SHELBURNE — Barbara Giguere has gone to the Shelburne Grange Fair for as long as she can remember.
“I grew up in Shelburne going to the fair,” she said. “It’s become a lifelong pursuit.”
Now, Giguere chairs the event, which will take place Saturday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, 17 Little Mohawk Road.
She explained the highlight of the fair, in her opinion, is the chicken barbecue. Chicken is grilled all day long to raise money for the Grange, with a ticket cost of $15. But the food isn’t the only draw.
The exhibition hall is filled with submissions from the community, including flowers, vegetables, baked goods and crafts. Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded in each competition.
“I love the exhibits because it’s nice to see what other people in town are making,” Giguere said.
At the conclusion of the fair, all unclaimed items in the exhibition hall are auctioned off to the public. This money goes into the competition prize pool for the next year.
In addition to those activities, there is also a corn husking competition, local music, yard games, face painting and a weaving demonstration.
The Shelburne Grange Fair has been held for more than 70 years, with Giguere noting she has photos of her great-grandmother enjoying the same activities that can be enjoyed this weekend. Despite its history, this is the first time the fair has taken place in two years. The organizers canceled the event because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are excited to be back.
“People don’t go to small fairs as much as they used to,” she said. “I feel like it’s a hidden treasure. It is a wonderful event. We have a good time.”
■9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Music from disc jockey Jason Antes; exhibit hall, information tent and ticket booth open.
■9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Concessions will sell coffee and doughnuts, hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers, plus beverages and more.
■9 to 9:30 a.m. — Corn husking competition.
■11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Weaving demonstration with the Weavers Guild of Springfield.
■10 a.m. to noon — Music from Greg Reil.
■11 a.m. — Shriner’s clowns and face painting.
■Noon to 1:30 p.m. — Chicken barbecue.
■12:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Music from Skeele.
■1 to 3 p.m. — Yard games.
■4 to 4:30 p.m. — Pick up exhibits
■4:30 p.m. — Auction of local produce, baked goods and more.
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.