CENTRE HALL - Grange Fair is many things to many people, but there's one thing it offers to everyone who attends - memories.
Both young and old who attend Grange Fair build memories that last a lifetime. One such lady is 101 and already has her plans in place to attend Grange Fair.
Ardeth Kelly started attending the fair in 1945, when she was only 36 years old.
This year, when she attends for her 65th year, she will be 101.
Ardeth has a large bundle of ribbons that you can hardly get your hands around, according to her son, Scott.
Scott said in 1980 his parents bought a pop-up camper and started camping at Grange Fair. In the first two years Ardeth had paid for the trailer and rental. He said his mother never just showed one or two things, she usually had seven or more items she would show.
Ardeth had a collection she shared and allowed to be photographed, consisting of two crocheted afghans, a rug she had braided plus dish towels and scrubbies, all items that had won awards in years past.
At 101, Ardeth is still crocheting and hooking rugs but said, "I won't be showing anything this year. I haven't in awhile."
Ardeth isn't all that crazy about fair food so, for the most part, she cooked for her family when at the fair; there were two things she really liked and they were Sunset Ice Cream and French fries.
She always manages to make it to the Sunset Ice Cream make your own sundae event. "That is one of her favorite parts of the fair," said Scott's wife, Brenda.
Ardeth realizes she won't be getting around much this year, but hopes to make it to the exhibit hall.
"I just love looking at what everyone has done during the year," she said.
Added Scott, "She loves to look at the campers and we always try to make sure she gets to look around at all of them."
While she can't get around as much as she used to, Ardeth receives a lot of visitors at her campsite at the fair, as family members and friends stop by to keep her company and say hello.
"She stays the entire time of the fair," Scott said. "There has only been one time she left for a day and that was to go to her sister-in-law's funeral. But she was back at the fair as soon as the funeral was over."
When asked what she attributes to her 101 years, Ardeth said, "Eating ice cream and working. I just work everyday on a project, such as when I am making a braided rug."
She has many memories of Grange Fair and they include family time and lots of ribbons.
Look for her at the fair as you are building your memories.
