St. Joseph County Grange Fair returns to Centreville this weekend
General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 11-16, and free for children 10 and under. Parking is free with courtesy carts to transport attendees from their parking spots to the fairgrounds.
The St. Joseph County Grange Fair will return to Centreville on Sunday, September 14, launching its 174th year with a mix of long-standing traditions and new attractions. The fair, which began in 1851 has grown into one of the county’s most popular gatherings drawing families, farmers, and fairgoers of all ages.
This year’s fair runs through Sunday, September 21, with an extra day of festivities capped by a free fireworks show on closing night.
Family day will kick off the week. Sponsored by the St. Joseph County ISD and Rusty Baker Heating and Cooling, opening Sunday will feature feature 4-H barns — where local youth show animals and projects through the national agriculture program — along with commercial exhibits, the Gilmore Car Museum display, and the debut of the Sea Lion Splash Encounter, a daily show highlighting the animals’ tricks and personalities. Also new this year is the Tiny Tails Birthing Barn, where visitors can see newborn animals up close. Food vendors and barn doors open at noon, and Farm Truck Pulls will take over the grandstand at 3 p.m.
Beginning Monday, the midway opens with rides and wristband specials. Each weekday carries its own theme: Kids Day (Monday) with free admission for those 18 and under; Hometown Heroes Day (Tuesday), honoring local first responders with discounted entry; Seniors Day (Wednesday); and 4-H Awareness Day (Thursday), which includes livestock auctions and SJO Motocross in the grandstand.
Veterans Day follows on Friday with a pancake breakfast, special recognition program, and the first of two nights of National Tractor Pullers Association competitions. Saturday will spotlight FFA and agricultural education, with activities co-sponsored by Glen Oaks Community College and Lennard Agriculture.
Throughout the week, the grandstands will host a range of events, from Monday’s TK Pro Rodeo to Wednesday’s demolition derby. The fair’s final weekend brings two nights of truck and tractor pulls before wrapping up Sunday evening with fireworks.
General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 11-16, and free for children 10 and under. Parking is free with courtesy carts to transport attendees from their parking spots to the fairgrounds. There will be special admission discounts available on theme days. Flex-passes and early bird specials are also offered online here.
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