Your guide to the Elizabethtown Fair, which starts today

While many enjoy the traditions and say they like that fairs don’t seem to change, local fairs have evolved over the decades. The Elizabethtown Fair, for example started in 1973 with one tent for ag entries, one food stand and a few rides. Now there are more than 3,000 ag exhibits to be judged, 40 food stands, 800 animals, 150 commercial exhibits, daily contests and entertainment on two stages.

Here's more about this year's fair:

When: Aug. 22-27. Hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Where: Fairgrounds, 900 E. High St.

Year started: 1973.

Highlights: Fair queen competition at 5:45 p.m. Monday; talent show (with lip sync category) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; horseshoe pitch contest at 10 a.m. Saturday; and baby parade (with “American Heroes” theme) at 10:20 a.m. Saturday.

New this year: Cornhole tournament at 6 p.m. Wednesday; dairy goat milking demo at 10 a.m. Saturday; mozzarella cheese demonstration at 11 a.m. Saturday; and rabbit-hopping demonstration at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Cost: Free admission and street parking. Parking at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church is $5 per car.

Money-saving tip: On Monday, $20 buys rides from 6-11 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, $15 buys rides from 2-6 p.m.; on Saturday, $18 buys rides from noon-5 p.m.

Food not to miss: Elizabethtown Area Grange’s milkshakes (vanilla, chocolate and strawberry); baked goods from the competitive exhibits will be auctioned at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Organized by: A board of 24 directors, who are volunteers.

More information: etownfair.com or 367-0508

Learn more about Lancaster County's seven fairs: Everything you need to know about Lancaster County's fairs