ChambersFest, Franklin County Fair and more: July events highlight community pride

Amber South, Chambersburg Public Opinion
·6 min read

July is home to the events of the summer in Franklin County.

Pride in community is a theme of this month's events, especially the biggest ones: Chambersburg will celebrate its claim to Civil War fame and the evolution that historical event ignited, while rural life and local interests will be in the spotlight during the county fair.

Open your calendar and start planning for the many activities happening in July.

Sidewalk Days

Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9

Downtown Greencastle

Whether you are looking for some bargains or just a bit of fun, this 56th annual summer sale along Baltimore and South Carlisle streets is the place to go. It will be open 10 a.m to 8 p.m. July 8 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9. It will take place rain or shine.

ChambersFest

Saturday, July 8 through Saturday, July 15

Throughout Chambersburg

After Confederate troops burned down part of Chambersburg amid the Civil War in 1864, the townspeople rallied and made the town bigger and better than before. ChambersFest was established in 1986 to celebrate that resilience and the rebirth of the town.

Starting at dusk on Saturday, July 30, 2019, lights filled the sky downtown to simulate an event that took place over a century ago. Reenactors filled the front steps of the Visitor's Center for 1864: The Burning. The event, started in 2011 for the Civil War's Bicentennial, commemorates when locals started ChambersFest in 1986 to shine a light on Chambersburg's past. On July 30, 1864, the town was burned to the ground by Confederates. Instead of wallowing in despair, residents rebuilt - and that showed the resilience that ChambersFest celebrates over two centuries later.

Here’s a rundown of the main events:

Restaurant Week: More than 25 local restaurants will offer specials, deals and prizes throughout the week.

Tim and Susan Cook Memorial 1-Mile Race/Walk: People from all around will descend on Chambersburg the morning of July 8 for this annual event that honors a Chambersburg teacher/track coach and his wife, who were killed in a car accident in 2002. Beginning at Chambersburg Area Senior High School, the women’s race/walk starts at 8 a.m. and the men’s takes off at 8:30. Money raised supports the Tim and Susan Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund, which annually awards scholarships to two CASHS seniors. Participants can register on race day at 7 a.m. or in advance online through the Cumberland Valley Business Alliance.

Scoop-a-palooza: Try samples of ice cream flavors both new and familiar from businesses from around the area — and vote for your favorite — in the cafeteria at Chambersburg Area Senior High School, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 8. There will also be kids’ activities and a local celebrity will become a “human sundae" at 12:30. Tickets will be available at the door ($8 adults, $5 ages 3-10), and you can get them in advance online for a bit cheaper. See the vendor list and other details at scoopapalooza.org.

Old Market Day: Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. July 15, vendors of all kinds will line downtown streets for this huge summer street festival. There will also be food trucks, community organizations, live entertainment and special promotions at downtown businesses.

A Cappella and Unplugged Final: Acoustic musicians and acappella singers have been competing in recent weeks in hopes of making it to the final contest, which will take place at 7 p.m. July 15 at Courthouse Plaza. The winner will get $500 and will perform immediately before the light show reenactment of the Burning of Chambersburg. The Franklin County Visitors Bureau is promoting the contestants on its Facebook page.

1864: Ransoming, Burning and Rebirth of Chambersburg: ChambersFest will culminate with this annual reenactment of the Burning of Chambersburg. Living historians and special effects will bring to life the history of how Confederate soldiers torched the town over an unpaid ransom on July 30, 1864, and what the townspeople did to survive and ultimately thrive. Be in Memorial Square by dusk on July 15.

Some other events include an exhibit on the former Stanley Company July 11-15 at the Franklin County Historical Society/the Old Jail; outdoor concerts at 7 p.m. July 9 and July 13 at Chambersburg Memorial Park; tours of WellSpan Health's Mobile Mammography unit, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12 in the parking lot beside the Shook Home (no screenings); and tours of the historic Zion Reformed United Church of Christ, one of the Rose Rent churches, 10 a.m. to noon July 15.

See the full schedule of ChambersFest events and get more information at chambersburg.org/chambersfest.

Franklin County Fair

Sunday, July 9 through Saturday, July 15

Chambersburg Rod and Gun Club, 3725 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg

The community will celebrate local farming and agriculture when the Franklin County Fair opens for the 58th year in the second week of July. There will be livestock shows, food and craft exhibits, truck and tractor pulls and live music throughout the week. Multiple bounce houses and other inflatable attractions will be open (6-10 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday) to keep the kids happy.

Here are some highlights:

  • 49th annual Vespers Service: 7 p.m. on the midway stage. Rev. Garnet Myers, of St. Thomas, will preach and Daystar will provide gospel music.

  • Franklin County Fair Little Miss, Princess and Queen contests: Monday at 6, 7 and 8 p.m., respectively, on the midway stage.

  • Youth Dairy Show: Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m. in the show tent.

  • Celebrity Milking Contest: 8 p.m. Wednesday in the show tent.

  • The Reagan Years: The 1980s tribute band will perform two shows on Thursday, at 7 and 9 p.m. on the midway stage

  • Talent Contest: 7 p.m. Friday on the midway stage.

  • Bullride Mania: 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the arena.

  • The Antique Tractor Show and Baby Barnyard will be open all day Monday through Saturday

Be sure to come hungry so you can fill up on your favorite fair food. The food stands will open at 10 a.m. each day (but 5 p.m. on Sunday).

Admission is free, but it will cost $5 to park Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday and Saturday. There is a fee for some attractions, including the inflatables (one price covers all night).

If you are interested in participating in any of the exhibits or contests, you must submit an application by June 30. Check out the exhibitors' book at franklincountyfair.org for details.

We've only listed a selection of the fair's activities. Check out the fair events book on the fair website to learn about other things on the schedule.

Sip, Stroll & Savor

Saturday, July 22

Downtown Chambersburg

Downtown Chambersburg Inc. is combining its summer Sip & Stroll and its International Food Crawl to make one big event highlighting the myriad tastes local restaurants, cafes, breweries and more have to offer.

Tickets range from $30 to $50, and guests can choose to "sip" (21-plus only) or "savor" (food) or partake in both. When buying tickets, you will choose a 3 1/2 hour block to attend between 12:30 and 5 p.m. ID is required the day of the event to access alcoholic beverages. Ticket sales end July 20.

Buy tickets and get more information via Eventbrite or the event's Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Franklin County Fair, ChambersFest, Sidewalk Days, more July events