Six Generations of Farming
stand behind Meck’s Produce
They’re Back! Solanco and West Lampeter Fairs
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Who We Are and where we come from BY COURTNEY MENGEL “We need to ensure prime agricultural land remains in use for generations to come,” stated Sen. Scott
Martin. One way to achieve this goal is through family farms, which have played an important role in U.S. history and remain a cornerstone of American culture. The Southern
End of Lancaster County is known for many things, especially its picturesque views of lush and verdant farmland and rich agriculture. Among this abundance is a 60-acre, family-owned and family-operated farm known as Meck’s Produce. The Meck family has operated a stand at the Lancaster Central Market since 1960. For 30 years, the stand was known as “Widders” after Irwin and Ruth Widders, until their son-in-law, Bob Meck, took over the family business and expanded its presence at the market. In 2002, Bob; his wife, Rose; and their two sons, Ryan and Rob, formed a partnership called Meck’s Produce. It was also in 2002 that the Meck family purchased the farm where their business is currently located along the Beaver Valley Pike just north of New Providence. Although their retail presence dates to 1960, the Mecks have a farming history that spans six generations. Currently, Ryan and Rob work together to run the family business, with Ryan overseeing the farm and Rob overseeing the market.
The Meck family
From before Ryan can remember, he was on the farm working alongside and learning from his grandfather and father. Ryan noted that he learned everything he knows from his family and continues this tradition by teaching his own children. “As our kids get older, they will appreciate working with us because they learned about hard work
at a young age,” said Ryan. “There are people who come here who know our grandparents, and that’s really special,” said Rob. “We feel blessed to be part of the community in southern Lancaster County. People are very supportive of what we do, and we’re thankful. The people know how to work hard and appreciate hard work.” Although Meck’s Produce continues to grow its staples, such as pumpkins, sweet corn, tomatoes, and zucchini, Ryan said he and his team try to add something new every year. In 2013, Meck’s added a hydroponic greenhouse to grow lettuce and herbs yearround. “We’re always trying to improve on our variety, and we don’t tell people how because we like to keep it our
Ryan Meck
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Celebrate Fall At Meck’s! Large Selection Of Pumpkins, Mums And Lots More! Apple Cider & Cider Donuts
1955 Beaver Valley Pike • Strasburg 717-786-4713 • www.mecksproduce.com R074929
Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-4pm • Sun. closed Also at Lancaster Central Market
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Irwin Widders at Lancaster Central Market in the 1960s
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continued from page 3
secret,” explained Rob. “We say, ‘That’s Meck’s special blend.’”
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To learn more about Meck’s Produce, visit www.mecksproduce.com or search for “Meck’s Produce” on Facebook.
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“I’m so blessed to have two sons who want to continue our family farm,” said Bob. “It was my dream to have a farm market, but they’re the ones who followed through with my dream. We have a special relationship, and I’m very thankful for that.”
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Sweet corn is Meck’s biggest crop.
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Solanco Fair Will Be Back,
Bigger And Better Than Ever
BY COURTNEY MENGEL
Many events were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual Solanco Fair was one of them. As for this year, Robert Lowery, president of the Solanco Fair Association, said he hopes that the 72nd annual Solanco Fair will be the biggest ever. After hitting a pause on the event last year, Lowery noted that he is looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. “People put so much time and effort into their produce, livestock, crafts, and more,” said Lowery. “The fair is a huge event for the Solanco area.” Since the fair’s inception in 1950, efforts have been made to make each year bigger and better than the one before. The Southern End saw its first Wednesday evening parade in 1952. In 1957, the Lions Club brought their french fries to the fair, and three years later, the popular milkshake stand made its debut. Due to the fair’s growth, the fair relocated from the property of Jerome H. Rhoads to Legion Park in 1966. Soon thereafter, the Fair Association purchased 5 acres of ground adjoining the park. In 1975, the first permanent Fair Association building was erected. The next land purchase was made in 1982, which introduced two more access points to the fairgrounds. From 1975 to 1985, a series of livestock pole buildings were added. The next building was constructed in 1985 and a large
The Solanco Fair will take place at the Solanco Fairgrounds. 6
AgCulture 2021
The Solanco Fair is fun for people of all ages. show barn was brought in two years later. That same year, in 1987, a funnel cake stand was installed on the grounds by Farm Women Group No. 15. The next addition to the grounds was a building to house various exhibits. The largest structure to date was built on the property in 2000, and the last building was completed in 2003. The 72nd annual Solanco Fair will take place at the Solanco Fairgrounds, 172 S. Lime St., Quarryville, from Wednesday, Sept. 15, to Friday, Sept. 17. Festivities will kick off at 9 a.m. on Sept. 15 with various exhibit judging. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. that same day with Carl Hess serving as the grand marshal. This year’s parade theme will be “A Few of My Favorite Fair Memories.” The officers and directors of the fair felt from the start, and included in the bylaws, that gambling, concessionaires, and carnival-type activities should not be The first Solanco Fair permitted. As a result, took place from Sept. the Solanco Fair has 21 to 23, 1950.
