SMITHVILLE – Granges across Chenango County invite the public to join them as they gather Saturday for the Annual Harvest Celebration at the Eagle Scout Park & Community Center in Smithville Flats.

The Junior Grange members aged 5 to 14 will raise the American flag to open the event at 9 a.m.

The Grange first organized in the 1800s as a place for farmers to get together and discuss issues. These days though, the Smithville Valley Grange, hosts for the day, focuses on community service and education. The Junior Grange members, for example, learn about different states and countries.

“We usually host the town’s Christmas party, and do little things around town, like raise money for the church or for swings in the playground,” said Grange member and Harvest Celebration organizer Lynn Conklin. When permanent bathrooms were being constructed at the park, the Junior Grange worked to raise money for a diaper changing table. The Grange plans to use the proceeds from the weekend’s event to purchase a security camera for the park. Recent instances of vandalism have damaged the park and a camera will hopefully dissuade such acts.