The Grange Fair - An American Tradition DVD

Sweet tale that gets "same-y" after awhile. Could use about 30 minutes shaved off.High points:- Elderly lady who enters like 50+ competitions for her veggies, canning, and needlepoint. Her husband and grandson also rock the house in assisting with her entries.- Chunky kid who beats his brother in the duck contest.Low points:- Another elderly lady who (almost) didn't make it to the shindig, from her retirement apartment down in VA. How did this irritating person get so much screen time? Did she pay for this movie to be made? Unfunny person that you'd avoid at a party...(is there a reason her family moved her 2 states away?...hmmm....okay that's mean) ;^)- Lots of filler that gets tiresome towards the end.Interesting parts:- The Grange Queen - the skinniest person in the movie.- As opposed to the GC, the obesity overall is unreal....but then again, if you've been to a county fair in the past 15+ years, you'll be familiar...ha! I'd be much happier seeing these big people wolfing down some funnel cakes, but you never see that. If you're merely "overweight", you'll feel better about yourself... :^p

There is something inherently American about the traditional county fair- and this documentary captures the memories people long for when looking back to those special "fair days" days of summers past. "Grange Fair" follows several earnest 4-H kids raising and showing their pigs, chicken and cows, plus we meet a teenage "Dairy Princess," on tour. There are lots of grown-up competitors, too -- along with fair judges, farmers and -- since the entire town goes, plenty of colorful local folks providing commentary. These people share with us, and each other, their old-fashioned values, advice and even a few laughs. Finally, after all the blue ribbons are handed out, everyone starts to pack up and leave the fairgrounds. But this is one viewer who wishes those simpler times and pleasures could stay.

I loved the sound track and watching the stories develop of each of the different participants and catagories was so heartwarming. One of the 4H pig farmers girls said "kids now adays take things for granted", this was the best line in the movie but it is not just kids, it is many people of all ages take things for granted; there is very little that demonstrates how valuable developing a skill can be. It is not just about the "place" or the color of your ribbon, though that is fun, it is the time along the way while your are growing, sowing, harvesting and living...those are the real rewards.

I had never heard of the Grange Fair. I enjoyed seeing and learning how this yearly tradition has helped make so many memories for families. Sharing this tradition is a beautiful look into the lives of folks who once a year, come together to celebrate, eat, share, and grow.

My husband and I were feeling grateful that we’ve managed to hold on to most of our friends from childhood and we’re of the age now that a few of those friendships go back 3 generations, but this, this takes the cake. Every time I watch, there is something new that wasn’t noticed before. Wonderful people. So glad that a community continues to uphold this tradition. Now to find a recipe for flour-less walnut cookies.

Enjoyed this dvd. It spans a whole year in the life of a wide variety of fair goers. There are some really great moments captured; the sound and video is also excellent.

There is more to this documentary than you might think at first glance. We get a very real glimpse of the hearts and emotions of the families and personalities involved. Much more than a country fair story, this is about tradition and change, youth and aging, culture and Americana. Though skeptical at first, we were thoroughly glad to not only watch, but to be drawn in! Enjoy!

Just a really tasty slice of the American pie. Highly recommended. How could it not be family friendly?