Movie star Chef Sandra Lee Is Internet hosting America’s Oldest State Honest—and Then Kicking Off an 18-Month Tour of Gala’s Throughout the Nation

There’s nothing extra American than a good. And this yr, the York State Honest, in southeastern Pennsylvania, celebrates its 260th anniversary because the nation’s oldest (its legacy precedes our nation by 10 years), in particular partnership with Emmy- and Gracie-award-winning celeb chef Sandra Lee.

Lee plans to chop the opening ceremony ribbon, crown the Honest Queen, and host a wide range of festivities over the primary two days of the occasion, which runs from July 18-27. “After I discovered concerning the heritage, the legacy, and the affect this truthful has had on our nation, I knew this was the place I needed to launch my tour,” the celeb chef instructed Journey + Leisure in an unique interview.

The occasion can be the kickoff celebration of Lee’s 18-month “Finest in Honest” tour. The star of the Netflix competitors sequence “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship” is working with different state festivals—together with Oklahoma, South Carolina, The Huge E (often known as the Japanese States Exposition) and extra to be introduced—simply in time for America’s large 250th anniversary in 2026. 

With a whole bunch of meals distributors, best-in-class livestock reveals, a home-brewed beer contest, and a transferring heroes parade with veteran recognitions, the York State Honest is a serious draw for these on the lookout for summer season enjoyable and group alongside the East Coast. The grounds are simply accessible by automotive from hubs like Baltimore, New York Metropolis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Guests can even anticipate appearances by main acts together with Good Charlotte, Alabama, Rascal Flatts, T-Ache, and Foreigner.

“It has made us a little bit of a vacationer vacation spot,” Patrick Ball, the CEO of the York County Agricultural Society, instructed T+L. “Guests keep at our motels, eat at our eating places, and actually take locally.”

Lee credit the launch of her total profession to festivals: she received a blue ribbon on the LA County Honest again in 1992. Right here, the celeb chef shares extra on what guests can anticipate on the fundamental occasion.

T+L: Sandra, why are you enthusiastic about this specific occasion?

SL: “Gala’s are homespun enjoyable. York is the oldest state truthful in the USA. I want to name it hallowed floor. The financial affect that these festivals have has by no means been shared on an entire–they’re a juggernaut as a monetary contributor to the group. I’m excited concerning the Blue Ribbon award ceremony, as a result of that leans proper into my Netflix present. In any truthful, there are a whole bunch of entries for ribbons. We’re going to do chocolate truffles, angel meals truffles, and children’ occasions–some children may be coming into a jam, or a baked good, like a brownie or blondie. The truthful can be internet hosting its first-ever drone present.”

T+L: There’s a symbolism to festivals, no?

SL: “It’s probably the most beloved pastimes in the USA. It is really a global pastime. Lots of people do not realize that every one these different international locations have their very own model of the identical precise factor.”

T+L: And they’re very family-focused.

SL: “Whether or not you might be 9 months previous or 90, you’re keen on going to the truthful. All people has an awesome truthful story from their childhood. I bear in mind the primary time I noticed Garth Brooks, he was on the Indiana State Honest, and my sister and I went and had the most effective time. I noticed the Judds on the Washington State Honest, and that was unbelievable. I have been to nearly each truthful on this nation.”

T+L: What’s going to be your first chunk?

SL: “I’m going to go for the pink cotton sweet first. I’m all in and completely targeted on festivals this yr. That’s my summer season of enjoyable.”

T+L: Would you be a part of within the cow-milking contest?

SL: “Sport on, if I’m going straight towards Patrick Ball. I’m a bit of aggressive that approach. If Patrick desires to take me on a cow-milking contest, I’ll do it–and I’ll win.”