You aren’t a true central Pennsylvanian unless you’ve visited Jubilee Day.
The festival in Mechanicsburg is as much a carnival as it is a reunion. Thousands flock back to town for what is advertised as the largest, longest-running one day street fair on the East Coast.
Visitors eat calorie-rich food, take a spin on carnival rides and meet up with longtime friends. Vendors selling everything from cell phones and sunglasses to milkshakes and crab cakes line the streets.
Many people take the day off work just to attend Jubilee Day.
“It’s for one day. The rest of the world doesn’t matter too much. It’s like going to the beach and the boardwalk without having to clean the sand out of your shoes,” said Jeff Palm, executive director of the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors Jubilee Day.
While the name may befuddle many, Jubilee Day was launched at a time of rest for farmers and as a thank-you from local businessmen. The first one was held in 1924.
Now in its 91st year, the festival – always held the third Thursday of June – will fill the streets of Mechanicsburg from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 20.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Where is it held?
The festival is spread out along Main Street from York Street to Walnut Street and on Market Street from Simpson Street to Strawberry Avenue.
Jubilee Day is the largest, longest running one-day street fair on the east coast. The event features more than 300 vendors offering food, games, arts and crafts, retail products and carnival rides. June 21, 2018 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com PENNLIVE.COMPENNLIVE.COM
Where can I park?
You can park on surrounding streets, but they will fill up quickly. Also, civic groups and churches offer low-cost parking at various spots throughout the borough.
You also can take advantage of free parking and a shuttle service, available from Mechanicsburg High School at 500 S. Broad St. and Immanuel Alliance Church at 800 S. Market St. Shuttles run for a continuous loop from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The shuttles drop you off at the PA Lottery Bus Stop at South Market Street.
What are the rules?
The streets become very crowded, especially if the weather is nice. Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave your pets, bicycles and skateboards at home.
Jubilee Day is the largest, longest running one-day street fair on the east coast. The event features more than 300 vendors offering food, games, arts and crafts, retail products and carnival rides. June 21, 2018 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com PENNLIVE.COMPENNLIVE.COM
What is there to do?
There is no shortage of things to do at Jubilee Day.
Be sure to bring cash. Some of the vendors do not accept credit cards.
Come hungry because food greets you at every turn. Popular stands include Sherri’s Crab Cakes, Pennsylvania Farm Show Milkshakes and Carmella’s Italian Pastries. You’ll find something to suit all tastes, from cheesesteaks to vegetarian walking tacos.
Other vendors sell crafts and jewelry while businesses set up booths.
One of the popular attractions is a free petting zoo behind Citizen’s Bank. Also, carnival rides, provided by Bartlebaugh Amusements from Madisonburg, will be set up behind PNC Bank.
Entertainment schedule
One of the hallmarks of Jubilee Day is the live entertainment with two stages.
PA Lottery Stage at the Square
10 a.m.: Trez Music Rock and Jazz Bands
Noon: Opening ceremony
12:30 p.m.: Jazz Me Band
2:30 p.m. Jeremiah Hopkins (jazz vocalist)
4:30 p.m.: Abigail’s Garden (Celtic/folk)
6:30 p.m.: That Band (dance party)
UPMC Pinnacle Stage
10:30 a.m. Alex Allegra (country pop)
Noon: West Shore Academy of Martial Arts demonstration
1 p.m. Hindering Hindsight (alternative)
3 p.m. III for the Road (classic rock/country/oldies/pop)
5 p.m. Whiskey on the Rocks (country)
7 p.m. Yam Yam (funk/soul/jazz)