July events in Franklin County: Fair, ChambersFest, Sidewalk Days, Backlot Blast and more
The biggest events of the summer happen in July. Here's what you need to know.
Information about fireworks and other activities celebrating the Fourth of July can be found at publicopiniononline.com.
Franklin County Fair
Monday, July 8 through Saturday, July 13
Franklin County Fairgrounds, 3725 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg
Fair food, contests, exhibits, entertainment and inflatable fun return to the fairgrounds at the Chambersburg Rod and Gun Club the second week of July. The food stands are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. The clubhouse, home to the food/craft displays, will be open 4-10 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. The inflatable zone will be open 6 -10 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. There are also some events July 6 and 7, before the official start of the fair.
Admission is free, but there is a fee to park. The cost is $5 per car Monday through Thursday and $20 per car Friday and after 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Here are some highlights from each day:
July 6: Franklin County Horse Show starts at 9:30 a.m. with pony petting zoo, pony rides, stick horse races and more; equine entertainment at 12.
July 7: 50th annual Vespers Service featuring the Cumberland Valley Quartet, at 7 p.m. on the Midway Stage.
July 8:
Youth Day (hands-on experiences to learn about agriculture), noon in the Show Tent
Fair Little Miss (6 p.m.), Princess (7 p.m.) and Queen (8 p.m.) pageants on the Midway Stage
Interstate Truck and Tractor Pull, 7 p.m. in the Arena (also on Friday, 6:30 p.m.)
July 9:
Youth Dairy Show, 9:30 a.m. in the Show Tent
David King (Elvis tribute), 6:30 p.m. on the Midway Stage
Kids Pedal Pull, 7 p.m. in the Arena
July 10:
Antique Tractor Show, all day (Tuesday, too) in the Midway Tent
The Reagan Years, 7 p.m. on the Midway Stage
July 11:
Brushfire (country/variety), 6 p.m. on the Midway Stage
Garden Tractor Pull, 7 p.m. in the Arena
July 12:
Karaoke Contest, 7 p.m. on the Midway Stage
Youth Dairy Showmanship Contest, 7:30 p.m. in the Show Tent
July 13:
Barnyard Olympics, 10 a.m. in the Midway (registration, 9:30 a.m. on the stage)
Critter Connections, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Warner Building
Kickin' it Classy (country line dancing), 7 p.m. on the Midway Stage
Bullride Mania, 7:30 p.m., Arena
Get more information at franklincountyfair.org.
ChambersFest
Saturday, July 13 through Saturday, July 20
Throughout Chambersburg
A celebration of the town's revival following the Burning of Chambersburg in 1864, ChambersFest events include Restaurant Week, Scoop-a-palooza, the Tim and Susan Cook Memorial Race, Old Market Day, the Burning of Chambersburg light show reenactment and more. There's too much to include in this list, so check out the separate story at publicopiniononline.com.
Sidewalk Days
Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13
Downtown Greencastle
Go bargain hunting, eat and check out the many activities happening along Baltimore Street. The event is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 12, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13.
"Tuesdays with Morrie" stage show
Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 21
Totem Pole Playhouse, Fayetteville
From Totem Pole Playhouse: "Based on the 1997 New York Times bestseller by Mitch Albom that sold over 20 million copies, Tuesdays with Morrie is the autobiographical story of an accomplished sports journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie’s appearance on 'Nightline,' ... and learns that his old professor is battling ALS. Mitch is reunited with Morrie and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life."
For showtimes and tickets, $54, go to totempoleplayhouse.org.
Chase-ing the Dream
Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14
The Goldfish Barn, 1436 Lincoln Way West, Ft. Loudon
A series of events to raise money for Chase Andrews, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
July 12: Live auction, food trucks, bake sale, 6-9 p.m.
July 13: Vendors show, kids' activities, food and more, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus a Jeep Ride leaving at 10 a.m. (meet at barn at 9:30)
July 14: Texas Hold'em poker tournament with $120 buy-in (includes food and drink). Register at 12:30, game begins at 1.
For more information, call 717-658-7533.
Caledonia Arts and Crafts Fair
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13
Caledonia State Park, Fayetteville
More than 150 arts and crafts vendors will sell a wide variety of items.
21+ Backlot Blast
4-8 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Capitol Theatre, Chambersburg
At this event for adults ages 21 and up, 80s tribute band The Reagan Years will perform and there will be specialty and craft beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks from Gearhouse Brewing Co. and Michaux Brewing Co. Food trucks will also be on site.
Bring your own chairs.
Rain or shine; band will move inside if it rains.
For tickets, $20, go to thecapitoltheatre.org.
A Night at the Oscars, with Shippensburg Festival Symphony Orchestra
7 p.m. Thursday, July 18
H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Shippensburg University
Under the direction of Lawrence Loh, the orchestra will perform works from Academy Award-winning films including "Ben Hur," "Gone with the Wind," "West Side Story," "Out of Africa," "Star Wars," "Interstellar," "Lord of the Rings" and more.
For tickets, $15 to $39, go to luhrscenter.com.
Homebrew Competition and Festival
2-5 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Main Street Park, Waynesboro
Rough Edges Brewing Co. hosts this second annual event. Sample homebrew entries; there will also be food from Fat Russ BBQ, live music and more. Rough Edges products will also be available.
Admission is free.
Homebrewers interested in entering should email [email protected] ASAP for a full list of rules and regulations. Beers must be turned in Wednesday prior to the competition to be considered for judging and must be brought to the park Saturday for public tasting. A People's Choice will be among the awards.
Martin's Mill Bridge 175th anniversary
Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27
Martin's Mill Bridge and park, East Weaver Road (west of Grant Shook Road), Greencastle
Elected officials, community leaders and the public are invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. July 26.
On July 27, the bridge will be open to traffic between 8 and 11 a.m.. The first 300 attendees will get a free commemorative Martin's Mill Bridge 175th Anniversary book and "Bridge Mix" snacks.
The Lizzy's food truck will be set up near the pavilion down the lane at the Martin's Mill Bridge Park.
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: July events in Franklin County, Pa.: Beyond the fair and ChambersFest