your face with deep fried funnel cake, or even putting down $40 for a helicopter ride. The fair provided an array of rides suitable for all ages in addition to the familiar attractions such as the Fireball and the Supershot. But what good are these rides without succulent fried foods to fit down your esophogus?
The managers behind the York Fair did an excellent job providing the nourishment for the attendees of this year. Among little exceptions, whatever the heart desired could have been satisfied, from deep southern-style barbeque to Philly cheesesteaks. Anyone born and raised in Maryland, would be shellshocked to see crabs vendored in the vicinity of the fairgrounds. The sweet foods present made their mark as well, with an assortment of carnival style snacks such as fried oreos, doughnuts and carmelized popcorn.
The musical talent brought to the fair displayed versatility to the fans. Due to the controveries surrounding the MTV Video Awards, many were unaware that teen pop singer Austin Mahone took home the award of “Artist to Watch”. The minds behind the York Fair were able to get Mahone to perform on the Grandstand, increasing the popularity of this years’ fair. Fans of country music were treated to WGTY 107.7 radio station gracing the Great Country Radio Stage. The stage housed smaller market country artists performing live concerts for the carnival goers.
Aformentioned, the fair included a wide range of miscellaneous attractions for the attendants. Animal adorers were, as always, treated to the various petting zoos and plethora of farm animals to see including horses, sheep, goats and even a camel. In a circus-like atmosphere, an 1,100 lb pig, 800 lb alligator and a giant rat were featured as attractions. The UTZ Arena was home to the Animal Birthing Center which depicted, yes, animals giving birth. Numerous vendors were present, showing off their talent such as airbrushing pictures, tattooing, and hypnotizing those willing to be cast under a spell. All week long, Ironmill held contests involving picking up the end of a car as well.
The improvement of the 2013 York Fair, was noticed by many including Sgt. First Class Joshua Shearrer, who was in attendance to promote the US Army along with his colleagues. Shearrer, born in Dallastown, PA, has made his first trip back to the fair in 12 years. “It was a lot dirtier when I was a kid…it’s been cleaned up over the past decade.”, Shearrer mentions about his lifetime experiences with the York Fair. Fox News 43 significantly reported on the attendance of the event, recognizing trends that showed increased attendance during the weekends compared to previous years.
For 2013, although the York Fair was a bit of a carbon copy, it continues to prove year after year that it is still one of the best events that roll through central Pennsylvania. The affordability of the event gives a lasting satisfaction that proves that you really got your bang for the buck. Those of you missing out on the fair might not have missed much, but for anyone living within the vicinity should give it a chance.