A SUPPLEMENT TO
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Manistee County Fair | August 2021
Free Parking at North end of Grounds
Aug 16 - 21, 2021
GATE OPENS @ NOON Free Admission to Fair Grounds! Grandstand Events may have charge. For additional information, please check www.manisteecountyfair.org or our Facebook page
M-22, Onekama
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
231-889-5566 Friday, august 20
Monday, august 16 Move In Day
10 am - 7 pm
10 am
Entry Day for All Exhibits & Animals Weigh-In/Pullorum Testing for Animals
Noon-10 pm 6 pm
Show Day
FREE ADMISSION TO THE FAIR
6:00 pm
Swine Judging JUDGING - Open Class (Pavilion) & 4-H Exhibits (Merchant Bldg.) mERCHANT BUiLDiNG Sheep Judging Cattle Judging Goat Judging GRAND STAND OPENS Heritage Horse Pulling Begins 7pm
Wednesday, august 18
5 pm 6pm-11 pm
mERCHANT BUiLDiNG 4-H Companion Animal Interviews Companion Animal Station in Merchant Building GRANDSTAND - West Michigan Pullers - Begins at 7 pm
13 & Up $12. 6-12 $8. 5 & Under FREE. Pit Pass $20
saturday, august 21 Safety Day
FREE BIKES to be given away. Drawing starts at 3 pm Register at the Old Heifer Booth in the Merchant Building.
Noon-10 pm 6 pm
Show Day
8 am Noon-10 pm 1 pm
LARGE ANimAL BARN – PHOTO OPPORTUNiTY DAY
All Best of Show (Open and 4-H Classes in Exhibit Building), Grand and Reserve, and 1st Place Winners (Animal Classes only) in Open and 4-H Classes. Photos taken by Manistee News Advocate. Families and cameras are welcome, too!
tuesday, august 17 8 am 8:30 am-1 pm Noon-10 pm 2 pm 4 pm 6 pm 6-11 pm
www.manisteecountyfair.org
mERCHANT BUiLDiNG GRANDSTAND - TNT Bump and Run & Demo Derby Starts At 7 pm
13 & Up $12. 6-12 $8. 5 & Under FREE. Pit Pass $20
FREE ADMISSION TO THE FAIR Rabbit Judging mERCHANT BUiLDiNG Poultry/Bird Judging
Youth Exhibit Area - 4-H Youth Live Performance Event GRANDSTAND - TNT BUmP AND RUN — Begins at 7 pm
13 & Up $10 Grandstand Admission. 6-12 Age $5. Under 5 Free
thursday, august 19 Noon-10 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm
mERCHANT BUiLDiNG 4-H LARGE & SmALL ANimAL AUCTiON GRAND STAND - Side By Side Barrel Racing - Begins at 7 pm
13 & Up $10. 6-12 $5. 5 & Under FREE. Pit Pass $20
BEER TENT
Hosted by
the Lions Wednesd ay thru Satu rday for Grand stand Events!
sunday, august 22 8am - Noon
Exit Day
Exit Day for all Animals and Exhibits
NO DOGS OTHER THAN 4-H, OPEN CLASS AND LEADER DOGS. ALL LivESTOCk BARNS CLOSE AT 10Pm Entry tags can be picked up on Sunday, August 16 from 5 to 7pm & Monday, August 17 from 10am to 7pm at the Fair Office.
MERCHANT BUILDING Setup: Monday, August 16, 10am - 7pm. Tear down: Saturday night for 1 hour only following 10pm closing and Sunday from 10am to Noon.
Manistee County Fair | August 2021
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Manistee County Fair set to return in August Kate Goodman For the News Advocate With school to resume quickly, one last summer family event could be the Manistee County Fair as it returns for the 2021 year.
when kids will showcase their large livestock and be judged,” said Bossingham. “Wednesday, Aug. 18, is when they will showcase the smaller animals. Like your chickens and rabbits. It is sure to be a busy day for the kids.”
Canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the year Manistee County Fair Board has planned more to offer. With new events and much more, it is sure to be a week full of activities for all ages.
Being a farmer herself, Bossingham loves all the events hosted at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama, but will always hold a special place in her heart for the kids who raise animals.
