CENTRE COUNTY — With summer just around the corner, Centre County’s calendar is brimming with fun, food, entertainment and community. Local favorites like the People’s Choice Festival and the Centre County Grange Fair and Encampment, both held at Grange Park in Centre Hall, draw neighbors and visitors from across the Commonwealth and beyond.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE FESTIVAL
Although the festival has been a community staple for more than 30 years, the People’s Choice Festival has called Grange Park home for just the last several years. This year, the festival is from Thursday, July 10, through Sunday, July 13, with a schedule packed with art, music, food and fun.
“The festival was started by George and Nancy Marion as a small gathering of about 60 artists at the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg,” according to the Centre County Gazette’s 2024 People’s Choice Festival Guide.
“The intent was to celebrate Pennsylvania residents who created exceptional handmade arts and crafts in a space that was family friendly, easy to navigate and comfortable.”
The fine arts and crafts are a main attraction for the People’s Choice Festival, tackling all varieties from fiber arts and sculpting to photography and glass work and so much more.
The fun doesn’t end there, however, as the People’s Choice Festival brings in the entertainment, food, wine and activities throughout the event.
For more information, a complete schedule and list of vendors, don’t miss The Gazette’s 2025 People’s Choice Guide that’ll hit the stands with the Centre County Gazette on Thursday, July 3, just in time for the festival.
CENTRE COUNTY GRANGE FAIR AND ENCAMPMENT
The next month in August, guests will find themselves again at Grange Park for the annual Centre County Grange Fair and Encampment, which is from Friday, Aug. 15, through Saturday, Aug. 23.
The Grange Fair boasts a 151-year rich history, creating a home away from home with its unique camping aspect. With about 1,000 tents and 1,500 RVs, it is the last remaining tenting fair in the country.
“In a world where time stands still and memories are woven into the back of our lives, there exists a place where tradition reigns supreme,” A documentary celebrating the 150th anniversary of the fair last year, remarked. “Journey with us to the Centre County Grange Fair, where generations come together to celebrate the timeless beauty of community, culture and camaraderie.”
From the Fair Queen and the chicken dance to the livestock competitions and fair food, agriculture, tradition and connection bring the fair goers back year after year.
The 2025 Grange Fair has already announced its grandstand lineup and even a schedule of events. For a closer look at the Grange Fair, however, make sure to pick up the Centre County Gazette’s 2025 Grange Fair Guide, coming out with the newspaper on Thursday, Aug. 7, for information, maps, lineups, vendors and much more.
Summer in Centre County is heating up this year, don’t miss out on the fun and community connections in our own backyard this season.
