The Sumpter Township Annual
Celebration was instituted in 1975 by
the late Adonna Demski and was called
Sumpter Days. It was a one-day event
staged at Graham Park on Wear Road.
Approximately 10 volunteers arranged
all the festivities, which included fire-
works, crafts, a parade, honored citi-
zens, a carnival and a queen contest.
That first year, only about 100 people
attended the event.
In 1976, our national Bicentennial
was celebrated and the festival parade
consisted of several floats. The atten-
dance that year at Sumpter Days was
approximately 2,000. Subsequent
Sumpter Days took place at Graham
Park with similar activities and in 1984
and 1985 the festival became a four-day
event.
A year of change was marked in 1986
when the theme of the festival became
“country” and evolved into Sumpter
Country Fest. The festival was moved
from the Graham Park location to the
Sumpter Township Fair Grounds. In
1987, a championship Rodeo and
Demolition Derby were added and the
festival continues to expand every year.
The Sumpter Country Fest has con-
tinued to improve and add entertain-
ment that will bring enjoyment to the
community and visitors from the sur-
rounding areas. Attendance figures
have grown to approximately 20,000
Page 1
See
Tradition,
page 2
Attendance figures
have grown
to approximately
20,000 plus.
”
A township tradition
Annual Country Festival marks 33rd year in Sumpter
