MNA - Manistee County Fair - August 2023

MANISTEE County Fair

Good family fun can be found at the 2023 fair

Ken GrabowsKi

ONEKAMA -- For the past 155 years, when the month of August rolls around local citizens know that means it’s fair time in Manistee County.

This year the Manistee County Fair will be taking place at the fairgrounds in Onekama from Aug. 14-18.

For the past several years the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on fair week, but in 2023 the Manistee County Fair board of directors has mounted a strong charge toward bringing the fair back to its former glory. Board member Elaine Boss-

ingham said they strive for events that support “good family values.”

“That is what fairs bring out and you can go to a lot of the festivals that are there for the entertainment, but fairs are there to encompass family values, integrity, responsibility and all sorts of common core values,” said Bossingham. This year’s fair board consists of John Schimke, Paul Adamski, Bossingham, Herman Gamelin, Jessica Chick, Joe Schimke, Melissa Renner, Tina Bray, Janice McCraner, Janelle Ware, Mike DeLeon, Kirsten Wisniski and Chantel Gamelin. They have been

working all year to prepare for the 2023 fair.

Bossingham said putting together all aspects of a fair takes the work of a lot of volunteers.

“Volunteers and community support are the two things that we strive for,” she said. “Everybody just has to be on board and that is what it takes to be successful. When you can’t get that it makes it hard.”

The opening day on Aug. 15 is a big one for the 4-H kids who will take hae their pigs, sheep, cattle and goats judged during the day. 4-H director Allison Olson said it is the start of a busy week for the kids.

“We have 71 kids coming this year,” said Olson. “There is also a lot of new kids in 4-H this year as well which is great.”

More kids naturally mean more animals will be on display.

“Our beef barn is going to be filled this year as we have 19 steers and a heifer,” said Olson. “So 20 full size cows and 11 or 12 feeder calves.” Other categories are just as strong this year, according to Olson.

“We have 48 pigs and all our numbers are up for animals this year as a lot of kids did multiple animals,

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Spectators at the 2022 Manistee County Fair were treated to barrel racing. File photo

For the News AdvocAte

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which is amazing.”

Throughout the week from 3-10 p.m. on Aug. 15-19, Native Amusements will be presenting carnival rides for kids and young adults.

Native Amusements

owner Tim Jacobs said they have a wide variety of rides.

“We are going to try and bring 10 plus rides,” said Jacobs. “We are bringing in the classics like the Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and all the little kiddie rides plus some teenager rides. A new one is a Mardi Gras two story fun house we are bringing this year as it is a big glass house with a slide on it.

People will have two pricing options for the various rides.

Tickets are $1.25 apiece; four tickets are needed for each ride. Those wanting to purchase a wristband pass allowing all-day rides can do so for $25.

Events will be running in front of the grandstand all week, featuring the Michigan Horse Pulling Association show at 7 p.m. on Aug. 15. Admission is $10 for all age groups.

On Aug. 16, judging will

continue for 4-H with the rabbits, poultry and birds taking center stage.

TNT Demolition Derby will put on its first of two events with the Bump and Run that starts at 7 p.m.

“We are doing the regular Bump and Run with big cars, small cars, stocks,” said TNT’s Todd Sorenson. “There also will be a stock Powder Puff, a Stock Youth class and, of course, the power wheels for kids.”

On Aug. 19, TNT returns with another 7 p.m. show; gates open at 6 p.m.

“Saturday is the same stuff, but we are also going to do a new venue of mini van, small trucks and small SUV derby,” said Sorenson.

Cost is $15 for those older than 13, $10 for veterans and children ages 6-12, those under age 5 get in for free. Pit passes are $20 for all ages.

The two big events taking place on Aug. 17 is the 4-H auction and the Side by Side Barrel Racing in front of the grandstand.

“The livestock auction is the same as always and we are set up for taking donations as people like to donate items that get auctioned off to benefit 4-H

in between the animals,” said Olson. “The money from those donations goes for the cost of ribbons and trophies.”

The buyers dinner is held annually on the evening of the auction for the registered buyers of the animals, the 4-H kids and their parents. This year dinner will begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 17. “It’s a nice thing and a lot of fairs do it now to say thank you,” said Olson.

Side by Side Barrel Racing comes to the Manistee County Fair grandstand on Aug. 17 with gates opening at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. Grandstand entrance cost is $10 for everyone, however those age 5 and under can enter for free. Pit passes are $20 each.

