Alpacas, Rabbits, Hogs And Shameless: Opening Day At The Grange Fair

WRIGHTSTOWN, Pa. — After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Middletown Grange Fair is back in action. The county's premier agricultural event opens its five-day run on Wednesday, August 17 with a spotlight on rabbits, alpacas and market hogs.

Opening Day: August 17

Location: Penns Park Road, Wrightstown

Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: $20 (daily parking), $50 (five day pass)

Animal Shows: Rabbit and Cavy, Alpaca and Llama, Market Hog Show

Evening Entertainment: Shameless (classic rock band from Chalfont)

More than 500 4-H raised animals, from bleating sheep and squealing pigs to mooing cows, will again fill the fairground barns with the sounds of the farm. The schedule is again packed with shows and competitions taking place throughout the five days of the fair.

The first day of the fair begins with the always adorable rabbit and cavy show at 10 a.m. in the show arena. Another favorite is the alpaca and llama show at 6 p.m., also in the show arena. And don't miss the always interesting Market Hog Show inside the sheep, goat and pig barn beginning at 6 p.m.

Unfortunately, due to an Avian Flu statewide caution, chickens, roosters and other fowl won’t be making an appearance at this year’s Grange Fair. But look for their return, hopefully in 2023.

In addition to the animals, there's lots more to see and do at the fair.

The exhibition barns are bursting with 4-H exhibits, vegetables, floral exhibits, home products, needlecraft and more. Free entertainment is ongoing throughout the fair. A vendor barn is filled with commercial exhibits to explore. And the food is plentiful from hot dogs and hamburgers to crepes, BBQ, water ice and Goodnoe ice cream.

For the kids and teens, Skelly's Amusements is back with rides and games.

Other fair favorites returning this year include the tractor parade, which will again make be making its rounds Wednesday to Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and again on Sunday at 4 p.m.

And don't miss the competitive hot dog pig races, which are also back and running throughout the course of the fair.

On Wednesday evening, Shameless, a classic rock band from Chalfont, will entertain on the main stage. Shameless performs some of the more challenging songs of the genre from YES, Rush, Kansas, Zeppelin, Journey to the tried and true danceable rock.