Middletown Grange Fair returns to Bucks County. Here's the lineup for all the fun

The annual Middletown Grange Fair returns for its 73rd year from August 14-18, continuing a long-standing tradition for many Bucks County locals.

Between tractor-pulling contests, adorable hot dog pig races, and live music featuring contestants from The Voice and American Idol, this year's fair has something for everyone, guaranteeing fun for the entire family.

When did the Grange Fair begin?

The fair originally began in 1948 as an entry into a national corn-growing contest organized by the Farm Journal Magazine. The fair organizers invited the public to attend the corn harvest and began the tradition of displaying farm machinery, supplies, automative and household goods for sale. In 1949, the harvest expanded to two days, featuring two new events: a cattle show and a produce competition. In its second year, the fair attracted 60 exhibitors and over 5,000 attendees.

The next decade saw the annual event attracting more attendees from across Bucks County, inspiring the inclusion of new events such as square dancing, machinery parades and performances by local high school bands. As demand for more events and attractions increased, the fair quickly expanded and in 1966, purchased the plot of land in Wrightstown where the fair has been held ever since.

Once run entirely by local farmers, the four-day festival is now run by volunteers from the Middletown Grange, an organization created to sponsor the many exhibitors who attend the fair each year, striving to celebrate agriculture and the Bucks County community.

More: Volunteers crucial to Grange Fair operation

When does Middletown Grange Fair open?

This year's grange fair will run from 10a.m.-10p.m. each day from Aug.14 to Aug.18, with the exception of Sunday when the fair will be open from 10a.m.-5p.m. The amusement rides will open at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the rides will open at noon.

Parking costs $20 for each car, and a 5-day pass is available for $50. Veterans may park for free upon presenting their ID. Admission to the fair is free for all who attend.

A daily schedule is available on the fair's website where attendees can find a list of events and their corresponding locations. Schedules for each day can also be found on the Middletown Grange Fair's Facebook page.

The grange fair will kick off on Wednesday with two 4-H events: a poultry show and a rabbit and cavy show. 4-H shows will run throughout the week, featuring a wide range of animal-showing events and competitions.

4-H club returns to Grange Fair

The Bucks County 4-H club can be found all over the fairgrounds, whether taking care of their animals, participating in a showing competition or presenting their year-long projects. The 4-H club and its groups are both supported by and an extension of the Pennsylvania State University. Available to children ages 5-18, the group has several interest groups that the children can choose to participate in.

In addition to Animal Clubs, which teach children how to raise different types of animals, the club also offers Project Clubs that results in a year-long project related to agriculture, farming or animals. The Grange Fair serves as a year-end celebration for members to demonstrate their skills, compete alongside their animals and share what they have learned during their time in the program. For more information or to learn more about the Bucks County 4-H club, visit their Facebook page or their official website.

More on 4-H: One of Bucks County's oldest organizations

What to expect at Middletown Grange Fair in 2024?

In addition to Skelly's Amusement rides, there are plenty of exciting things to do at this year's fair. Several artists are set to perform in the fair's Entertainment Tent, including: Aubrey Rey from American Idol, Jimmy Mowery from The Voice, the School of Rock's "Battle of the Bands" and the Mack Berry Band.

Additionally, the Belmont Magic Show will run several shows each day of the fair in the Kids Ride Area. Aim High Canines Stunt Dog Show will also hold several performances throughout the duration of the fair.

For a map of the fairgrounds, information on parking, and to learn more about what the fair has to offer this year, visit their official website or the fair's Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Middletown Grange Fair runs Aug. 14-18 in Wrightown with 4-H, rides