The only big event on Aug. 18 is the West Michigan Pullers show; gates open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Entry fees are $15 for ages 13 and up, while veterans and those age 6-12 will be admitted for $10. Children under age 5 can enter for free; and pit passes go for $20.

Throughout the week, the merchant and exhibit buildings will be open daily from noon to 10 p.m.

Bossingham said they are working hard at filling up the merchant building.

“For the merchant building we hope to have local businesses and some of the folks that run the circuit

around Michigan for arts and crafts and flea markets,” she said.

Over the years the exhibits have grown to include many items with everyone striving

to earn a coveted blue ribbon in their respective division. People should look at the fair book online at manisteecountyfair.org to see how to enter and which different categories exist.

Around 50 kids showed animals in the 4-H and open classes at the 2022 Manistee County Fair. File photo

Cowboy boots, housed inside a barn at the Manistee County fair grounds in Onekama, hold flowers and other decorations. File photo

Fair offers more than animals, rides and grandstand events

ONEKAMA — The images that likely come to mind first for most people when a county fair is mentioned are 4-H activities, grandstand events and a carnival.

However, another big component to the Manistee County Fair is the activities that take place every year in the merchants and exhibits buildings. It’s something Manistee County Fair board member Elaine Bossingham said plays a key role to the overall success of the fair.

The merchant and exhibit buildings well be open to the public starting on Aug. 15 and will run daily from noon until 10 p.m. until Aug. 19.

Bossingham said the fair board is working hard at filling up the merchant building.

“For the merchant building, we hope to have local businesses and some of the folks that run the circuit around Michigan for arts and crafts and flea markets,” she said.

Over the years the exhibits have grown to include many items with everyone striving to earn a coveted blue ribbon in their respective division.

“We even invited our local schools to bring their kids who

participate in the art classes to display their artwork,” said Bossingham

She said the 4-H kids also get into the exhibits with the various projects and items they create as part of their activities.

“They bring all the things they make during the year and it sounds like they have a nice display this year as well,” said Bossingham. “Everyone is competing for ribbons and if we get enough entries we are still one of the few fairs in Michigan that pay our premium.”

The Manistee County Fair Board of Direc -

tors strives for family value events. It’s why they hav the exhibit building and the 4-H programs at the fair each year.

“That is what fairs bring out and you can go to a lot of the festivals that are there for the entertainment, but fairs are there to encompass family values, integrity, responsibility and all sorts of common core values,” said Bossingham.

She said to put together all aspects of a fair take the hard work of a lot of volunteers.

“Volunteers and community support are the two things that we strive for,” she said.

“Everybody just has to be on board and that is what it takes to be successful. When you can’t get that it makes it hard.”

She said the fair board is looking at many different ideas and options to help increase the interest level and support for the fair.

“We would like to get the robotics teams come down and compete in the future,” she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on many fairs including the one in Manistee County. Bossingham said it why many of the local fair board

members are looking to innovative ways to bring back the local interest.

“Our board members travel to a lot of different fairs throughout the summertime just to support them and to also bring in different ideas on how they are working to grow numbers and improve on events,” she said. “All the fairs across Michigan need everyone’s community support.”

She said that is why the board members work so hard to make all the events a success.

“The money we bring in goes to improving the grounds and with

the community coming in to support the events is what makes it happen,“ said Bossingham. “Without that support it makes it really hard to run a fair let alone keep up maintenance and updates to the grounds needed every year.”

Bossingham said the Manistee County Fairgrounds is an important part of the county.

“Our fairgrounds is one of oldest in state at 155 years old and it’s a heritage to Manistee County and something that needs to be cherished by the community,” said Bossingham.

Ken GrabowsKi For the News AdvocAte

Open class exhibits and 4-H exhibits are located in the exhibit building at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in 2021. File photo

TNT Demolition Derby leads fair grandstand events

Ken GrabowsKi For the News AdvocAte

ONEKAMA — Todd Sorenson, of TNT Demolition Derby Events, said one of the main reasons he keeps bringing grandstand activities back to the Manistee County Fairgrounds is because the “excellent condition” of the track and the support they get from the fair officials.

“Manistee has become a really big racetrack as (fair board president) John (Schimke) and the fair board has done a real good job with that track for the Bump and Run Derby,” said Sorenson. “The team there is just phenomenal as the county needs to give them credit because they work their tails off.”