maintained its agricultural and family roots. “The Southern End is special because of the people, and they appreciate the tradition we try to preserve,” stated Lowery. “An agricultural fair is what we want to maintain.”
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The Solanco Fair Association redesigned its website this year. “We’re looking forward to keeping the community engaged by presenting new content,” explained Lowery.
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The Solanco Fair Association welcomes volunteers. For more information, search for “Solanco Fair” on Facebook or visit www.solancofair.org.
Fair festivities will begin with judging of various exhibits.
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Lampeter-Strasburg Community To Continue Having
FUN AT THE FAIR
BY COURTNEY MENGEL The very first West Lampeter Fair was held in 1924, when students attending the West Lampeter Vocational School organized an activity where they displayed their projects. The event took place at the West Lampeter High School on three consecutive days that year in late October. Fast forward to 2021, and the West Lampeter Fair is still running, but much has changed over the years.
the 1924 fair book to the 2021 edition, this year’s book is about 225 pages longer. After 97 years, why do people still attend the West Lampeter Fair? What keeps them coming back? “We enjoy watching the kids show their prized animals, and the food is always great,” said Aileen Lozzi, who lives in Quarryville. “It is a small fair that packs a lot of fun into the week!” Airville resident Lynne Greist stated, “I enter my canned goods to try and win ribbons. I love seeing all the different entries!”
The fair relocated from the West Lampeter High School to what is now known as the Community Grounds in 1949, and the board of directors curThe 2021 West Lampeter Fair will be held at rently has 45 memthe Community bers as opposed to Grounds, 851 Village the 13 who served Road, Lancaster, in 1929, the year the from Wednesday, fair became a legal Sept. 22, to Friday, corporation. Between Sept. 24. The fair 1936 and 1973, sevwill officially open eral contests, events, at noon on Sept. and shows were in22. Many activities troduced to the fair, are scheduled for such as commerthe first day of the cial tomato exhibits, fair, such as a chilthe Western Horse dren’s petting zoo, a Show, the baby patractor parade, and rade, the community the West Lampeter play, and the LiveFair Queen Contest. stock Queen ConLast year, Julie Stintest - now known as son was named the Fair Queen Confair queen and Kytest. It may come lie Turner was the as no surprise that The West Lampeter Fair will take place at the runner-up. when comparing Community Grounds.
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said Donald Welk Jr., president of the West Lampeter Fair. “People can come and enjoy great food, see people they haven’t for a while, and have a good time!” To learn more about the West Lampeter Fair, visit www.westlampeterfair.com or search for “West Lampeter Fair” on Facebook. “The fair is a good way to promote agriculture because people can see where their food comes from and interact with the community,” stated Welk. “The fair is agricultural and educational, and we have a very good area to keep it that way.”
Fair festivities include judging of various exhibits. Thursday, Sept. 23, will bring tractor games, the baby parade, and a concert with music provided by the LampeterStrasburg High School marching band. On the last day of the fair, there will be an all-Western horse show, a calf roping contest, and the naming of the winners of the Youth Encouragement Awards. “Getting together with everyone and seeing how the community supports a cause makes everything worthwhile,”
A tractor parade is an annual feature of the West Lampeter Fair.
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