Carlisle Summerfair
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About Carlisle Summerfair


Established in 1977

Carlisle Summerfair was created by the late Wayne Powell, formerly the Publisher of The Sentinel. After the 1976 Bicentennial celebration he wanted to create an event that would give people a reason to stay home over the 4th of July versus leaving for vacation. The commitment of the volunteers to provide family-friendly events has been celebrated since the first year of Carlisle Summerfair in 1978. We thank the dedicated men and women who have made and will continue to make Summerfair what it is today! As our community comes together, we celebrate together, and that was the vision that Wayne Powell had back in 1977. ​

Our Goal

Our board of directors is made up entirely of volunteers from throughout the greater Carlisle area. Some represent businesses while others serve as community volunteers. Our goal is to offer free, family-friendly events around the 4th of July holiday for the Carlisle area. We want our region’s families to be able to relax and enjoy activities close to home. With the generous support of many of our great business sponsors, we are able to put on over 35 events each year over about a week-long period of time that include things like baby races, a kid’s carnival, mini-golf tournament, concerts, the Harrisburg Symphony concerts, open swimming pool nights, fishing derby, musical, and many other events. There truly is something for everyone.​

2025 Carlisle Summerfair Board Members
 John Aigeldinger, Jillian Bazink, Mike Black, Brad Cashman, George Douglas, Jacki Fleniken-Powell, Connie Hollenbaugh, Isabelle Harman,
​Jennifer Love, Jeff Merritt, Heather Novack, Kelsey Paul, Jeff Seiple, Billy Sellers, Kelly Smith, and Russ Yinger 

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Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.    - Elizabeth Andrew
​Please use our ​contact form if you have an interest in helping Summerfair

Past Summerfair Chairs

1978 - Wayne Powell
1979 - Wayne Powell
1980 - Don Esper
1981 - John Ross
1982 - Denver Tuckey
1983 - Jack Weller
1984 - Albert (Skip) Marcello
1985 - Donald Raley
1986 - Lyle Shughart
1987 - Kirby Burkholder
1988 - Diane Vaughn
1989 - Dave Johnson
1990 - Albert Masland
1991 - Aaron Hurwitz
1992 - Dan Kingery
1993 - Brad Adcock
1994 - Deborah Ryerson
1995 - Dr. Robert Miller
1996 - Michael Hurley
1997 - Michael Eschenmann
1998 - Kathy Snyder
1999 - Joan Dickinson
2000 - Michael Hanft
2001 - Jim Jones
2002 - Denny Lebo
2003 - Fred Withum
2004 - Dottie Warner
​2005 - Beth Eppley
2006 - Sean Shultz
2007 - Heather Mowers Novack
2008 - Curtis Stambaugh
2009 - Deb Sowers
2010 - Mark Blum
2011 - Robert Byrne
2012 - Jeff Seiple
2013 - Russ Yinger
2014 - BJ Cashman
2015 - Dottie Warner
2016 - Tara Salisbury
2017 - George Douglas
2018 - John Allen
2019 - John Allen
2020 - Canceled
2021- Canceled
2022 - David Dukes
​2023 - Kelsey Paul
​2024 - Kelsey Paul
​2025 - Kelsey Paul
  • Schedule
  • Map
  • Registration
  • About
  • Sponsors
  • Contact