PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured, from left, Commissioner Amber Concepcion, Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins, Barry Yarnell, Ben Haagen and Commissioner Steve Dershem pose for the proclamation of Grange Fair Days across the County Aug. 15 to Aug. 23.

BELLEFONTE — The Grange Fair, Centre County’s most cherished summer tradition, kicks off its 151st year this week.

In a formal proclamation honoring the event’s rich history and its impact on the region, Centre County Commissioners declared the duration of the festival, Aug.15-23, as Grange Fair Days.

The last remaining tenting fair in the country, the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair is both the largest fair in Pennsylvania by geographic area and the most economically impactful — bringing in more than $20 million annually to Centre Hall, its home since 1874.

The event, which started as a quaint, one-day “pic-nik” with about 3,000 participants, is now the third most attended festival in the state.

Today, the event is key in preserving the Grange lifestyle in the community and serves an important role in encouraging fellowship amongst the thousands who come to stay in camps and RVs, highlighting local vendors among the 325 concessions and attractions, attracting premier entertainment to the area and fostering agricultural participation, especially in youth through 4-H and FFA.

“We’re looking forward to the 151st Centre County Grange Fair,” said former fair president and Grange Fair Assistant Secretary Ben Haagen. Haagen was joined by current president Barry Yarnell at Tuesday’s commissioner’s meeting to share some of the exciting happenings planned for this year’s fair.

Among the highlights mentioned by Yarnell and Haagen are several world-class musicians, many of whom are award winners or nominees, including famed-Johnny Cash impersonator Terry Lee Goffee and Christian artists Darryl Worley and the duo Caleb & John.

The fair officially opens Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. with the coronation of the 2025 Grange Fair Queen. The festival begins in earnest the following day on Thursday with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Both events will take place at the Southside Stage.

“We’re looking forward to seeing each and every one of you,” said Yarnell.

The commissioners shared that they plan to attend the opening ceremony and, as always, encourage the public to take part in the festivities, especially those hosted by Centre County government. Events hosted by the county include the commissioners’ Ice Cream Social on Monday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. at the Grandstand, and the Centre County Government Job Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the county government tent on YPH Street near the Emporium.

Commissioner Amber Concepcion also announced that the County Elections Office will debut its mobile election van at the fair, providing voter registration forms and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about the November ballot.

“It’ll be coming this fall to a neighborhood near you somewhere in Centre County, so that’s an exciting new thing we are doing this year,” Concepcion said.

The commissioners then shared their gratitude for the hard work of the fair committee, who make the event possible.

“Thank you for all you do. I know this is a labor of love for both of you and everybody in the Grange Fair organization,” said Commissioner Steve Derhsem. “This isn’t something you plan just a week out and expect it to all work… when you close up one year, you’re already planning for the next.”

In turn, the committee members expressed their gratitude to the county government and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, which provides prison labor to assist with setting up the fair’s 1,001 tents.

Reflecting the deep connection the community has to the event, Commissioner Dersehem added, “It wouldn’t be Centre County, and it wouldn’t be summer, if there wasn’t the Grange Fair.”

For the daily schedule of events, visit www.grangefair.com/daily-schedule/. For general information, visit www.grangefair.com/. Weekly admission and parking are $25 each, while daily admission is $8 per person and parking is $7. Children 11 and under enter free.