tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6519442581694168395.post2805094569402385181..comments2023-10-01T05:21:02.436-04:00Comments on Pineapple Ponderings: Grange Fair...it does wonders for your self-esteem!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12213370736228099141noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6519442581694168395.post-21494492712136897132013-01-10T10:22:44.388-05:002013-01-10T10:22:44.388-05:00Beth - As my Family has had a tent at "Grange...Beth - As my Family has had a tent at "Grange Fair" for over 100 years, I agree with your impression that people either "get" or "don't get" what the Fair is all about. I have vivid, wonderful childhood memories of simply being with Family (Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Cousins) to enjoy nothing more than each other's company. Sure, riding the carnival rides, eating the carnival food, and immersing ourselves in the "Encampment" lifestyle IS what the Fair is all about. For more worldly entertainment, exhibits, sights, etc., indeed, go to the Bloomsburg Fair and others than can attract a more "upscale" feel. Nothing wrong with that. BUT! For MY money, nothing compares to the pure, innocent appeal of FAMILY "roughing it" with all the modern conveniences of life packed into a green, musty army tent. Nostalgia? Yes. With a whole lot of whirlwind memories of colorful Family members (many now deceased) gathering for the more simple of life's pleasures. By the way, you can spot a native of central PA as they refer to the week-long festivities as "Grange Fair." If someone calls it THE Grange Fair, they're giving themselves away as a newcomer. Until last summer (2012), I had not been back to "Grange Fair" in over 30 years. I had such a great time spending the night at our Family tent near the Headquarters Building, I plan to come back EVERY year. The ghosts of my Family were still there and welcomed me all over again. Maybe I'll see you there, too! Michael Neff, Mansfield PA - MDNeff@juno.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com