Manistee County Fair board member Elaine Bossingham said the Manistee County Fairgrounds rate pretty high especially in the track area.

“Board members put a lot of work into that and our goal is to eventually raise enough money so we can to bring back the race cars in the future because it is the highlight of the grounds and very few fairs have race tracks,” said Bossingham.

Sorenson said two nights of events start with the TNT Bump and Run at 7 p.m. — gates open at 6 p.m. — on Aug. 16. Cost to enter the grandstand is $15 for any over 13 years old, or $10 for veterans and children ages 6-12. Children under 5 years old enter for free. Pit passes are $20 for all ages.

“We are doing the regular Bump and Run with big cars, small cars, stocks,” said Sorenson. “There also will be a stock Powder Puff, a Stock Youth class and of course the power wheels for kids.”

Sorenson said they will be back on Aug.

19 for another event that begins at 7 p.m. and gates again open at 6 p.m. Ticket prices will be the same as the Wednesday event.

“Saturday is the same stuff, but we are also going to do a new venue of minivans, small trucks and small SUV derby,” said Sorenson. “Those vehicles are so easy to find, so it’s why we added it. We noticed the minivans have just been entered in all our shows and it is going to be fun to watch.”

Sorenson said anyone looking to enter is welcome to do so by visiting TNTDerby.com for a list of rules and what to do to enter. Or call Sorenson directly at 231-425-6990.

“We pack the cars in there just for the bump and run part because the track is so nice and they are so organized in the pit area,” said Sorenson. “Last year

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Barrel racing was a popular event during the 2022 Manistee County Fair. File photo

Native Amusement to provide carnival rides for fair

ONEKAMA — For the second straight year, the Manistee County Fair has acquired the services of Native Amusements to provide carnival rides and activities in the midway.

Native Amusements is a Michigan based company that has been in business only since 2019, but owner Timothy Jacobs has a history with the Manistee County Fair dating back more than three decades.

“I remember 35 years ago I used to work for Crown Amusements and we used

to go in there with a decent size show,” he said. “I have a lot of fond memories of that fairgrounds and it kind of touches my heart that I am now playing this fair.”

Jacobs said their initial showing last year and public response was a positive experience they hope to build on and grow even larger over time.

“We did enjoy playing the fair last year and we want to keep this on our route so we want to do whatever we can to get the people out there to make it sustainable for our show to come up there,” he said. “They have some good people

at the Manistee County Fairgrounds and I enjoy working with them.”

In 2021, the first year the Manistee County Fair returned after the COVID-19 pandemic there wasn’t a carnival on the fairgrounds. However, fair officials became aware of Native Amusements and brought them into the fold in 2022.

Jacobs is originally from Port Huron, but bases his company out of the Evart area. The business name came from the fact that Jacobs is a member of the Sarnia Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

When the Manistee

County Fair officials were trying to pick up the pieces from the impact of being shut down by the pandemic, they came across Native Amusements, which was new company that was also impacted by the pandemic.

“Last year was our first year at the Manistee County Fair and we want to grow with them to build it back to what it once was,” said Jacobs.

He has a long history of working in the amusement business prior to starting Native Amusements.

“I worked out of Chicago for a pretty big operation until I decided to come

home to start our own show in 2019,” said Jacobs. “We opened in October 2019 and the pandemic hit in March 2020. It was tough, but we are still going and looking to the future.”

Jacobs said the plan is to have plenty of rides and fun events waiting for those who attend the fair this year.

“We are going to try and bring 10 plus rides,” said Jacobs. “We are bringing in the classics like the Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and all the little kiddie rides, plus some teenager rides.”

Jacobs said his company is trying to get back to the

type of rides that used to be brought to the Manistee County Fair every year. He said they realize how the success of what they deliver helps in the overall success of the fair.

“We want to bring back the attendance to what it was as we are going to do anything possible we can to make this fair successful,” he said. “We have a Mardi Gras two-story fun house we are bringing this year as it is a big glass house with a slide on it.”

Jacobs said fairs the size of the one in Manistee County are what he is

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Ken GrabowsKi For the News AdvocAte

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hoping to target with his business. It’s why he isn’t looking to become a huge business enterprise in the amusement industry.

“I want to stay right where I’m at,” he said. “Doing a good job at fairs like Manistee County’s – that’s our niche and what we are looking to do.”

He also said they will have the typical foods and treats you would find at a carnival like caramel apples, elephant ears and more.

