Peach pies, pork chops, monster trucks & midway rides, Big Knob Grange Fair has it covered
NEW SEWICKLEY TWP. ― "Growing the future" is the theme for the 81st Big Knob Grange Fair happening Aug. 29 to Sept. 2.
An estimated attendance of 40,000 will get immersed in farm-life, food and family fun at the Big Knob fairgrounds at 336 Grange Road.
Exhibit buildings and tents open to the public 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon on Saturday.
Opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday including a parade, and performances by the Freedom, Rochester and Western Beaver high school bands.
Admission and parking are free.
Midway rides open at 6 p.m. daily with a one-price wrist band to ride costing $20 (Saturday matinee is $15).
One new activity this year is the Bucket of Junk contest. Contestants pick up a 5-gallon bucket of junk you might find in a garage or basement. Every bucket has identical items, but it's up to each contestant to turn that junk into something clever.
"And the Monster Trucks on Saturday is new to us," Big Knob Grange Fair co-chairman Bill Steel said.
After all, who doesn't like fire-breathing, oversized trucks jumping and plowing over any old cars in their path?
Live entertainment
Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. Oram's Donut Eating Contest for first responders and community officials; 7 p.m. high school band contest; 7 p.m. Stacey and The Wildcards (rock, country, blues).
Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. pizza eating contest for ages 15+; 6 p.m. puzzle building contest ages 55+; 7 p.m. Country Crew (country music); 7 p.m. truck and tractor pull.
Thursday: 5:30 p.m. Kid's Peddle Tractor Pulls for ages 3-10; 7 p.m. The Project Band (classic rock); 7 p.m. demolition derby.
Friday: 6 p.m. Kid's Power Wheels Demolition Derby; 6:30 p.m. Hay Bale Toss; 7 p.m. Redneck Relay Games; 7 p.m. Eldorado Band (country); 7 p.m. demolition derby.
Saturday: 6:30 p.m. Crow's Run (country); 7 p.m. Monster Trucks.
Nightly bingo starts at 7 sharp each evening.
Horse shows take place at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, then 7 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday.
The antique tractor pulls rev up at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday also includes an 11 a.m. chili cookoff and a Design a Cake from Cupcakes contest, plus a cornhole tournament at noon.
Let's eat
That early May frost jacked up the price of peaches, but Steel worked his contacts and made sure to secure enough peaches (and apples) for the fair's homemade pies.
Open at 4:30 p.m. daily, the dining room menu is Tuesday, turkey with stuffing or lasagna; Wednesday, stuffed chicken breast; Thursday, stuffed pork chop; Friday, fish or ham loaf; Saturday, braised steak.
"We'll have takeout dinners in the main hall," Steel said. "If you don't want to sit in the main hall, you can grab a container and take it home or sit at a picnic table."
A little help
One thing fair officials still seek: "We're looking for groups and volunteers to help park cars," Steel said.
Contact info and a full, updated events schedule is at bigknobgrangefair.org.
Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Big Knob Grange Fair brings family fun with a farming vibe
