Politics Takes a Backseat at the 89th Ephrata Fair Parade
The 89th Ephrata Fair Parade showcased a colorful array of participants, but politics seemed to take a backseat to the festivities. Following the lively performances of cheerleaders, the whimsical antics of Shriners, and the cheerful march of local Cub Scouts, the parade featured a Republican float adorned with bales of hay, representing the conservative values of this Lancaster County town.
As the local Democrats approached Float No. 119, they mentally prepared themselves for potential backlash from the crowd. Late September in an election year in Ephrata, a predominantly conservative community, meant that the reception could be challenging. However, the expected chorus of boos was less intense than anticipated; a few cheers even broke through the noise, surprising many.
The loudest jeering came closer to the end of the parade route, where a yard filled with enthusiastic onlookers voiced their discontent with the familiar anti-Biden chant, “Let’s go, Brandon!” This particular yard belonged to Brian Keith, a 49-year-old resident who has lived in the area for many years. He remarked, “It’s very much a conservative, right-leaning community,” acknowledging the prevailing political atmosphere.
However, he noted a shift in demographics, stating, “With more newcomers showing up, it’s very much turning blue. Give it another 10 years, and we’re going to be outnumbered.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend observed in many small towns across the United States, where political dynamics are evolving.
- Democrats in the Ephrata Fair Parade braced for boos from the crowd.
- Republicans gathered alongside their float in high spirits.
Overall, the parade served as a microcosm of the changing political landscape, with traditional values clashing with the influx of new perspectives in this quaint Pennsylvania town.