Blazing Star Grange #71 in Danbury will host its 99th annual Grange and Community Fair on Saturday, September 7. Each year, folks come from far and near to greet each other and catch up on news.
Start off your day at 7:30 AM with a delicious pancake breakfast served at the Danbury Elementary School and hosted by the PTO. Be sure to see the raised bed gardens produced by the students before you leave! This project was done in conjunction with the Grange’s Living Sustainably program
“Sustainable Danbury” is the theme of this year’s parade that will begin at 11 AM at Restful Road on Route 104, ending at the Danbury Grange Hall on North Road. Parade line-up will begin at 10 AM, and judging of entrants will take place before the parade commences.
This year, the Grange is sponsoring four programs centered on living sustainably in the home by Gardening, upgrading homes for Fuel Conservation, and Responsible Recycling. (The program will extend into 2014.)
You do not have to give prior notice to enter a float or to be in the parade. Just show up that day with a unique interpretation of the theme. Bicycles, tractors, old cars, and pedestrians are all welcome.
Or move on to the Fire Station at 9:30 AM for a presentation on “putting up” and preserving all the great food your gardens have produced this summer.
After the parade, the Lyme Town Band will perform in front of the Danbury Grange Hall.
The ever-popular bed races will be held at 12:30 PM. Teams are formed on the spot. The competition is keen as contestants push the old metal bed from the firehouse to the Creamery just beyond the Grange Hall.
Other highlights include the horseshoe competition at Independence Park, a Baby Show at 1 PM, a Dutch Auction at 1:30 PM, and, to cap off the day, an all-you-can-eat Ham and Bean Supper at 4:30 PM at the Grange Hall. Fresh salads and desserts are featured for only $9; children under 12 are $4; and children under three are free.
At 7 PM, Cardigan Mountain Tradition will play blue grass music until the Live Auction begins at 8:30 PM.
Other Fair features include the Attic Treasures in the American Legion Hall that opens at 8 AM, where all kinds of good stuff, old and new, may be found at very reasonable prices.
A Silent Auction will be going on during the entire day so that fairgoers may put bids on items donated by local businesses. Winners will be announced after the Live Auction, and you don’t have to be there to win.
The fair will be held rain or shine. Anyone wishing to exhibit crafts or other wares and displays should call Diane Clay at 493-3650 to reserve a space.