THE BALLOON MAN

Popular Grange Fair Kicking Off 138th Year

from: statecollege.com
by Marjorie Miller
August 23, 2012
CENTRE HALL, PA— The “nation’s most unique county fair” is gearing up for another year.

The Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair, or “Grange Fair,” will take place from Thursday through Aug. 30 at Grange Park.

A “city within a town,” the 138th Grange Fair will feature a variety of concerts, rides, food, games and competitions, according to its website.

Allen Bartlebaugh, of Bartlebaugh Amusements Inc., said his family business is “probably the oldest” vendor at the fair. Bartlebaugh Amusements has been attending the Grange Fair since the 1930s, Bartlebaugh said, and provides about 20 games and food stands and about 15 to 20 rides.

Bartlebaugh, of Madisonburg, said this year about 10 of his family members are planning to attend, and will stay for the entirety of the fair.

What he’s most looking forward to this year, he said, is “McDonald’s Day,” in which attendees will get a variety of discounts and deals through a partnership with the food chain. According to the Grange Fair website, “McDonald’s Day at Bartlebaugh’s” will be held from 1 p.m. to closing on Thursday. A $7 wristband will include a coupon from McDonald’s.

Bartlebaugh said such a large event as the Grange Fair provides a host of benefits, especially to local stores, hotels and other businesses that receive a boost in business during the fair. The fair itself, he said, provides entertainment throughout the day for families. Children can see a variety of animals, such as horses, pigs and cows, and can learn about things they wouldn’t be able to anywhere else.

Bartlebaugh said he wants to inform those who will be attending the fair for the first time this year that not everything can be seen and done in just one day.

“Plan to spend the whole day and come back again,” he said. “It’s the place to be next week.”
read more:
http://www.statecollege.com/news/community-entertainment/popular-grange-fair-kicking-off-138th-year-1117883/