Starting Aug. 16, also known as “move-in day,” by Elaine Bossingham, secretary of the Manistee County Agricultural Society, kids from the 4-H organization will have the chance to set up their spot and get their animals ready for show.
Even though there will not be a carnival this year, Bossingham is still hopeful everyone will enjoy themselves.
“Starting Tuesday, Aug. 17, is
“The company we used for the carnival went out of business due to COVID,” remarked Bossingham. “Sad” they closed down, Bossingham said this year it
will be considered more of a “traditional fair.” With events such as the 4-H program, TNT Demolition Derby on Aug. 18 and 21, first-time event Lumberjack Show on Aug. 18, first-time event TNT Barrel Racing show on Aug. 19, and the returning West Michigan Pullers premiering on Aug.t 20. With a week filled with fun events, Bossingham said she wants to “make sure the traditions carry on.” Although not set in stone, Bossingham hopes for a Polka party Aug. 14, as a kick off to the Onekama 150 celebration. This year, the Village of Onekama is celebrating the opening of the channel between Portage Lake and Lake Michigan, as well as
Continued on Page 11
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Manistee County Fair | August 2021
Manistee County Fair to welcome return of 4-H programs Ken Grabowski For the News Advocate
there are cones with medium to large size balls floating over the cones,” said Olson. “Anyone can participate in it and they get five shots to knock down each of the balls.”
Manistee County MSU 4-H program coordinator Allison Olson is the first one to admit that one year can make a huge difference in terms of what children will be able to do at the fair. Last year the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 4-H portion of the fair into a virtual online activity for the children. However, this year all systems are go as they will return to a much more traditional event in terms of animals being at the fair. “We are going back to traditional this year as we are kind of full steam ahead, as we don’t have any masking or social distancing requirements,” said Olson. “However, we are being respectful of families who may still be a little uncomfortable reengaging due to personal reasons.”
This year the group will also be putting together a history display of the 4-H in this area dating back to 1943.
Open class exhibits and 4-H exhibits at the Manistee County Fair will be judged from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 17 this year. (File photo)
The group will also be doing their live performance starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, and they also will be doing companion animal interviews at 6 p.m. on Friday.
This year will also feature 4-H members from the Manistee and Benzie clubs combining their efforts at the fair. These are brand new clubs that recently formed. Olson said Aug. 17 and 18 is when the 4-H members show their various entries in the fair. The fair is expected to have more than 40 4-H members taking part this year, which is up from last year when 26 took part in the virtual program in 2020. “It’s still not back to 100%, but we have seen an uptick in participation now that we have been able to move back to faceto-face,” said Olson. “We usually had about 70 kids every year, but we expect to get back to that level in the future.” Something that will be different this year is when the annual auction takes place starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. This is where buyers come in to purchase the 4-H members’ project animals. This year they will be able to use credit cards for the purchases. Olson pointed out that it will be a combination of digital and traditional fair. They will be
“We scanned the photos into a digital format along with some news articles and we plan to have a permanent slide show going in our 4-H exhibit barn so our people can come and see 4-H through the ages,” said Olson. “It’s fun to be part of that 150 years of history of Onekama.”
Fair-goers look at 4-H rabbits during a past Manistee County Fair. This year, rabbit judging will take place at 8 a.m. on Aug. 18. (File photo)
Manistee County Fair-goers look at 4-H cows during a past fair. This year, cattle judging will take place at 4 p.m. on Aug. 17. (File photo)
using digital check-in, scales for weigh-in. They also will be using digital for when the purchases are made by the buyers.
do is we are actually going to have our Buyers Dinner right there on the grounds while the auction is going on.”
“It’s those small little things that save us volunteer hours and give people the chance to do other fun stuff,” she said.
They will be having a pig roast from 5-9 p.m. that night catered by Dawn’s Fresh Catering, so everyone can sit back and enjoy the evening.
