| JANUARY 4, 2020 -- The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry (“The Grange”) is the nation’s oldest general farm and community organization, now over 150 years old. It is the first national organization to include women, and it is and has always been non-denominational and non-partisan. Since 1931 Simsbury Grange has been located at 236 Farms Village Rd., W. Simsbury, CT 06092. All ages welcome, and in keeping with farming history, age 14 is an adult Granger. (Attention teens! Vote, hold office, and be a state delegate). We have won awards from the Town and CT State Grange!
Recently we discovered Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King attended dances at Simsbury Grange during summers in Simsbury!
There is no set agenda– our cause is the community! We aim to be affordable and accessible, with a commitment to traditions and an eye to the future. The Grange and its facilities are available to anyone, and Simsbury Grange is open-minded to new members and ideas. For those interested in public policy, we advocate for legislation at a yearly CT State Grange convention and ultimately through the National Grange. We award college scholarships to Grange members.
Our Grange has hosted live music, dance, magic, workshops, private meetings and parties, a tag sale and more. We rely 100% on volunteers and keep costs to a minimum. Dues are $40 per year ($10 for young people) – with generous member discounts on events and rentals. Learn more at www.simsburygrange.org or email info@simsburygrange.org
Here is a sampling of happenings at Simsbury Grange!
WEEKLY: Zumba and Irish Step Dancing! Several classes per week, and everyone loves our wood floor! See on-site signs for details or www.zumbawithbridget.com and www.shamrockdancestudio.com/ Come to our fair and see demos!
MAY/OCTOBER: Electronics Recycling - Green Monster E-Cycling ensures responsible recycling of electronics, storage media, computer equipment and accessories, and more. All hard drives will be wiped clean and there is a ZERO LANDFILL policy. Event is assisted by local students and Scout Troop 76. Bring as much as you want, and we will help unload it! A $10 optional donation is suggested - additional donations greatly appreciated! We offer this yearly on the second Saturday in May (spring cleaning J) and the last Saturday in October (Troop 76 wreath orders available on site).
SEPTEMBER: Agricultural Fair – We host the only official CT Agricultural Fair in the Farmington Valley! And it is FREE, usually on the second Saturday after Labor Day, 10am-2pm, featuring live music by Bill Benson. The Fair is a mini-Big E: contests for adults and kids w/ ribbons and cash prizes for vegetables, fruits, flowers, baking, home arts, Legos, and more. And – a bake sale, bargains, exhibits from non-profits and farms, kids’ activities, hay rides, demos and more. Vendor tables $25, non-profits free. All-access games $5. ATTENTION ALL KIDS! Stamp your map for a free hay ride!
JUNE/SEPTEMBER – Concerts on the Green, held the afternoon in partnership with (and on the Green at) the Simsbury Historical Society. June date is the second Saturday, September is the same day as the Grange Fair. Free, all welcome.
ONGOING: St. Pauly Shed – clothing donation shed available for the community (through Social Services, for special requests, disaster relief). Shoes, belts, purses, linens, and stuffed animals also accepted. Available 24/7 on site.
RENT or ENJOY OUR HALL! The Grange is a classic New England building, rented at very reasonable rates (50% off for active members). Two levels, wood floor with stage, tables, chairs, a full kitchen – suitable for almost any size/type of event! Our kitchen is certified and we are upgrading the outdoor area. We welcome community groups and private rentals. We plan to start having regular community potlucks – bring a dish or a donation if you can, and all welcome! |
