BERN TWP., Pa. – The Berks County Fair will once again bring the community together, celebrating agriculture, tradition and the roots of Berks County.
“Right now, we’re setting up, getting the cows here, getting relaxed, getting them eating all that kind of fun stuff, but really we just come hang out, talk to our fair friend family, but overall, it’s all here for the animals and the beautiful livestock that we’re able to have,” said Abby Kline of Mertztown.
While the midway and entertainment were still getting ready, exhibitors were already hard at work getting their animals prepared for competition.
“It’s just fun, and it, it teaches you a lot about livestock and more about, like, how to handle your money, too, because then you get premium checks, and you sell your lambs at the end of your project at your county fair,” said Dakota Keifer of Lebanon.
From dairy cattle to sheep, young exhibitors spend months preparing for this week.
“I have two dairy heifers this week. I have a spring yearling ‘red and white,’ and I have a summer yearling ‘black and white,’” Kline said. “Basically, I come, make them look nice and pretty, show them off, and just see how good they do.”
Before the fair officially opens, it’s all about getting animals settled in, weighed and ready for the show.
“We will show the sheep on Wednesday. So, right now we’re just getting them in weight classes to see where they’re at,” Keifer said.
Beginning Wednesday, the fairgrounds in Bern Township will come alive with livestock shows, live music, farm exhibits and classic country competitions, giving families a chance to experience everything the Berks County Fair has to offer.