After taking a year off because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Big Knob Grange Fair returned for the 2021 season. The fair took place from Aug. 31 through Sept. 4 and it is one of the biggest yearly traditions in New Sewickley Township. During the fair, community members from local areas came together and enjoyed five days of fun. Carnival rides, games, livestock shows, a demolition derby and truck and tractor pulls were just a few of the things visitors enjoyed at the Big Knob Grange Fair. 

Students from Freedom participated in a variety of events at the fair. In the grange hall, there were many contests people entered different items in. Categories such as arts and crafts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, different plants and photography were judged. 

Not only did many students display exhibits at the fair, but several students took part in the livestock showing and are a part of the Big Knob Livestock Club as well. Chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, horses and goats were shown. Livestock judging took place on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. The market animal sale began at 7 p.m. in the livestock arena on Thursday, Sept. 2. At a livestock auction, the animals are sold off by the pound, from there, buyers bid on each animal and the winner receives the meat. 

Sophomore Alyssa Grunnagle has been showing livestock for seven years. Grunnagle showed pigs and a steer at the fair this year.

“My favorite part of the fair is getting the experience of raising an animal. I’ve grown up in the livestock community, but a lesson I’ve learned over the years is not to get attached to my animals,” Grunnagle said. 

Even if students didn’t show an animal, or have an exhibit at the fair, many kids still had fun riding rides and exploring all the different attractions around the grange.

“My favorite part of going to the fair is hanging out with my friends. The best ride there is the ferris wheel,” junior David Denkovich said. 

The delicious fair food was just another thing that lured visitors to stop by the fairgrounds. There were dinners for sale in the grange hall each day, along with all the other food trucks and concession stands set up around the fair. 

“I go to the fair every year. Kettle corn is definitely the best snack there,” freshman Sarah Lisanti said.

Overall, the 79th Annual Big Knob Grange Fair was definitely a success. Although COVID-19 prevented the fair in 2020, many community members and fairgoers were glad to see its reappearance in 2021.