The Dartmouth Grange hosted their 131st annual fair and it had something for everyone. 

The fair is a gathering of local farmers, artisans, family activities and games hosted by the local grange at the patrons hall. The patrons hall where the fair is held is the original schoolhouse bought by the grange at 1133 Fisher Road. 

On Sept. 5 and 6, young kids threw balls at wooden dolls for prizes and learned about bees, while adults marveled at the award winning produce and floral displays. 

No games were electronic, and most games were played when the Grange fair first started. This is no deterrent to kids’ enjoyment of the fair, as kids cited the games as their favorite part. 

“I like the fair and it's fun,” said Sydney Gonzalez.

She was proud of how she got nine points on her first try on cup toss, which is her favorite game.

“I like how some of the games are challenging and easy,” said Rose Mallick, whose favorite game is the doll toss. 

Not much has changed since the first fair in 1884. According to volunteer Sam Manley, the fair has maintained its charm.

“I think what’s interesting about this fair is that it's maintained its rural character,” said Manley, “It’s kind of a touchstone to the past.”

Organizers also tried to keep the fair affordable and family-friendly. The “Penny Sale” raffle offered a sheet of raffle tickets for $2, and tickets for the games cost 50¢. 

Participants could also enjoy food provided by the Dartmouth Grange community kitchen. 

The exhibits on grown goods had a variety of tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, dahlias, sunflowers and more. This year, organizers awarded over 60 first-place blue ribbons to produce and flowers, in addition to featuring preserves, pollinator houses, honey, baked goods, art and eggs. 

The fair also featured a pie-eating contest, won by 9-year-old Charlie Manly, demonstrations of lacemaking and spinning and live performances from The Magic of Skip Daniels and Likewise, I’m Sure.

Across the street at the Dartmouth Historic and Arts Center, people dressed in 1800s clothes with demonstrations on arrow-making and a militia encampment, in addition to historically accurate games.

“[The fair] shows off the best of what people have done in their gardens and in their crafts,” said Grange president Corey Spence, who is a 6th generation member of the organization. “And it brings the community together which is a big part of the Grange.”