On Sept. 9, the Granby Grange Hall opened its doors to the public for its traditional Agricultural Fair. Entries of jams and pickles, zucchini and watermelon, baked goods and flowers started arriving the evening before. Additional entries came early in the morning. Judging began at 10 a.m.
The front lawn was awash with potted mums in hues of yellow, orange and purple, reasonably priced and in good time for the celebration of the autumn equinox on September 23.
Richard Rulon and his rejuvenated engines attracted fair goers on their way into the hall. His enthusiasm for his craft was obvious as he described in layman’s terms the operation and purposes of his hay press, pumping engine and hand pump. Rulon’s creative business card describes him as a “Collector of Antique Engines and other stuff that is considered Junk.”
Inside the grange hall, long tables held exhibits and silent auction offerings. A large farm basket overflowing with edible farm produce, created by the Sales family of Granby’s 4-H youth organization, held pride of place in front of the hall’s stage. Information about community organizations, including The Granby Drummer and Salmon Brook Historical Society, was available from Managing Editor Jen Bell of the Drummer, and from Curator Martha Marie Miller and President Bill Ross of the historical society.
By 11 a.m. ribbons had been awarded. The mood was festive. Visitors filled the hall—viewing the exhibits and purchasing raffle tickets. Many stayed on for a while chatting with friends. There had been a generous array of home-baked items for sale; they sold out well before closing.
The Association of Connecticut Fairs sponsors baking contests at participating member fairs. First place winners of these contests are eligible to submit their entries into a statewide competition. Carol Innes (Apple Pie), above, and Faith Tyldsley (Pane Bianco) won blue ribbons at the grange fair. They will be submitting their respective baked items at the Connecticut Fair Association’s annual meeting in November, competing against other first place winners from each of the (approximately 30) other fairs held throughout Connecticut this year. Wish them luck!
On Sunday, Carol Innes, fair president, was recuperating. She said, “We had a great fair yesterday. Many more people attended this year as compared with the past and it was a financial success as well.”
