CENTRE HALL — The Centre County Grange Fair brings well over a thousand families together each year during the only remaining tenting fair in the country. Event organizers noted that close to 1,000 families stay in tents — plus 1,500 in RVs — during the weeklong event, and many of the tent sites have been handed down through families for generations.
This year, Jersey Shore State Bank donated the use of a tent site to the Hanish family. The donation was made possible due to the support of Tides, a nonprofit organization that provides support for people grieving the loss of a loved one.
“Jenny Hanish, the mother of the Hanish Family, originally lived in State College, Pennsylvania, then moved to Florida to work for Disney. While in Florida, Jenny met her husband, Bret. Jenny and Bret were together for 21 years — including 11 married — and had four sons. Her sons, Logan (11), Gavin (9), Cody (6) and Tyson (4) love math, music, lunchtime, art and being with their friends,” Jersey Shore State Bank shared in a statement.
Upon the unexpected death of Bret, Jenny and her four children move back to State College and contacted Tides for assistance with processing the family’s loss.
To honor them, Jersey Shore State Bank donated a tent so the family could attend this year’s 150th celebration.
“The Hanish family remains brave and looks forward to happier times. Jenny and her children are looking forward to relaxing and having fun at the Grange Fair,” the statement shared, noting how the Hanish family is most looking forward to seeing the animals, the tractor pull, activity stations and live performances while enjoying family time at the fair.
“Jersey Shore State Bank is honored to donate the family tent to the Hanish family and wish them the best as they enjoy this special family time.”