Another part of the auction where people will see change is in the taking and presenting of pictures of the buyer with the 4-H member whose animal they purchased. “Normally what we have is our buyers thank you dinner takes place a couple months after the auction,” said Olson. “This year what the Manistee 4-H Buyer Stock Council has decided to
“The plan is we are going to mail out the buyers’ photographs that we normally take of the buyers when they purchase an animal to them after the fact instead of at the dinner,” said Olson. “We are going to have a tent set up and give the buyers tickets for the dinner beforehand to be admitted. It’s also going to be open to all our participating 4-H families, and tickets will be
available to purchase if someone wants to come to the fairground it is $15.” Olson said buyers’ dinners are nothing new at 4-H auctions; other fairs like Northwest Michigan Fair holds a buyers’ luncheon and others hold dinners the same time as the auction. “We are going to give it a try it and see how it goes,” she said. Other things 4-H will be doing at the fair is from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 20 and 21 they have a game coming from MSU called Hoverball. It features a giant inflatable backdrop with a bow with an arrow with a giant felt tip on it. “It’s a super safe arrow and
Olson said they also are hoping to have a showmanship sweepstakes at 11:30 a.m. on Friday where all 4-H members age 8 years old and up can participate in a species showmanship against each other. That isn’t official yet, but it would pit all of the 4-H’ers with goats, pigs or anything else against against each other competing in showmanship. They also will be doing their realistic stuffed animals program where prospective 4-H members can come out to practice or learn what goes into showmanship at the fair on Friday and Saturday. Olson said it is kind of a “try before you buy the animal” to hopefully introduces more kids to 4-H. “It gives kids and their parents the opportunity to speak with actual 4-H members to find out why they got into the program and what goes into it,” she said. Overall it is going to be a very busy week for all taking part in the 4-H programs. “We are trying to make sure the whole week stays full of activities,” said Olson.
Manistee County Fair | August 2021
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West Michigan Pullers to return to fair for a fourth year Kate Goodman For the News Advocate As the summer is slowly winding to an end, the Manistee County Fairgrounds is excited to announce its annual truck and tractor pulling, a worldwide sport where owners are tasked with pulling their truck or tractor the farthest in a race. Not popular until the 1950s or ‘60s, farmers would brag to see who had the fastest livestock pulling their crops. However, with rules varying from state to state it was hard determining a winner. It wasn’t until 1969, when the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) was created and an official set of rules was made to follow. Since then, truck and tractor pulls have become one of the most intense motorsports yet. Set into classes, each truck/tractor is seen to pull a set weight in a drag, also
The West Michigan Pullers were at the Eaton County Fair in Charlotte in July. The group will host a tractor pull event starting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 20 in the grand stands at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama. (Courtesy photo)
known as a sled. Racing to a 100 meter line, or “full-pull,” tractors compete to see who can make it first. If more than one tractor makes it past the 100 meter line, more weight is added to their sled and they must compete again, but
l e s m o S
this time to 91 meters.
Grandstand events draw big crowds at the Manistee County Fair, and there will be plenty of events this year that will appeal to all interests. (File photo)
community has the opportunity to enter the pull for only $50. The winner is the one who is Sanctioned by the West Michigan With their fourth year returning, seen to drag their tractor and sled Pullers, the event will start Aug. and their only event located at the the farthest. And this year, the 20, in front of the grand stand Manistee County Fairgrounds, the Manistee County Fairgrounds inside the fairgrounds. RegisWest Michigan Pullers encourages is excited to welcome back the Western Michigan Pullers for their tration ends at 6:30 p.m. The everyone to view this event.
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Manistee County Fair | August 2021
New events to premiere at Manistee County Fair Kate Goodman For the News Advocate
Performing at the Manistee County Fairgrounds on Aug. 18, the show will have multiple running times: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
As the Manistee County Fair Board prepares for their 2021 event, members are excited to announce the opening of two new events: the Lumberjack Show and TNT Barrel racing . Designed after the logging industry, in which Michigan is known for, the Lumberjack Show is sure to draw in people of all ages. With the 150th celebration of the opening of the channel between Portage Lake and Lake Michigan, and the naming of Village of Onekama, the Manistee County Fairgrounds is proud to announce its first-time event, the Lumberjack Show. With the show’s intention to draw recognition to lumber communities, people will have the opportunity to see lum-
Besides the Lumberjack Show, the TNT Barrel Racing is a second new event this year. Usually racing with a car or horse, the object of the game is to race in and out of a designed course, trying not to hit the barrels. If one is to hit the barrels, they will be eliminated. With the TNT Barrel Racing being the second TNT event showcased at this year’s fair, this show begins Aug. 18, A new event at the Manistee County Fair this year is the Lumberjack Show on Aug. 18. Part of the show will feature running all day. log rolling, similar to this event at Bear Lake Days in 2019. (File photo)
berjacks perform several live tricks. Such as, wood chopping, ax throwing, log rolling and chainsaw carving — all tasks lumberjacks are
known for.
