A Return to Simpler times at the Grabill Country Fair

This year we visited Grabill, Indiana for the first time and enjoyed the Grabill Country Fair.  Grabill is a town of 1,000 people just outside of Fort Wayne with a long Amish heritage.  It is a peaceful town full of antiques, crafts and a country store.  Their Country Fair attracts 100,000 visitors annually, in a festival that is reminiscent of days gone by. 

Lots of people out enjoying the festivities - even in the rain

What a peaceful day of family time and fun.  Although county fairs are often fun, we immediately felt the difference of the fun, simple and peaceful family atmosphere in Grabill.  Without all of the amusement rides or the streets lined with carnival games and food vendors (there is plenty of food there!), it was quieter, cleaner and simpler than other fairs. 

Apparently seed spitting is a learned skill!

There were buggy rides and parades.  The streets were lined with local crafts people selling their beautiful woodwork, knitting, sewing, soap and candle making and other projects. It was an old time country fair, straight out of Little House on the Prairie.  Throughout the day, there were bible questions read aloud for free tickets to buggy rides or other attractions. Live music is performed every evening (bluegrass, gospel or country). We watched quilters at work, enjoyed weaving demonstrations, and watched teens, families and  and meet to enjoy the festivities. 

The one modern attraction was a pool containing 5 inflatable balls in which kids could get inside and enjoy themselves.  Our kids loved it!

In addition, we visited the Grabill Historical Society museum and learned more about the history of the area.  All free!

While in Grabill we visited Souder's General Store and a flea market/ice cream shop. We met the local quilting club, and

All in all, it was relaxing, family-friendly and all around enjoyable day.  Everyone should visit the Grabill Country Fair!












Details:
The Country Fair is held the weekend after Labor Day every year, Thursday-Saturday
260-627-5227, Ext 5, info@grabillcountryfair.com