Following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the annual Grange Fair made its return to Fisher Road this weekend to much fanfare.

“Considering that we’ve been gone for a couple years and the miserable weather for growers, we’re happy so many people showed up to give their support,” said Sam Manley, who has been setting up the fair for the past two decades. “It’s amazing how many are thrilled to help us — it’s really a testament to folks here.”

The fair, which first began at the old Town Hall in 1897, features music, food, games, and an auction of locally grown produce. 

This year’s fair almost did not happen, Manley said. He noted that members were on the fence for some time, but eventually decided to move forward in June.

In a typical year, he said, planning for the event begins in February.

“So it was a bit of a mad dash to the finish line here,” he said.

At this year’s event, guests were greeted under a large tent at the entrance filled with outdoor games like ring tossing and knocking down dolls.

Five-year-old Bernie Braun of Westport was especially fond of the bag toss through a cutout of a jack-o-lantern.

“I got each one through the nose,” he said. “Now I have enough [tickets] to get all the prizes.”

Those who played won tickets to exchange for prizes from a table run by volunteers from the Westport Fire Explorers post 774, a teen training program of the Westport Fire Department. 

Manley, who used to serve as the deputy fire chief in Westport, noted that the teens were more than happy to volunteer their time.

“That and it’s fun for them,” he said. “They also like wearing their uniforms while they’re out, so this gives them that chance too.”

There was also a display from the Bristol County Beekeepers Association, featuring a number of pamphlets about the insects — along with a small hive of honeybees doing their thing.

Association member Tim Cummings said that kids were “mesmerized” to see the display, and that many of them were excited to expand their knowledge on bee habitats and making sure to call the association so those spaces are not disrupted too badly.

“It’s all about creating awareness,” he said.

Inside the hall, patrons could browse and listen to music from the one-man-orchestra that is Len Solomon. 

“That guy is such a gem,” Manley said. “I saw him years and years ago and tried calling around forever to find him — eventually I found him on YouTube.”

On the first day of the fair, Sept. 9, the hall featured a magic show from Skip Daniels, who Manley said has been coming to the fair “for many years.”

“There are people who were young children when they first saw him who are now bringing their kids,” Manley said. “The Grange Fair is really timeless.”

He added that there was one year Daniels did not do a show, and the public made it known they were “disappointed.”

“We learned to never make that mistake again,” Manley said with a laugh.

Capping off the scheduled events was the auction of the prize-winning produce. This, along with other activities from the fair and its past jonnycake breakfast and lobster roll take out, help raise funds to ensure the Grange can continue upkeep of its building in Russells Mills Village.

Manley noted that utility bills have recently jumped from $220 a month to $880.

“Like everyone else, we’re facing a tough year ahead,” he said.

Manley added that the best way to support the organization during these times is to volunteer. To learn more about these opportunities at the Grange, visit the organization’s website at www.dartmouthgrange.org/. 

The Grange also holds meetings the first Tuesday of each month at its headquarters located at 1133 Fisher Road.

“And all are welcome to join,” Manley said.