New rodeo event highlights much-anticipated annual community tradition
One of the many great things about the Unionville Fair is the chance for kids to get up close and personal with farm animals, recalling an earlier era in Unionville, when farming was part of everyday life.
The last few weeks of August bring shorter days, thoughts of a new school year and lots and lots of football. But for the organizers of the Unionville Community Fair and Farm Show, these weeks are filled with long days as final preparations are made for the beloved annual event.
The Fair turns 87 this year and some believe that with age comes wisdom. This thought certainly holds true for the Fair as organizers seem to have hit upon a secret recipe for success. Attendance and interest have surged in the past few years since moving to the Willowdale Steeplechase property located behind Landhope Farms.
Fair President, Jayne Shea says the Fair has risen above many challenges in recent years and attributes its success to a dedicated Fair Board, a hard working group of volunteers, and the financial support of residents and the business community. She adds, “This is a community that values its history and is willing to fight to keep it alive and relevant!” The Fair has finally found “where it truly belongs…on a farm,” she says, helping it to remain an agricultural fair with every intention of sticking to its roots.
In order to increase interest and attendance, the board has been strengthening its commitment to education through class trips for firstand fifth graders during the school day on Friday, and this year, by continuing the educational programs throughout the weekend.
Also new this year is the addition of the Willowdale Pro Rodeo which Shea says pays homage to the “local cowboy heritage brought to our community by the King Ranch many years ago.” She says a rodeo is the perfect fit and will add that extra “kick” the fair needs since there is not a carnival or midway.
Shea says the Fair will again support The Chester County Food Bank and The Barn at Springbrook Farm since these organizations represent the Fair’s mission. For more information, visit the website at www.ucfairinc.org.