The midway will be open starting at 3 p.m. on Aug. 13 and running until 10 p.m. daily through Aug. 19. Tickets at $1.25 and each ride is four tickets. A wrist band pass, which allows for rides all day, is $25.

For the second year, Native Amusements will bring carnival rides to the Manistee County Fair. File photo

Manistee County Fair Schedule

The Manistee County Fair officially kicks off to the public on Aug. 15 and runs through Aug. 19.

August 13

• 5-7 p.m., Fair office will be open for entry tags pick-up for all items exhibited in the exhibit building. Tags can also be picked up Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

August 14

• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Entry day for all exhibits and animals

August 15 — Opening day

• 8:30 a.m to 1 p.m., Open Class (pavilion) and 4-H Exhibits (horse barn)

• 8 a.m., 4-H swine judging

• Noon-10 p.m. Merchant building open

• 2 p.m., 4-H sheep judging

• 4 p.m., 4-H cattle judging

• 6 p.m., 4-H goat judging

• 7 p.m., Michigan Horse Pulling Boat Association: Doors open at 6 p.m. Grandstand entry fee $10 all ages

August 16

• 8 a.m., 4-H rabbit judging

• Noon-10 p.m. Merchant building open

• 1 p.m., 4-H poultry/bird judging

• 5 p.m., 4-H live performance event in the youth exhibit area

• 7 p.m., TNT Bump & Run Event: Doors open at 6 p.m. Grandstand entry fee is $15 ages 13 and up, $10 ages 6-12 and veterans, and free for kids 5 and under; pit passes $20 all ages

August 17

• Noon-10 p.m., Merchant Building

• 5:30 p.m., 4-H Livestock auction

• 7 p.m., Side by Side Barrel Racing: Doors open at 6 p.m. Grandstand entry fee is $10 ages 13 and up, $10 ages 6-12 and veterans, and free for kids 5 and under; pit passes $20 all ages

August 18

• 10 a.m., Photo opportunity day in the show barn for 4-H and open class livestock and standard exhibit winners

• Noon-10 p.m., Merchant Building

• 7 p.m., West Michigan Pullers: Doors open at 6 p.m. Grandstand entry fee is $15 ages 13 and up, $10 ages 6-12 and veterans, and free for kids 5 and under; pit passes $20 all ages

August 19

• Noon-10 p.m., Merchant Building

• 2-4 p.m., Kids Day/Public Safety Day

• 7-10:30 p.m., Youth Barn Dance, sponsored by 4-H

• 7 p.m., TNT Bump & Run and Demolition Derby: Doors open at 6 p.m. Grandstand entry fee is $15 ages 13 and up, $10 ages 6-12 and veterans, and free for kids 5 and under. Pit entry is $20

August 20 — Exit Day

• 8 a.m. to noon, exit day for all animals and exhibits

The TNT bump and run and demolition derby are crowd favorites during the Manistee County Fair. File photo

Amelia Sexton cuddles her bunny, Black Beans and White Rice after giving a presentation to an audience of 4-H club members at the Manistee County Fair in 2022. File photo

Children show pigs during the 4-H swine show at the Manistee County Fair on Aug. 16, 2022 in Onekama. File photo

A goat stands in its pen on Aug. 19, 2022 at the Manistee County Fairgrounds. File photo

we had 81 bump and run cars, which is pretty much the maximum, as we don’t want to be in there for a show of three and a half hours or more.”

Sorenson said the reason the bump and run is so successful at the Manistee County Fair is because of the cooperation they receive from the local staff.

Grandstand events

actually begin at the Manistee County Fair on Aug. 15 with the Michigan Horse Pulling Boat Association event at 7 p.m. The gates will swing open at 6 p.m. and there will be grandstand-entrance only with a fee of $10 for all ages.

Side by Side Barrel Racing comes to the Manistee County Fair grandstand on Aug. 17 with gates opening at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. Grand -

stand entrance is $10 for everyone with the exception of those age 5 and under entering for free. Pit passes will cost $20 each.

On Aug. 18, the West Michigan Pullers will come to town for a 7 p.m. show with the gates opening at 6 p.m. Entry fees are $15 for ages 13 and up, while veterans and age 6-12 will be admitted for $10. Age 5 and under are free and pit passes go for $20.

