Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
A tried and true Bucks County tradition is gearing up for it’s 68th annual outing.
Wrightstown Township’s Grange Fair will run Wednesday, August 17 through Sunday, August 21 at the grounds at 576 Penns Park Road, and will once again feature old-time and quirky agriculture and animal themed events.
The grassroots, non-partisan event is expected to provide food, fun and entertainment for thousands throughout the five-day fair.
View Grange Fair Schedule Here
The exciting and sometimes off-the-wall series of events began in 1948, according to officials, as an entry to a national contest. The contest? An attempt to raise 300 bushels of corn. Middletown Grange members planted the corn for the contest in nearby Yardley before inviting the public to attend and participate in the corn’s harvest.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
A year later, three acres of crops were raise, one for corn, one for potatoes and one for tomatoes, and a two day fair was held once again to help harvest the crops. This fair saw a competition and even a cattle show. By 1950, five one-half acre strips were planted of corn, and one acre was planted with two varieties of potatoes, while 60 exhibitors participated, more than 5,000 members of the public attended. Sixty exhibitors participated in the Fair with attendance in excess of 5,000 people.
The 1950s saw the fair grow even more with the addition of tractor driving, fashion shows, machinery parades, square dancing, high school bands, television personalities, and 4-H activities.
In 1966, Middletown Grange purchased the tract of land that is used for the fair today, and shortly after erected a kitchen/dining hall. Two more permanent buildings to house flower, vegetable, hay and gray, needlework, and arts and crafts exhibitions were built 10 years later.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the fair was extended from three days to five days filled with fun.
“We would like to thank each and every person, group and organization responsible for supporting our all-volunteer Middletown Grange Fair. The costs of the Fair steadily rise each year, and reduced funding makes the task more and more difficult each year. Your support allows us to continue the tradition of presenting the Fair and continue the community services which make us very proud,” note officials on the fair’s website.
Those interested in attending can purchase either a daily pass or a five day pass. A day pass, which allows multiple entries throughout the day and for as many occupants that can fit in a vehicle, costs $10 Wednesday through Saturday and $5 on Sunday. A five day pass can be purchased for $30 and is good for unlimited entry throughout the course of the fair. Veterans will be admitted free the last day of the fair, according to officials.
Hour for the fair:
Wed – 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Thu – 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri – 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sat – 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sun – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
