The Pennsylvania State Grange Convention will be held from Oct. 17 to 20 at the Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh North, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township.

The Grange is the oldest agricultural and rural advocacy organization of its kind in the United States. There are seven Grange clubs in Butler County.

About 350 Grange members are expected to attend the state convention.

One of the many events planned for the extended weekend is open to the public. Elizabeth Shumaker, senior director of operations at UPMC Wound Healing Services and UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers, will speak on breast cancer in both women and men at 7 p.m. Oct. 18.

A question-and-answer session with Shumaker will follow the presentation, as will a collection of donations to benefit breast cancer research.

Activities are planned for the Grange members who attend, including an opening tour of Marburger Dairy in Forward Township and other regional sites, a presentation of handmade quilts for veterans in the Quilts of Valor program, judging of Grange displays, election of state Grange officers, announcement of Grange Foundation scholarship winners, a youth public speaking contest and the culminating banquet, which will include a performance by the Cranberry Men’s Choir.

The member designated Granger of the Year will be announced at the banquet.