Product Description The Grange Fair - An American Tradition, captures a vanishing piece of Americana - one of the last remaining agricultural encampment Grange fairs in the country. For much of the last century, Grange fairs were an important part of rural life, an opportunity for isolated farm families to gather to exchange information, showcase livestock and socialize. In addition to possessing some of the trappings of a conventional county fair - agricultural vendors, livestock and produce competitions, food, rides and live performances - the Centre County Grange Fair in Pennsylvania, featured in the Emmy award-winning film, operates likes a small city. It boasts almost a thousand highly coveted residential tents and a fleet of 1,300 recreational vehicles housing thousands of families. Thousands more attend to join family reunions, enjoy the midway and watch competitions. For many participants, the fair and its competitions mark the culmination of months of work raising animals, growing produce, cooking and baking. Produced by Penn State Public Broadcasting and airing nationwide on public television, The Grange Fair - An American Tradition reveals the drama of those final nail-biting moments in which a year of work goes before the judges along with the personal triumphs and disappointments of those who participate in this unique American phenomena. About the Director Joe Myers has worked with Penn State Public Broadcasting, a PBS affiliate, since 2003. As producer/director of A Road to Independence, he won the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Chapter National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy award for Best Documentary. Working as an independent filmmaker in conjunction with PSPB, he was producer/director for The Grange Fair - An American Tradition, now in national distribution with PBS, which has been recognized with a Silver Screen Award in the U.S. International Film and Video Festival and with a 2005 Mid-Atlantic Chapter National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy award in the documentary category. He won a 2005 Mid-Atlantic Emmy in the feature/informational category for Geology in the National Parks. He has also produced a wide variety of award-winning public service announcements, programs, short features, and commercials. Myers is a 1998 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. Film and Video Production.
J**E
Recommended, with Reservations
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
G**P
Heartfelt look at a truly American tradition
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.
A**Y
I loved the sound track and watching the stories develop of ...
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.
L**A
People have traditions that keep them alive. The Grange Fair is one such tradition.
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.
S**S
Wonderful people. So glad that a community continues to ...
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.
P**H
Enjoyed this dvd
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.
L**H
Classic Americana and more than you might be expecting!
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!
C**L
Very nice
Just a really tasty slice of the American pie. Highly recommended. How could it not be family friendly?
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