Western Michigan Fair begins Monday, Aug. 7

July 31, 2023

Western Michigan Fair begins Monday, Aug. 7

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — The 2023 Western Michigan Fair begins in just over a week. The event, which began in 1936, includes a variety of events for all ages. The fair midway opens on Tuesday, Aug. 8, but there are several pre-fair events scheduled for Monday, Aug. 7. Tuesday is the official opening of the fair midway, provided by T.J. Schmidt & Co.

The fair held at the Mason County Fairgrounds, located on US 10 next to the Mason County Airport. It is presented by the Western Michigan Fair Association, a non-profit organization which is led by a 14-person volunteer board.

The following is the 2023 Western Michigan Fair schedule:

Monday, Aug. 7

9 a.m.: Horse show
3 p.m.: Sheep show
5 p.m.: Goat show
5:30 p.m.: Harness racing begins (free admission to grand stands)
6 p.m.: Still exhibit judging (not open to the public).

Tuesday, Aug. 8

Fair entrance: $3 per person; ages 5 and under free

9 a.m.: Swine show
Noon: Exhibit buildings open
1 p.m.: Harness racing, bred colt stakes
3 p.m.: Midway opens
5 p.m.: West Shore Bank Buck Night. The first 500 children through the gate receive a $1 bill.
7 p.m.: Truck and tractor pull, grandstands, $10 per person.
10 p.m.: Musical fireworks, grandstands, free
11 a.m.: Midway closes

Wednesday, Aug. 9: Kids’ Day

$5 per person; ages 5 and under free

10 a.m.: Beef show
10 a.m.: Harness racing, all 18 races will be run back-to-back
1 p.m.: Midway opens
1 to 5 p.m.: Kids’ Day with special ride rates, wristbands available
1:30 p.m.: Rabbit show
5 p.m.: Backpack and bike giveaway
5:30 p.m.: Western Michigan Fair Homemaker of the Year announced.
7 p.m.: Mini Wedge Racing, grandstands, $5 per person; $20 pit passes per person
11 p.m.: Midway closes

Thursday, Aug. 10: Heroes’ Celebration Day

Fair entrance: $5 per person; ages 5 and under, free. All military veterans and senior citizens admitted free. Shuttle service from parking lot will be available.

9 a.m.: Poultry show
10 a.m.: Dairy show
Noon to 2 p.m.: Special Kids’ Day (by invitation from West Shore Educational Service District)
3 p.m.: Midway opens
3 to 11 p.m.: Read for Rides, available to children who qualified through the Mason County District Library Summer Reading Program.
7 p.m.: TNT Vehicle Barrel Racing and Figure 8, grandstands, $10 per person; $20 pit passes per person
11 p.m.: Midway closes

Friday, Aug. 11

Fair entrance: $5 per person; ages 5 and under free
10 a.m.: Horse fun games
3 p.m.: Midway opens
5 p.m.: Pedal Pull, presented by the Cooper family, free for kids, show/sale barn
7 p.m.: SJO Supercross, grandstands, $10 per person; $15 pit passes per person
11 p.m.: Midway closes

Saturday, Aug. 12: Finale

Fair entrance, $5 per person; ages 5 and under free

8 a.m.: Western Michigan Fair Association Barnyard Boogie 5K Fun Run/Walk
9 a.m.: Barn Brawl Wrestling Tournament
10 a.m.: Western Michigan Old Engine Club Garden Tractor Pull, grandstands, free adminission
11 a.m.: West Michigan Livestock Council Animal Auction, show/sale barn
1 p.m.: Midway opens
6 p.m.: Unique Motor Sports Demolition Derby, grandstands, $15 per person; $20 pit passes per person
11 p.m.: Midway closes