THIS IS THE GRABILL COUNTRY FAIR

This popular annual festival, which attracts 30,000-35,000 visitors over the course of three days, began in 1973 by the Grabill Chamber of Commerce. Grabill is a small town of about 1,300 people just north of Fort Wayne, Indiana, nestled in the heart of a large Amish community.

The first fair consisted of a joint community church service and fellowship. Since then the event has expanded to become one of the finest craft fairs. Held on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday after Labor Day, the fair encompasses streets lined with tents and canopies that shelter (100) craft booths. Crafts are all uniquely handmade for one-of-a-kind finds. Food trucks spaced throughout the fair give people a wide variety of food choices.

The fair is handicapped-friendly with all sidewalks wheelchair-accessible and specially-located bathrooms. There are benches spaced throughout the fair as resting spots and the Exhibition hall serves as a quiet zone.

As people shop and eat, there is strolling entertainment. Families can participate in free activities each day. The activities are all from bygone days and include but are not limited to the baby crawl, jump rope, sack races, nail driving, and crosscut saw.  These always seem to draw a crowd.  These events are free to all due to the gracious support of the local businesses.

Each evening has different musical tastes in order to appeal to diverse audiences. Seating is available but bring a chair to avoid bleachers if you’d like.

Grabill Missionary Church graciously allows parking in their large lot or smaller areas throughout the town.