Ephrata Borough Community Blog

Sep 13

Safety First: Staying Safe at The Ephrata Fair

Posted on September 13, 2023 at 4:30 PM by Ephrata Borough

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Visiting the Ephrata Fair in PA is an exciting and cherished tradition for people of all ages. The sights, sounds, and smells of the fairground create an atmosphere of fun and adventure. However, it's essential to prioritize safety while enjoying the festivities. Here's a guide on how to stay safe at the fair.

  • Plan Ahead: Before heading to the fair, check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and consider bringing sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun.

  • Stay Hydrated: Fair days can be long and hot. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

  • Watch Your Step: Fairgrounds can be uneven, and with so many distractions, it's easy to trip and fall. Pay attention to where you're walking, especially when navigating through crowds or near rides.

  • Follow Ride Safety Rules: If you plan to go on rides, make sure to follow all safety rules and guidelines provided by the ride operators. Check that restraints are secure, and always obey height and age restrictions.

  • Keep an Eye on Children: If you're with young children, keep them within sight at all times. Consider taking a photo of your child before entering the fair in case you need to provide a description to fair staff in case of separation.

  • Know Emergency Exits: Familiarize yourself with the fairground layout and the locations of emergency exits and first-aid stations. Have a meeting point in case you get separated from your group.

  • Watch Out for Bees: Fair food and the heat can draw out the bees. Avoid swatting at them and dispose of unwanted food and trash in the proper areas.

  • Food Safety: Enjoy fair food, but be cautious of food vendors' cleanliness. Opt for well-cooked and freshly prepared items, and wash your hands before eating.

  • Avoid Overindulgence: The fair offers a tempting array of treats, but overindulgence can lead to stomach discomfort or worse. Enjoy in moderation.

  • Use Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays with sunscreen, and seek shade when needed.

  • Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn't feel right or looks unsafe, it's better to avoid it. Your instincts are a valuable safety tool.

While we hope you have an amazing experience attending the Ephrata Fair, The Ephrata Borough PA, wants to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone in attendance from guests and vendors, to volunteers and workers. By planning ahead, following safety guidelines, and staying aware of your surroundings, you can ensure that your fair visit is filled with fun, laughter, and cherished memories.

Sep 06

History of The Ephrata PA Fair

Posted on September 6, 2023 at 2:46 PM by Ephrata Borough

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In the heart of Lancaster County, PA lies the picturesque town of Ephrata, a charming town known for its Amish heritage and idyllic landscapes, that happens to be the home of a long-standing tradition, the Ephrata Fair. This annual event has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century, bringing people together from near and far to celebrate agriculture, craftsmanship, and the spirit of togetherness.  Let’s take a look at the history of the Ephrata Fair, as it has evolved over the years from a small town fair to becoming the largest street fair on the East Coast. 

Origins of The Ephrata Fair 

The Ephrata Fair can trace its origins back to the late 19th century when a group of local farmers and businesspeople sought to create an event that would showcase the region’s agricultural importance and foster a sense of community.  In 1919, these visionaries organized the first official Ephrata Fair, marking the beginning of a tradition that would endure for generations to come. 

Early Years: Agriculture Emphasis

The fair wasn’t always an event focused on rides, games, and fun food, and was primarily focused on agriculture.  Farmers from Ephrata and the surrounding areas came to exhibit their livestock, crops, and handiwork.  The fair was a time for them to compete, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.  The fair served as an opportunity for agricultural education by allowing farmers to adopt new practices and technologies to improve their efforts.  It was then later on, that as the fair gained popularity, that entertainment and amusement elements, such as rides, games and music were added to attract a wider audience. 

The Ephrata Fair and World World II

Even through the war the Ephrata Fair pressed on, being utilized to support the war efforts by hosting events like bond drives and scrap metal collections.  Despite these disruptions, the spirit of the fair remained alive, and it bounced back with renewed vigor after the war ended. 

The Modern Ephrata Fair 

In the post-war era, the Ephrata Fair continued to evolve, expanding to include attractions, food vendors, and a variety of competitions from baking and quilting, to tractor pulls and demolition derbies.  As the town of Ephrata grew it became a diverse and all inclusive event to look forward to.  

Today, the Ephrata Fair has evolved into a sprawling, multi-day event that draws visitors from all over PA and beyond.  While it remains deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, it has embraced the 21st century with a wide range of modern entertainment, food festivals, and more. 

Community Impact

The Ephrata Fair is more than just a fun-filled event; it's the cornerstone of the community. It brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, fosters a sense of unity and pride, and embraces and celebrates Ephrata’s rich agricultural heritage. The history of the Ephrata Fair is a testament to the enduring spirit of rural communities and their abilities to adapt to changing times, while preserving time-honored traditions.  The Ephrata Fair is an important event in the Ephrata community that has stood the test of time and continues to be a pillar in the Ephrata area, and a cherished Lancaster County tradition. 

Aug 16

Ephrata Borough Alerts & Notifications

Posted on August 16, 2023 at 3:06 PM by Ephrata Borough

The Borough of Ephrata wants to keep residents and business owners residing in or doing business in the Borough informed and up to date at all times.  In order to do this, the Borough utilizes both CivicReady to send emergency alerts, and also the Notify Me system to send subscribers phone calls, text messages, and/or email alerts regarding important information from the Borough. 

CivicReady

Receiving emergency alerts could greatly assist in keeping your family safe.  The Borough is able to send emergency alerts via phone call, text message, or email through this amazing program.  The program collects the information necessary to do this, with the most popular alerts being text messages and emails, as most households no longer have access to a landline telephone.  The system also requires a user's address so that it can tailor the alerts to your geographical area. CivicPlus maintains this information and it is only used for the alerts you choose to sign-up for.

While CivicReady sends users emergency alerts, it also sends non-emergency messages too. Examples of messages you will receive from CivicReady upon signing up are: 

  • Emergency alerts

  • Boil water alerts

  • Electric outages

  • Ephrata news

  • Flooding emergencies

  • Public safety issues

  • Trails, parks, and pool information

  • Trash and recycling information

  • Travel advisories 

Notify Me

In addition to CivicReady alerts, Borough residents and business owners can also subscribe to alerts from Notify Me Borough text or email alerts pertaining to committee and council agenda and calendar events within the Borough of Ephrata. 

To sign up for CivicReady and Notify Me for the Ephrata PA Borough, visit the Borough website, http://www.ephrataboro.org/2366/Alerts-Notifications