Aug 11, 2010 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

LOWER TYRONE TWP. – There was no shortage of fun, food or entertainment Tuesday as several hundred gathered at the Dawson Grange Fair to visit with friends and enjoy the warm summer evening. “Everything seems to be going well,” said Janet Smith, fair board secretary as the signal was given for the start of the ATV race in the arena. “We did the judging of exhibits today and were pleased with the number that was brought in.”

Dried beans, chestnuts, corn, peppers of all shapes and colors, onions, fruit, jams and jellies filled the exhibit hall.

“Given the hot weather over the summer, I think we have a very good variety,” said Sharon Ferris, board treasurer.

While some enjoyed a hamburger, funnel cake or an ice cream sundae from one of the church booths, Mark Germock of Dawson took the time to explain the variety of machinery he had on display at the fair.

A 1952 Farmall tractor, an International feed grinder from the late 1920s or early 1930s, along with a John Deere hit and miss engine drew questions from passersby, especially the youngsters.

“That’s why I’m out here,” said Germock. “To explain about these things, because a lot of people, especially the young kids have never seen these things.”

Germock, an antique collector began seeking farm machinery about three years ago and has an assortment of equipment that was used by farmers and miners prior to the availability of electricity in rural areas.

“They needed a way to do their farm work, so they used small engines and generators,” he said. “They used them to grind their feed, light their houses or operate their wells.”

There was plenty to do and see at the fair, said fair queen Danielle Stimmel.

The 17-year-old was crowned Monday and was spending much of her time greeting those that passed by and giving out treats to youngsters.

“It takes a lot of work to put on this fair,” she said, adding that months leading up to the annual event there were sausage sales, steak and spaghetti dinners and other events to help raise funds for the fair.

She has been involved for many years.

“We just live down the road,” she said. “I used to come down and help clean-up.”

Stimmel is the daughter of Dan and Lisa Stimmel of Dawson.

Madison Davis, daughter of Matt and Joy Davis was crowned fair princess.

There is no charge for entrance to the fair, parking or arena shows.