Middletown Grange Fair

So this was my first time here with my boyfriend and his friend and wife. I have never been to a fair like this before. The most annoying part was waiting to get into the parking area. It was neat to see all the animals. I didn’t realize pigs were so big! The boys also really enjoyed looking at the tractors. I was impressed by the amount and variety of food they had, and also the different rides and games you could play. Definitely worth that $ 10 parking fee.

Much to my dismay, the grange fair is only about half of it’s former glory from the 90’s. As a kid I used to compete in the equestrian competitions (I don’t think they even have them anymore?) and would spend many long days and nights there. There used to be multiple buildings of competitions including things like pie and cake caking, quilting and horticulture. Now there’s one measly building dedicated to it. There also used to be a ton more vendors.
That being said, he grange fair is still enjoyable. 4H is still a big presence and the best part is seeing all the animals. Plus their equine barn is really something, given the large oxen and mammoth seeming Belgian horses. There’s plenty to eat (at not bad prices might I add, you can actually get an ice cream for less than 5 bucks!). There’s also some regular carnival rides and games, run of the mill type stuff, but it’s there if you need it.
I just wish people took it a little more seriously for the home goods and crafts entries, really it was pitiful to see such a small collection, even though it’s good to know some people are still interested in those activities.
Also they had tractor dancing this year. That was just silly.

A great place to take thw family! We had never attended such a traditional town fair before and it was great! We will be annual attendees

The Grange Fair is a traditional country fair run annually at this site in Wrightstown, Pa. It has all the attributes you would expect from a cultural events that has run for more than a century. Livestock displays and competitions, 4H halls full of pies, pickled foods, flower arrangements, and art, with colored ribbons for the winners.
In addition, you can buy a tractor, arrange for a home visit by a landscaper or stone mason, and indulge yourself in carney food to your heart’s content. For the kids (in each of us), there is a ride area with enough spinning, dipping and diving to upset your stomach for a week. My advice, ride before you eat, or better yet, come twice, once to ride and another visit to eat. The food is what you expect from a greasy country joint. Burgers, Sausage, Franks, Pizza, Ice Cream, and Kettle Korn (my fave). There is usually a beer wagon around that pours out a local brew and leaves a wet trail of suds on the ground. Beware the drunken bees that congregate there. Man, would I love to have some of the Beer Honey that hive puts out!
Yes, there are a fair share of Carney barkers and hucksters to enjoy with vigilance, and the local politicians trying hard to find votes by giving out balloons to kids. But, you can ignore that degradation and enjoy everything else.
The place is crowded at night when the cooler air invites families to come out for a night of old fashioned entertainment. There is something special about a country fair at night. But, if you prefer to avoid the bigger crowds, arriving in the afternoon allows you a clearer view, and the ability to park and walk through the tents and sheds at an easy pace, when everyone who works there has more time to pay attention to you.
Be sure to make time to come up here. The roads around it are jammed in the evening, so give yourself time to wait in line. If you know the roads, it is easier to approach from the north or west. Take out your GPS or paper maps and figure out how to do that. You could save yourself an hour of more in the queue.
The Grange Fair is definitely a child memory maker, so be sure to start your kids early and allow them to carry on this wonderful All American tradition.

I am giving this place a good review for the nostalgia factor.
Years and years (and years) ago my childhood best friend and I — who are still best friends to this day went to the «Grange Fair» every year.
And what fun it was in those days.
Rides, games and flea-​markety stuff to buy (or not) and junky food.
When you are 10 or 12 — it’s great fun.