Exclusive: Celebrity Chef Sandra Lee Is Hosting America's Oldest State Fair—and Then Kicking Off an 18-Month Tour of Fairs Across the Country

Travel + Leisure

11-07-2025

There's nothing more American than a fair. And this year, the York State Fair, in southeastern Pennsylvania, celebrates its 260th anniversary as the country's oldest, in special partnership with Emmy- and Gracie-award-winning celebrity chef Sandra Lee.
Lee plans to cut the opening ceremony ribbon, crown the Fair Queen, and host a variety of festivities over the first two days of the event, which runs from July 18-27. 'When I learned about the heritage, the legacy, and the impact this fair has had on our nation, I knew this was where I had to launch my tour,' the celebrity chef told Travel + Leisure in an exclusive interview. A guests view from the York State Fair.
The event is also the kickoff celebration of Lee's 18-month 'Best in Fair' tour. The star of the Netflix competition series 'Blue Ribbon Baking Championship' is working with other state fairs—including Oklahoma, South Carolina, and more to be announced—just in time for America's big 250th anniversary in 2026.
With hundreds of food vendors, best-in-class livestock shows, a home-brewed beer contest, and a moving heroes parade with veteran recognitions, the York State Fair is a major draw for those looking for summer fun and community along the East Coast. The grounds are easily accessible by car from hubs like Baltimore, New York City, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Visitors can also expect appearances by major acts including Good Charlotte, Alabama, Rascal Flatts, T-Pain, and Foreigner. From Left: Guests riding the swing chair swing; Patrick Ball, the CEO of the York Fair.
'It has made us a bit of a tourist destination,' Patrick Ball, the CEO of the York County Agricultural Society, told T+L. (State fairs contribute $1.1 billion revenue in Pennsylvania, with York alone driving $99 million). 'Visitors stay at our hotels, eat at our restaurants, and really take in the community.'
Lee credits the launch of her entire career to fairs: she won a blue ribbon at the LA County Fair back in 1992. Here, the celebrity chef shares more on what visitors can expect at the main event.
T+L: Sandra, why are you excited about this particular event?
SL: "Fairs are homespun fun. York is the oldest state fair in the United States. I would like to call it hallowed ground. The economic impact that these fairs have has never been shared on a whole–they are a juggernaut as a financial contributor to the community. I'm excited about the Blue Ribbon award ceremony, because that leans right into my Netflix show. In any fair, there are hundreds of entries for ribbons. We're going to do chocolate cakes, angel food cakes, and kids' events–some kids might be entering a jam, or a baked good, like a brownie or blondie. The fair is also hosting its first-ever drone show."
T+L: There is a symbolism to fairs, no?
SL: "It's one of the most beloved pastimes in the United States. It's actually an international pastime. A lot of people don't realize that all these other countries have their own version of the same exact thing."
T+L: And they are very family-focused.
SL: "Whether you are nine months old or 90, you love going to the fair. Everybody has a great fair story from their childhood. I remember the first time I saw Garth Brooks, he was at the Indiana State Fair, and my sister and I went and had the best time. I saw the Judds at the Washington State Fair, and that was unbelievable. I've been to almost every fair in this country."
Whether you are nine months old or 90, you love going to the fair. Everybody has a great fair story from their childhood.
— Sandra Lee
T+L: What's going to be your first bite?
SL: "I'm going to go for the pink cotton candy first. I'm all in and totally focused on fairs this year. That is my summer of fun."
T+L: Would you join in the cow-milking contest?
SL: "Game on, if I'm going directly against Patrick Ball. I'm a little competitive that way. If Patrick wants to take me on a cow-milking contest, I will do it–and I will win."