What’s the best thing to eat at Grange Fair? Here’s what fairgoers recommend you try

Each year, the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair attracts thousands of visitors, including many who come to sample the fair’s renowned food. Located in Centre Hall, the event runs Aug. 21–29, with over 100 food vendors offering a variety of options. Fairgoers were asked about their favorite food stands. Alicia Sowash, a Pleasant Gap resident, highlights Gross’s French Fries at the H & C Concessions stand as a nostalgic favorite, praising their quality and long-standing presence. Gary Sowash prefers Lapps Pretzel Co.’s homemade pretzels, while Tara Snyder, a Grange Fair Queen alternate, loves Kendra Snyder’s Concessions’ chicken on a stick for its crispy, juicy flavor. Josh Rosefsky recommends AC Eat & Treat’s unique crispy cactus taters, made with a drill bit and fried to perfection. Kelly Shultz and Susie Fernandez’s Two Dippy Sisters stand, known for its homemade dips like chipped beef dip, has become a fair staple since 2013. Scott’s Roasting emerged as the most popular choice among interviewees, with seven out of more than a dozen naming it their favorite. The stand’s loaded nachos, stuffed burritos, and Hog Trough sandwiches—made with locally sourced ingredients—were particularly praised. Even political figures like Michelle Schellberg, chair of the Centre County Republicans, and Deb Lucas, a Hublersburg resident, highlighted its quality and safety for those with food allergies. For sweet treats, Tyler Brady and others favor funnel cakes, while Sunset Ice Cream stands were recommended for their variety of flavors, especially teaberry on parade day. The article concludes by summarizing fairgoers’ top picks across different food categories.