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MCP file photo
By Brooke Hammond, MCP Intern
PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — The Western Michigan Fair Association will be hosting the 85th Western Michigan Fair beginning Monday, Aug. 5 through Saturday, Aug. 10. The midway opens Tuesday, Aug. 6.
“It is a gathering place,” said Marcia Hansen, WMFA communications coordinator. “It is a piece of Americana. All generations can enjoy coming to the fair,” According to Hansen the WMFA has been hosting the Western Michigan Fair since 1936.”
While the fair began in 1936, it was suspended three years during World War II, which is why this year is the 85th fair.
Each year 15 board members are responsible for the planning and scheduling of the fair, which is held at the Mason County Fairgrounds.
“Fair preparation is a 12-month deal,” Hansen said. “I can’t even say we have down time. We generally start preparing after the convention in January. We are so consumed with all the details that are necessary to make a good fair. It takes dedicated people to make a good fair.”
According to Hansen fairgoers should look for Blue Ribbon Perks throughout fair week. These will be unannounced “perks” to celebrate the 85th anniversary.
The fair will also host a variety of grandstand events throughout the week such as the harness racing (which begins on Monday, Aug. 5), tractor and truck pull, Rodeo TNT Barrel Racing, SuperCross, and the crowd favorite demolition derby on Saturday night.
Besides grandstand events, there are plenty of things to do on the midway.
“We will have a butterfly exhibit,” Hansen said. “We also have our fireworks to music—this is free,” said Hansen.
The Western Michigan Livestock Council animal auction and youth and adult exhibits will still be a large part of fair.
“Our statement of purpose is to promote agriculture,” Hansen said. “Fairs now are regarded as the best way to educate the public about where their food and fiber come from. Those that come to the grounds will have a sense of what farming is about. It is also another way of educating the public about youth exhibits. It is another form of how children can become involved. 4-H is another way of producing children with life skills,” said Hansen.
The Western Michigan Fair is an open exhibit fair meaning that all age groups can participate in exhibiting items at the fair. View the fair premium book here for a list of exhibits.
The Midway will also hold a variety of activities for fairgoers to participate in.
“T.J. Schmidt & Company will be providing the carnival rides this year,” said Hansen.
Wristbands will be available for purchase each day of the fair. To view the complete fair schedule and for more information about ticket pricing, visit the Western Michigan Fair Association’s website: masoncountyfairgrounds.com.
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