Wednesday, Sept. 25 marks the 89th Ephrata Fair Parade. This year, the Manheim Township Marching Band will perform at the parade, playing Ipso Funko, a fun and fast-paced pep band song, written by Larry Norred.

“The song is a fan favorite and this year, we plan to do amazing again and truly show the judges how awesome we are,” said junior clarinetist Elana Zoltowski.

Last year, Township took first place and won the “Best Band” award, meaning they are now more than ever looking forward to once again putting on a fun show.  According to Mr. Siegel, head band director, Township marching band students have marched in the parade for over 30 years and have won the “Best Band” award eight times since 2008. For junior piccoloist Tori Pongonis, the best part of marching in the Ephrata Parade is how it brings the band together. “We were all struggling, but we were struggling together,” she said.

The band will have an hour-long practice this Tuesday to review the basics of marching in a parade. For the song, however, the band has been practicing it since August last summer and performed it multiple times.

The first Ephrata Fair took place in 1922 and only lasted for one day. Over time, planners have extended it due to the popularity of the event and now the fair takes place over five days, usually Tuesday through Saturday. The 2024 Ephrata Fair officially starts on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and will go through Saturday. Non-profits, businesses and local schools come together to create floats and perform in the parade. In addition to the parade, there are many different events and exhibits available for all ages. Petting zoos, live bands, produce and livestock contests, dozens of rides and even a scrapple eating contest are all part of the annual fair. Head to ephratafair.org to check out the schedule.

In 1932, the parade was added and quickly became the most anticipated event. Today, the route for the parade is a little over three miles long and circles Ephrata Borough. For the participants, the march will last around 90 minutes and consists of marching bands, fire trucks, baton twirlers, dance groups, floats and more. There are three main categories in which groups can earn prize money: high school bands compete to place in the top five and first place is awarded the “Best Band” award; performance groups, including dance, baton, martial arts and others compete for top three; floats compete for top five, but also have the ability to win “Most Outstanding” in the four subcategories.

The parade will start at 7 p.m., beginning at the Ephrata High School and ending on Queen Street. Street parking is not allowed along the parade route, as the streets along the route will be closed prior to the parade. However, you can park in the surrounding parking lots and streets. Arriving early is encouraged in order to get a good viewing spot but, per the Ephrata Fair’s website, chairs and other place holders may be set out at noon the Sunday prior to the parade in order to save spots.