This article originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
CENTRE HALL — The tents are rising, the tractors are fueled and the scent of funnel cakes hangs sweet in the summer air. Grange Fair is back! From Thursday, Aug. 14, through Saturday, Aug. 23, this beloved Centre County tradition returns for a week of family fun and community fellowship beneath the canvas.
Set in the heart of Centre County, Grange Fair is more than a fair; it’s a way of life. Born on Sept. 24, 1874, as a picnic organized by Leonard Rhone, who invited local granges to Leech’s Woods near Centre Hall, the Grange Fair has since become the last remaining tenting fair in the United States.
What started with just a few families and wagons has evolved into a 10-day celebration with more than 1000 tents, 1500 RVs, hundreds of animals, tons of concession stands, amusement rides and a jam-packed entertainment lineup.
For many, it’s a generational pilgrimage and an annual homecoming steeped in heritage, where neighbors become family and traditions never fade.
THURSDAY, AUG. 14 — MOVE-IN DAY
At sunrise, tents start to fill as families set up their temporary homes for the next week and a half. By 7 a.m., “Tent City” is alive with the sound of hammers, laughter and reunion hugs.
As the sun dips below the mountains, the Judging Arena hosts the Junior Rabbit Show at 7 p.m., kicking off the agricultural competitions that are the heartbeat of the fair.
FRIDAY, AUG. 15 — OPENING DAY
Grange Fair officially opens with a morning Health Walk sponsored by Mount Nittany Health at 9 a.m. Walkers can meet at the Southside Stage for a spirited community stroll.
Throughout the day, Celtic Nations Duo will bring lively tunes to Jubilee Grove at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., while children and families can meet their favorite farm animals at 4 p.m. in the Judging Arena.
But the real horsepower roars in at 6 p.m. with the gas and diesel trucks pull at the Competition Track. And as night falls, country music star Darryl Worley takes the Grandstand stage at 8 p.m., promising a night of patriotic tunes and feel-good hits.
SATURDAY, AUG. 16 — RUN, PULL, ROCK
Lace up your sneakers for the Grange Fair 5K, sponsored by Encompass Health. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. with the race starting at 7:30 a.m.
Agricultural excitement kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with the Junior Dairy Show, followed by the always-thrilling Farm Tractor Pull at 10 a.m.
In the afternoon, catch live music from Hillbilly Diesel at 3 and 4:30 p.m. at the Southside Stage. \
Tractor pull fans return at 6 p.m. for hot stock tractors, mini rods and antiques. Cap the evening with the deep voice and black threads of Terry Lee Goffee as he delivers “The Ultimate Tribute to Johnny Cash” at 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUG. 17 — FAITH, FUN AND FAMILY
Start the morning with soul at the Cowboys for Christ church service at 8 a.m. at the Equine Center.
At 10 a.m., garden tractors get their moment to shine with youth and mod/pro stock pulls. The action continues with a cornhole tournament at noon and the Junior Sheep Show at 4 p.m.
Live music returns to Jubilee Grove with Hops and Vines playing their electric mix of pop and rock at 4 and 5:30 p.m.
Whether relaxing with a lemonade or cheering on youth competitors, Sunday at Grange is a true celebration of community.
MONDAY, AUG. 18 — KIDS DAY
Kids take center stage on Monday, beginning with the Junior Market Swine Show at 8 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., Sheetz sponsors the Kids Relay Races which is a fast-paced, laughter-filled event at the Grandstand. Later, the Junior Market Goat Show kicks off at 2 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m., don’t miss the chance to meet service puppies in training with Susquehanna Service Dogs and Eastern Star. It’s a crowd favorite! Then stick around for country legend Neal McCoy, who brings his high-energy performance to the Grandstand at 8 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUG. 19 — COLLEGIATE DAY
From the Open Dairy Show at 8:30 a.m. to the Horseshoe Pitching Contest Finals at 9 a.m., this day celebrates competition, skill and school pride.
At 3 p.m., youth show off their judging abilities in the Junior Livestock Judging Contest, followed by the always-popular Grange Fair Rodeo at 7 p.m., sponsored by Centre Boot Company.
At 8 p.m., faith-based rock band Consumed by Fire brings their heartfelt anthems to the Grandstand.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20 — MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
All day long, the fair honors America’s military and leads a “Countdown to the 250th Celebration of the United States.” Events include the Open Sheep Show at 9 a.m., a pedal tractor pull at 10 a.m. and youth cookie decorating at 1 p.m.
For a wholesome good time, families can enjoy square dancing at the Southside Stage from 6 to 8 p.m.
Finish the night with an adrenaline rush as Side-by-Side Drag Racing sponsored by the Pennsylvania Lottery begins at 7 p.m. at the Competition Track.
THURSDAY, AUG. 21 — SENIOR CITIZEN DAY
It’s a day to celebrate wisdom, heritage and history.
The Draft Horse Classic begins at 9 a.m. at the Equine Center, followed by a Healthy Aging BINGO event at 10:30 a.m.
Then at 1 p.m., everyone lines the fairgrounds for the Grand Parade. It’s a colorful, spirited tradition that is not to be missed.
Evening events include a Light Farm Tractor Pull at 6 p.m. and a Grandstand concert by Erich Cawalla & the Uptown Band at 8 p.m. It’s a perfect way to dance into the night.
FRIDAY, AUG. 22 — BIG PULL FRIDAY
Draft horses return to the Equine Center at 9 a.m. for the Ladies Cart and Team Classes.
A Health Walk Celebration takes place at 1 p.m., and then the excitement ramps up with the Atlantic Pro Pull League National Event starting at 6 p.m., featuring super stock and pro stock tractors, modifieds and semis.
At 8 p.m., Nashville duo Caleb and John bring their chart-topping sound to the Grandstand.
SATURDAY, AUG. 23 — FOOD BANK DAY & FAREWELL
On the final day, Grange Fair gives back. Food Bank Day begins with draft horse youth events at 9 a.m. and continues with a family-friendly scavenger hunt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The final night of the Atlantic Pro Pull League National Event starts at 6 p.m. with high-octane action.
And just before the lights dim, one lucky fairgoer will walk away a winner at the Final Grange Fair Jackpot Drawing at 9 p.m. at Headquarters.
PARKING AND ADMISSION
Single-day parking is $7 and admission is $8 (free for children 11 and younger). Credit cards are accepted, with processing fees applied.
Weekly admission and parking are available for $25 each.
Bartlebaugh Rides and Garbrick Rides each offer $99 weekly ride wristbands. Daily wristbands are $25 most days. For specials, check the fairs daily schedules.
