The first Denver Community Fair featured a sheep show, an arts and crafts show, entertainment, contests, seven rides and 22 game and food stands. A special contest was held that year exclusive to the Denver Fair, a turkey chase. Our first Fair was a learning experience, but proved to be a huge success and it was agreed to form the Denver Fair Committee, a sub-committee of the Denver Lions Club. This committee would be comprised of Lions Club members and other community volunteers. Irvin Weaver Jr. was appointed the President of the Denver Fair. Irvy, who was considered the founder of the Denver Fair, was President from 1982-1985. Randy Eshleman served as President from 1985-2004, Dennis Worley served as president from 2005-2022 and Brad Wolf is currently serving as president beginning in 2023.

In 1990 the Denver Fair Committee separated from the Denver Lions Club and became the Denver Fair Committee, Inc., a non-profit corporation. The Denver Fair Committee is a volunteer organization comprised of approximately 50 members.

In 1994 the Denver Fair Committee received a special honor when Miss Denver Fair, Beth Paul of Reamstown, was crowned the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen. Beth represented the State Association of County Fairs and the Denver Fair while visiting many fairs and special functions throughout the state.

The Denver Fair Committee is actively involved in the community. In the past, the Denver Fair has hosted Denver Day and Memorial Day celebrations. Since 1982, the Denver Fair has invested over $275,000 in the Denver Memorial Park – most notably the construction and upkeep of a restroom/office facility, reconstruction and upgrades to the stage, and paving of macadam in the park. An annual scholarship is awarded to a Cocalico High School senior based on their service to the community.

The Fair has grown tremendously over the years and is now a five-day event, always held the first full week after Labor Day in September. The fair now attracts over 40,000 visitors from across Pennsylvania. The Denver Fair has been a free admission fair since 1983, and includes over 25 amusements rides, 80 food and game concession stands, free entertainment, contests and more.

The Denver Fair continues to grow and evolve but has become a permanent fixture in Denver’s history. The Denver Fair is an opportunity for hundreds of volunteers to come together for one week every year to exhibit and showcase our community.