GRANBY — Charter Days returns this weekend to commemorate the town’s 258th anniversary with three days of summer fair fun.
This year’s Charter Days, taking place Friday through Sunday at Dufresne Park, will blend traditional agricultural fair attractions, such as ox and tractor pulls, with summer activities including a volleyball tournament and fishing derby.
Charter Days brought in over 8,000 people last year, according to Charter Day Committee Secretary Kim Kibbie. She expects this year’s numbers to be much larger. The event is free besides a $10 parking charge.
The weekend kicks off Friday with a performance by Aquanett at 7 p.m. and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Leadfoot Brewing will also offer its “Two-Fifty” American Lager, brewed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Saturday begins with the ox pull and fishing derby at 8 a.m. run by Boy Scout Troop 306. The derby honors Conner Mungier, a Granby native who worked as fly fishing guide in Montana until his death in 2018. According to the social media post, the derby is for all ages and skill levels to encourage people to try Mungier’s passion.
The Playfield Band will take the stage at 2 p.m. to accompany the Massachusetts Truck & Tractor Pullers Association’s official truck pull taking place at the same time. In between, visitors can eat at an assortment of food trucks and shop for local crafts. The Phoenix Band ends the night with a performance at 5 p.m.
The final two competitions of Charter Days come on Sunday with a tractor pull at 8 a.m. and a volleyball tournament at 10:30 a.m. The latter event is a new addition to the weekend festivities and requires early sign up.
Kibbies said volleyball is popular in Granby, and proceeds from the tournament will support the high school boys and girls programs.
Granby officially received its town charter June 11, 1768. Charter Days began in 1981 to honor the formation of Granby.
However, the volunteer-run event lapsed in 2024 from lack of signups. The shock prompted the town to create a Charter Day Committee to organize the annual event. The six-person committee receives no funding from the town and relies entirely on fundraising, sponsorship and their own wallets.
“When Charter Days didn’t happen, the town was kind of taken back,” Kibbie said. “It’s a big thing for our town.”
