Here's what you need to know about the St. Joseph County Grange Fair

CENTREVILLE – A St. Joseph County tradition that began in 1851 makes its annual return starting this weekend.

The St. Joseph County Grange Fair, 316 Charlotte St., kicks off an eight-day run Sunday.

“Let the Good Times Grow” is the theme of the 2024 fair.

Fair Board secretary Mindy Timm said the second-to-last county fair in Michigan has always had plenty to offer and this year’s event is no exception.

“Action-packed and fun-filled are always good terms to describe the St. Joseph County Grange Fair,” Timm said. “We have plenty to offer and look forward to seeing everyone at the fair next week.”

Food vendors and barns open at noon Sunday, which is designated “Family Day.” Grandstand entertainment will be provided by farm truck pulls and “Too Hot to Farm” tractor pulls. It starts at 3 p.m.

Monday is “Kids Day.” Most school districts in St. Joseph County have a half day Monday and the midway opens at 1 p.m.

Action at the grandstand – TK Pro Rodeo – starts at 7 p.m.

More: PHOTOS: Union City’s Tyler Kijac brings his TK Pro Rodeo to the Branch County Fair

Tuesday is “Hometown Heroes Day.” Highlights include a photo tribute to local veterans, 4-H horse show, harness racing, a cheese-making class at the community stage and mini horse pulls.

The evening’s grandstand entertainment is Farm Stock Tractor Pulls and Semi Pulls. It begins at 7 p.m.

The fair’s midpoint Wednesday is “Seniors Day.” In addition to bingo in the morning, a highlight will be “Seniors Got Talent” program starting at 1 p.m. at the community stage.

Bump ‘n’ Run and Demolition Derby starts at 7 p.m. at the grandstand.

On Thursday, the fair celebrates “4-H Awareness Day.” A charity chili cook-off takes place 1 to 5 p.m. at the community stage.

Grandstand entertainment starts at 7 p.m. and features KOI Dirt Drags.

“Veterans Day” is Friday. The fair is offering a veterans breakfast 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the community stage.

Meanwhile, action at the grandstand will be provided by NTPA Regional National Modified Truck and Tractor Pulls. It begins at 7 p.m.

Saturday is “FFA and Ag-Education Day.” The annual charity pie-eating contest starts at noon at the community stage. Other highlights include kids pedal pulls, Heartland Country Cloggers and a birds of prey demonstration.

Returning to the grandstand for a second consecutive night will be NTPA Regional National Modified Truck and Tractor Pulls, starting at 7 p.m.

The fairgrounds will open Sept. 22, though rides, games and most food vendors will not be available.

Timm said fairgoers will also want to be on the lookout for the Miracle of Life Birthing tent, “pop-up” concerts by Dewayne Spaw throughout the week, Gilmore Car Museum display and a petting zoo.

In addition, Heritage Park will include corn shelling, sawmill demos, a history of St. Joseph County’s mint production and the history of cheese making. Also, the beer pavilion and beer tent on the west end of Barn 53 will be open 4 to 10 p.m. daily.

Another decades-long staple returns in 2024: St. Joseph County United Way Silent Auction, located in Barn 45. Timm said United Way officials have indicated more than 1,000 items are available to bid on.

Last bids are due at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Holland-based Skerbeck Entertainment Group returns as the fair’s ride company.

A complete listing of all activities and events can be found online at sjcgfair.com.

The St. Joseph County Grange Fair typically draws about 150,000 people during its weeklong run.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The St. Joseph County Grange Fair starts Sunday