What began as a prank, the Falmouth Goat Races has become a one-of-a-kind community festival full of quirk and family fun.
The Falmouth Goat Races are a beloved local tradition. Every September a crowd of competitors and curious spectators gather in the small town located in the northwest corner of Lancaster County for the unusual spectacle. The event is held in the community park which was filled with a festival atmosphere. In addition to the goat races there was a market with over 25 vendors, food trucks, goat race merch, 50/50 cow patty bingo, pony rides, face painting and balloon animals for the kids, and vehicles from the local fire department and EMS.
During our visit in 2025, the event was in its 45th year. The Falmouth Goat Races began as a prank in 1979. After losing at the horse races several local men joked that they would fare better betting on goats instead. In jest, one of the men ran an ad in the local newspaper, and to their surprise they were inundated with interested participants. The prank quickly turned into an annual community event.
The festivities began with an opening ceremony and parade of the goats and their handlers, many of which were dressed in costumes. The races began with a children’s division followed by an adult division. The goats and their handlers ran to the cheers and laughter of spectators in multiple heats for the championship. The competitor goats included farm animals and family pets. Some were eager to run and others had minds of their own, stubbornly refusing to budge or simply flopping over. The event had a carnival atmosphere and laid back country style. Although there was a schedule of events, timings were loosely approximate, by and by. The MCs called the races and filled the airtime between heats with fun small town banter.
The Falmouth Goat Races are one day only each year and are held in the Conoy Township Park at 101 Governor Stable Rd, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. There is no admission charge, but there is a $5 parking fee. You can keep up to date on next year’s event at the Falmouth Goat Races Facebook page. If you’re looking for a unique experience with a day of inexpensive, whimsical family-oriented fun with small town flavor, we hope to see you next year at the 46th annual Falmouth Goat Races.
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