Luncheon details fair events

A newly established legacy fund, several facility improvements, a monument recognizing Vietnam veterans and the promise of plenty of live music were some of the key components noted during Wednesday’s annual Media Day Luncheon, hosted by the St. Joseph County Grange Fair Association.

Fair manager Bill Johnson said the seven-day event starts Sunday and will include many of the traditional components of the fair. Crowd-favorites, of course, include 26 rides, 17 carnival games and 61 food vendors.

Johnson and board members covered plenty during the 60-minute event, covering a variety of topics that included details about Wednesday’s arrival of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall traveling exhibit, music and entertainment on the Southern Michigan Bank Free Stage, the finals of River Country Has Talent, numerous attractions at the Pioneer Community Tent including a food drive, rides and games by Mid-America Shows and the St. Joseph County United Way silent auction.

Johnson said 1,006 items have been donated as of Wednesday afternoon. For the first time in the lengthy history of the annual fundraiser, bids can be placed online.