Politics took a backseat at the 89th Ephrata Fair Parade, where local Democrats faced mixed reactions as they paraded through a conservative town in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Despite fears of significant booing, the jeers were less frequent than expected, with some parade-goers even cheering.
The most concentrated disapproval came late in the route, where one onlooker's anti-Biden chant, “Let’s go, Brandon!” was heard. Brian Keith, a longtime resident, noted the changing demographics, stating that the community is increasingly leaning Democratic due to an influx of newcomers.
Pennsylvania is considered a crucial state in upcoming elections, holding 19 electoral votes as a key swing state. The state’s political landscape shifted dramatically in recent elections, with Donald Trump narrowly winning in 2016 and Joe Biden securing a slim victory in 2020. Trump's appeal has notably resonated with blue-collar workers, particularly white voters without college degrees, a demographic that has shifted loyalties in recent years.
The ongoing demographic changes reflect broader trends in Pennsylvania, where rural areas are experiencing population loss while southeastern regions, including Lancaster County, are prospering. Jobs are increasingly centered in healthcare and technology, attracting new residents, which may influence future election outcomes.
While a majority of the adult population in Lancaster County remains white and non-Hispanic without college degrees, their numbers are declining. Conversely, more college-educated and nonwhite voters have been emerging, generally leaning Democratic. Local Republicans are working to reach out to minority groups in hopes of increasing support.
Lancaster County has long been a Republican stronghold, historically voting for the GOP in nearly every presidential election for over a century. However, ongoing demographic shifts and local elections indicate a potential change in political dynamics, with Democrats slowly making gains in traditionally Republican areas.
Ephrata, a town of about 13,600, is witnessing the effects of growth and diversification, leading some long-term residents to feel unsettled by the rapid changes. The contrasting political culture of Ephrata with nearby Lancaster City highlights these shifts, as more newcomers bring differing values and ideologies.
At a gathering following the parade, several women from a local retirement community expressed solidarity in their Democratic beliefs, signaling a shift in political identity among newer residents compared to the established conservatism of the area.
The following day, the contrasts in political sentiment became apparent at the Ephrata Fair, where Democratic Party members felt positively received despite previous volatility. Nearby, an elderly resident reflected on changes in political leanings within his family, linking these changes to educational experiences. This generational shift underscores broader cultural and political transformations occurring amid changing neighborhood dynamics.