Big Knob Grange Fair sure to be a smash hit
NEW SEWICKLEY TWP. − Admit it: You want to watch a demolition derby where minivans and SUVs smash into each other.
You'll get that chance as one of the many attractions that will draw crowds to the 80th annual Big Knob Grange Fair.
Tractor and truck pulls, horse shows, bingo, bands, midway rides and homemade dinners are all part of the fun Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 at the Big Knob fairgrounds at 336 Grange Road, New Sewickley Township.
"We have new contests this year," said Bill Steel, president of the Big Knob Grange Fair.
Those friendly competitions include a First Responders and Community Officials Pie-Eating Contest, a pie-eating (with no forks) contest for the general public, a corn-husking competition, a hot dog-eating contest, puzzle building contest for ages 55 and older, and a putt-putt golf hole-in-one competition. Prize money goes to the winners.
"People can sign up at bigknobgrangefair.org," Steel said.
Besides those smashing and crashing minivans and SUVs on Sept. 2, joined by small cars, more traditional demolition derbies for stock and modified vehicles will happen Saturday.
Exhibit buildings and tents open at 4 p.m. Aug. 30. At 6 that evening, a parade and opening ceremonies feature the Freedom Big Red Marching Band.
The fair's locally famed dinners begin at 4:30 p.m. daily, and are served until sold out. The dining room menu: Turkey /Stuffing or Lasagna (Tuesday); Stuffed Chicken Breast (Wednesday); Stuffed Pork Chop (Thursday); Fish or Ham Loaf (Friday) and Braised Steak (Saturday.)
Midway rides require a one-price wrist band of $20, a $5 increase from last year.
Though fair admission remains free.
"You can spend on what you want to spend on," Steel said.
The 7 p.m. outdoor concerts are Stacey and the Wildcards (Aug. 30); Rust Valley Revival (Aug. 31); Dream Machine (Sept. 1); Eldorado (Sept. 2), with Crows Run at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3.
The full activities and entertainment schedule is at bigknobgrangefair.org
On Saturday, Big Knob Fair officials will greet and give a grand tour to a special guest − Marla Calico, president of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.
"That's an honor for us to have her with us to see how we do things," Steel said. "I'm sure we'll discuss opportunities and challenges as we go further."
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Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: With demo derbies & truck pulls, Big Knob Fair sure to be a smash hit
