79th Western Michigan Fair begins Tuesday.

79th Western Michigan Fair begins Tuesday.

#WesternMichiganFair.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — The 79th Western Michigan Fair officially begins Tuesday, Aug. 8 and will run through Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Mason County Fairgrounds on US 10.

One of the highlights of this year’s fair is the return of harness racing, which began today, Sunday, Aug. 6, and will be held again Monday, Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. at the grandstand. Other pre-fair events that will take place Monday, will include youth animal showings: rabbits, 8 a.m.; beef, 9 a.m.; sheep, 4 p.m.; dogs, 6 p.m. Entry for pre-fair events are free.

Those who wish to enter horticultural, agricultural, or domestic arts exhibits may bring their items to the respective buildings on the fairgrounds between 2 to 6 p.m. Monday. Judging will take place on Tuesday with photographs taken Wednesday afternoon. A fair book may be picked up at the fairgrounds listing the categories and rules. 

Some morning pre-fair events will also take place on Tuesday, Aug. 8 including: swing, 8 a.m. and horse show at 10 a.m.

The gates officially open at 1 p.m. and the midway opens at 3 p.m. New this year will be the Hayloft Entertainment Tent, which will feature various entertainment events throughout the week. The goat show takes place at 4 p.m. and West Shore Bank Family Buck Night begins at 5 p.m. The first 500 children through the gate will each receive a $1 bill. Fair entrance on Tuesday is $1 per person and all rides are $1.

That evening will feature the Michigan Tractor and Truck Pullers at 7 p.m. (grandstand admission is $10) and then fireworks at 10 p.m., hosting by MCP’s own Danny V. Fireworks are free for those at the fair. The midway closes at 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Wednesday is Kids Day. Entry to the fair is $3 per person (ages 5 and under are free). The midway opens at noon with $15 ride wristbands available for use between noon and 5 p.m. Regular ride wristbands are $20 for Wednesday through Friday (or $17 with a coupon).

Also on Wednesday are youth exhibitor competitions, including: poultry, 8 a.m.; dairy cattle, 9 a.m.; and horses, 9 a.m. The Hayloft Entertainment Tent opens at 1 p.m. There will also be kids activities and games from noon to 5 p.m. A bike drawing will take place in the grandstand at 5 p.m.

Marek’s Music Makers will perform at 6 p.m. on the midway and the Western Michigan Fair Homemaker of the Year will be announced at 6:45 p.m. The grandstand event that night will be the ATR Monster and Mega Trucks (admission is $12). Midway closes at 11 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 10 is Heroes’ Celebration Day. Fair entrance is $3 per person (ages 5 and under are free). All military veterans and senior citizens are also free. A shuttle service will be available from the parking lot.

Special kids day will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Children eligible for the event will have had arrangements made through the West Shore Educational Service District.

The Mason County Farm Bureau Hay Bale Toss Contest takes place at 2 p.m. in the show ring behind the dairy barns. The midway opens officially at 3 p.m. Wristbands are $20 or $17 with coupons. From 3 to 11 p.m., the Mason County District Library will present “Read for Rides”. Elementary children who have read 10 books, and filled out the proper forms at either Ludington or Scottville branch libraries, are eligible for free rides.

The livestock auctions begin at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Also at 5 p.m. the Shoreliners will perform on the midway and there will be a tribute to area veterans between the small animal and large animal auctions.

The Western Michigan Old Engine Club will present a garden tractor pull at 7 p.m. in the grandstand. The club members will also have equipment on display in the Town Hall building throughout the week.

The Mason County Press/Western Michigan Fair Sizzling Summer Sing-Off finales will take place at 7:30 p.m.

The midway closes at 11 p.m.

Friday Aug. 11 is Fantastic Friday with fair entrance of $3 per person (ages 5 and under are free). The gates open at 1 p.m. and the midway begins at 3 p.m. Cooper and Sons will hold the popular pedal pull competition for kids at 5 p.m. The SJO Supercross takes place in the grandstand at 7 p.m. (admission is $10 and pit passes are $13). The midway closes at 11 p.m.

Saturday is the Fair Finale beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the fifth annual Stampede 5K Fun Run and Walk. The Mason County Central wrestling team will host the annual Barn Brawl youth wrestling tournament at 9 a.m. in the sale barn. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the midway opens at noon. Ride wristbands are $20.

The Night of Destruction Demolition Derby will end the fair beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $12 and pit passes are $15. The fair ends at 11 p.m.