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The bump n’ run and demo derby closed out the grandstand events during the 2021 Manistee County Fair. File photo

Spectators at the 2022 Manistee County Fair were treated to barrel racing. File photo

4-H events back in top form at Manistee County Fair

8 a.m.”

ONEKAMA — Like so many other things, the COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on the Manistee-Benzie 4-H programs, limiting what the kids were able to do over the last several years.

However, the 2023 Manistee County Fair will be back to normal this year when it comes to 4-H participation, entries and events. Program director Allison Olson said the week of Aug. 15-20 is going to be a busy one filled with lots of fun for 4-H

participants.

“We have 71 kids coming this year,” said Olson. “Monday we move in and Tuesday we jump right in with the judging starting at

Judging on Aug. 15 will include pigs at 8 a.m., sheep at 2 p.m., cattle at 4 p.m. and goats at 6 p.m. Olson said many of the kids have several animals entered, and that it is a banner year for the number of entries in cattle.

“Our beef barn is going to be filled this year as we have 19 steers and a heifer,” said Olson. “So 20 full-size cows and 11 or 12 feeder calves.”

Other categories are just as strong this year according to Olson.

“We have 48 pigs and all our numbers are up

for animals this year as a lot of kids did multiple animals, which is amazing,” she said. “There is also a lot of new kids this year in 4-H as well.”

On Aug. 16 the judging will shift to rabbits at 8 a.m.,and poultry and birds at 1 p.m.. Olson said things have changed in that area since last year when avian influenza was prevalent.

“This year we are free and clear with no restrictions, so we are going ahead as normal,” she said. “So those rabbits and poultry will be judged in the small

animal barn as usual. In the poultry, we have 58 kids to do showmanship and that is in ducks, chickens and turkeys.”

Aug. 17 will feature the big moment for many 4-H kids. During the livestock auction all their hard work over the past year pays off when someone purchases their animals.

“The livestock auction is the same as always and we are set up for taking donations as people like to donate items that get auctioned off to benefit 4-H in between the animals,” said Olson. “The money from those donations

goes for the cost of ribbons and trophies.”

Other donations can be made to the 4-H education fund to help pay for clinics and the technology fund that helps cut cost for the online registration platform.

“Everything runs through the technology and it just makes everything so much easier that we can use it,” said Olson.

The buyers dinner is held annually on the evening of the auction for the registered buyers of the animals, the

Ken GrabowsKi

For the News AdvocAte

The 2022 Manistee County Fair opened with the 4-H club pig judging at the Manistee County fairgrounds in Onekama. File photo

Allison Olson

Continued From Page 10

4-H participants and their parents. This year dinner will begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 17.

“It will be catered by Dawn’s Fresh Catering and this is the third year we have done it,” said Olson. “It’s a nice thing and a lot of fairs do it now to say thank you. It’s a long day for everyone and the least we can do is give them something to eat, as the council pays for everyone.”

Friday is usually the

day the 4-H kids do the companion animal interviews, but Olson said they didn’t have anyone sign up for that event this year.

“What we are looking to do next year if we can get the space is to do a dog show at the fair,” said Olson. “So we would do something like dog agility, rally and showmanship show in 2024.”

They are also hoping on Aug. 18to do a stick it archery game where the kids will shoot safe

arrows with stickies on them at a target with fish on it to earn points.

“We are letting our kids decide if they want to bring back water balloon war, which I think they will,” said Olson. Olson said encourages the public to come out to view the animals and support the 4-H program during the Manistee County Fair.

Emma Bradford, 12, was the grand winner of the 4-H swine show at the 2022 Manistee County Fair in Onekama. File photo

Amelia Sexton (left) and a friend pelt each other with balloons during a mass water balloon fight on the last day of the 2022 Manistee County Fair at the fairgrounds in Onekama. File photo

Wednesday, August 23rd 1st Grade - 12th Grade - 5pm - 7pm

K-12

• Career Prep

• Active Parent Groups

• Daily Website Updates

• Student Recognition Programs

• 21St Century Classrooms

• USDA Farm To School Lunch

• Physical Education

• Award Winning Art Program

• Spanish

MS-HS

• On-Site - Off Site Dual Enrollment

• Athletic Programs

• Award Winning Yearbook

• High School Foreign Language

• Credit Recovery

• New Rigorous Course Offerings ELEMENTARY

• Leaps & Bounds Childcare

• After School Daycare

• All Day - Every Day Kindergarten

• Athletic Competitions