April 30, 2024 – Barn Fire Press Release
April 30, 2024
As we continue to process the loss of one of our historical buildings on the fairgrounds, we are
continuing to be reminded of the memories that will always be in our hearts and the gratitude we
feel for the amazing community we live in.
Dave Miracle, Village of Centreville Fire Chief has released a statement determining the cause of
the fire to be the powerline coming from the power pole to the weather head on Barn #42. The power
line shorted out causing arching and sparking, which resulted in the roof on Barn #42 catching
fire. The high wind conditions on Saturday, April 27, 2024, caused the fire to spread quickly
across the tar coated roof. The amount of loss is devastating. The Fire Department has put an
approximate loss value of $2.8 million to include the building and the contents of the stored
items. As previously stated, we partner with a marina who had rented the entire barn, and
approximately 26 boats and trailers were being stored in the barn at the time of the fire.
Barns #41 and #43 have suffered damage due to the intense heat. There was damage to 2 large trees
and power/internet connections.
These determinations were brought together with witnesses that were at the fairgrounds at the time
of the fire, from fire personnel that were first on the scene, and then through a thorough
investigation.
We will continue to keep the fairgrounds closed until clean up is finished for the safety and
security of everyone. Our goal is to restore normalcy as quickly as possible, while allowing the
continued inspections/assessments from insurance companies. We are in the process of communicating
with all parties involved.
Please know that we hear you and are also devastated. We are strong and will adapt and overcome.
Sincerely,
Christina Yunker – Fair Manager and the St. Joseph County Grange Fair Board of Directors
St. Joseph County Grange Fair
P.O. Box 578
Centreville, MI 49032
Office: (269) 467-8935
www.sjcgfair.com
Show & Shine 4×4 Jamboree
Event information and details coming soon!
Our Mission
The St. Joseph County Grange Fair Association is dedicated to promoting agricultural education for youth and adults. It provides a gathering place for all communities to come and showcase their products and skills that they have learned. This gives the opportunity to promote agricultural traditions for our County and surrounding areas. The Fairgrounds also provides facilities to serve the community by providing multi-purpose locations for public and private events in a reasonable manner.
The St. Joseph County Grange Fair is owned and operated by a nonprofit 501c3. It receives no operational
funding from outside resources. The St. Joseph County Grange Fair Association is solely funded and operated
by events, rents, volunteers, sponsorships, and donors.
WHAT'S GOING ON AT THE FAIR
Centreville Fair Grounds
Welcome to the Centreville Fair website. We will be [...]