CENTRE HALL — Centre County Grange Fair attendees will see additional lights and action on the Midway this year with a new ride vendor.
Sunshine Shows of Middleburg, who have been providing concessions at the Grange Fair, is slated to add a variety of midway rides to this year’s fair guaranteed to please all ages seeking amusement ride excitement.
“We are excited that Sunshine Shows has decided to join us at Grange Fair to continue our tradition,” said Grange Fair General Manager Darlene Confer.
The company has been in the amusement ride business for more than 50 years and is owned by Troy and Jennifer Benner. They are assisted by their three daughters, Ella, Abigail and Amanda.
Sunshine Shows employs a workforce of more than 35. Troy Benner is a state certified ride inspector, and all rides are maintained and inspected daily to ensure safety of all guests.
They have been providing midway rides for a variety of fairs and festivals around the state including Boalsburg Firemen’s Carnival held on Memorial Day weekend, Shippensburg Community Fair, Lycoming County Fair, McKean County Fair, Juniata County Fair, West End Fair and more.
Sunshine Shows has been providing concessions for the Grange Fair for many years, but this year will also bring several — if not all — of more than 30 rides they have to offer.
“We will be bringing a variety of rides for all age groups,” said Jennifer Benner. “We have the Gondola Wheel, Rock Star, Dragon Wagon, bouncy cars, Kidstown, and more.
Benner said while the company boasts more than 30 rides, they have never set up rides at the Grange Fair, so they are not sure how many of those rides will fit in their designated area. “But we know it will be full (of rides),” Benner said.
Sunshine Shows joins longtime fair ride provider Bartlebaugh Amusements this year in providing midway action.
Wristbands or tickets are required for all rides. The two ride providers will be located in separate areas of the fair. Because there are two different ride vendors, they each have their own wristband, and they are not interchangeable.
A weekly wristband can be purchased to use the entire week of the fair, or a daily wristband can be purchased. For those who only wish to ride one or two rides, tickets may be a better choice.
