CHAMBERSBURG – The Franklin County Fair has officially broken ground on its long-awaited Fair Livestock Barn and Show Ring, marking a milestone in the fair’s continued investment in youth agriculture and community development.
Despite rainy conditions, spirits were high as Fair Board members, Fair royalty, key sponsors and local dignitaries gathered on the fairgrounds to celebrate this new chapter. The Fair’s new Livestock Barn and Show Ring was to begin construction this week; the new facility is expected to be completed in time for the fair’s 60th Annual Celebration, taking place July 6–12.
In a welcome speech, given by Fair Board Treasurer Meghan Heebner, she shared the broader vision for the barn, which “serves as more than a structure. It will be a place where 4-H and FFA youth can showcase their hard work, where livestock can be housed safely and proudly and where our community can continue to gather, learn and grow. It represents progress, opportunity and deep-rooted values.”
Fair offers youth opportunities
The Livestock Barn and Show Ring will demonstrate the fair’s forward progress and showcase the opportunities that it strives to provide for the youth and community. The 14,400-square-foot barn, located near the dairy barns along the fair’s midway, will accommodate beef cattle, goats, sheep and possibly swine.
It includes two dedicated show rings with ample room for future expansion. This project was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, whose contributions reflect the strength and unity of the local agricultural and business communities.
Members of the Franklin County Fair Board extend heartfelt thanks to the following partners: Franklin Veterinary Associates, Ganoe Paving, Kathleen Culbertson, Webster Farms LLC, JE Shindle Engineering & Design, Hurley Real Estate & Auctions Inc., Samuel Lee King, Franklin Tractor & Equipment, Heck-Meyers LLC, Lynn C. Rotz, Heck’s Diesel Tech LLC, F&M Trust, Franklin County Dairy Association, Eby’s Lawn & Garden, Scott’s Hauling & Excavating Inc., Nitterhouse Masonry Products, LLC, M.R. Meyers Construction, Kinsley Construction, Willard Agri-Services, David H. Martin Excavating, Inc., Snider’s Elevator Inc., Beaver Concrete Construction, Diller Ag Equipment, Hoober Inc., Salzmann & Hughes P.C., Agronomy Inc., Cargill, Spray Tech Applications LLC, B.E. Heck Underground Utilities LLC, and In Memory of Ralph Daugherty.
The public is urged to consider a visit to the Franklin County Fair this July 6-12 to join in celebrating their 60th anniversary and the construction of their new Livestock Barn and Show Ring! The Fair has many things for the community to see and do this summer. This year’s fair promises a full slate of activities for all ages, from thrilling Interstate Truck and Tractor Pulls to Bullride Mania, plus nightly entertainment featuring Chris Woodward & Shindiggin’, Brush Fire, Conrad Fisher and Kickin’ It Classy. Of course, no fair would be complete without delicious food, family-friendly games, and opportunities to support youth exhibitors.
As the fair looks toward the future, this barn represents a lasting commitment to the next generation of agricultural leaders and the traditions that make the Franklin County Fair a cherished summer destination. For a full schedule of events and more information, readers may visit www.franklincountyfair.org.