log roll show,” said Elaine
“(Lumberjacks) will be filling this big pool they have with water and perform their
Bossingham, secretary of the
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Manistee County Fair | August 2021
The first Manistee County Fair Steve Harold For the News Advocate In 1891, the Manistee Times-Sentinel carried the following letter to the editor, A.E.M. describing the first fair in Manistee County held just 20 years earlier: “Editors Times-Sentinel: As many of your readers have no doubt attended the ‘fifteenth annual fair’ held at Onekama, perhaps it will be interesting to look back mentally to the first fair held in Manistee County. “Twenty years ago the present beautiful village of Bear Lake was only visionary; instead of the numerous restful homes lining the banks of the lake, only an occasional low-roofed log cabin was to be seen, and when a few leading spirits began to talk of holding a fair, it would have been a mystery to a stranger to know where the people were to come from, or what they could bring that would develop the resources of the new country. “But a meeting for organizing was called, and George B. Pierce, of Pleasanton, was elected President, and R.F. Smith, of Bear Lake, Secretary. “Notices were soon posted and behold! There was a great whispering among ‘the mossbacks’ of the forest. Of course everybody and his family wished to be represented, and the products of the farm grunted and groaned from excess of overfeeding; and potatoes, beets, and rutabagas (which then passed for Michigan apples) grew to mammoth proportions. The corn stalks grew taller than ever, and the beautiful golden ears were never filled better. All the cereals fairly outdid any former effort. There were not many well filled purses for making up beautiful nothings,
The Lafayette Mallison family attended the 1887 fair at Onekama. The first fair was held in 1871. (Courtesy photo)
but almost every cabin had its heirlooms, significant of the better day seen in days gone by, as well as some bits of fancy work, made when there was a bit of spare time. The ‘mossbacks’ or farmers, had no thoroughbred stock for exhibition, but the ‘scrubs,’ that had many acres of rich forage to run over, managed to lay on the large supplies of fat and muscle, in spite of the long-billed mosquitoes, the tenacious flies and the insignificant but exceedingly annoying gnats, and managed to look about as well as some of our aristocratic stock does now. “Well the wonderful day arrived, and the farmers were early on the move. The roads were rough with roots and stumps and cradle knolls. In most cases oxen were used to draw the family carriage, which was usually the good, substantial lumber wagon.
Only an occasional horse team was to be found. By nine o’clock the forest roads were pretty well lined with livestock and ‘whoa, gee, and haw,’ were the passwords all along the line. After much jolting over long strips of corduroy (roads) the fairground was reached.
and farm products. Of course there was not much money in the treasury to pay for premiums, so instead of cash rewards, red and blue cards were given headed with the following: ‘First Agricultural and Mechanical Fair, held at Bear Lake, October 3, 1871.’ The next year some money was raised for premiums, and for five years the Agricultural and Mechanical Fair lived and flourished annually at Bear Lake.”
greater involvement by more county residents.
In the winter of 1886 and 1887, petitions were circulated among residents of Manistee and Onekama calling for pledges of $10 life memberships if the fair were moved to Onekama where it could easily be reached by “Floral hall was in the centre boat from Manistee. This of the grounds and was a drive was successful and the deserted log cabin, formerly society agreed to establish owned by Ben Kneedham, new grounds near Portage Esq., and then stood where Lake. By a tremendous effort Mrs. Collin’s brick block For many years the fairs of the grounds were readied now stands. The grounds the Manistee County Agriin August and September of surrounding it were occucultural Society continued to 1887, and on the 20th, 21st, pied with stock and farming be held on grounds west of and 22nd of the latter month, utensils. As it was the first the Village of Bear Lake. The the first fair was held at the exhibit in the county, and location was popular with present fairground. Initially, the first many had attended farmers because it was in the for years, one can readily approximate center of the ag- it was planned to alternate imagine that the ‘show’ was a ricultural region of the county. between the two fairgrounds the society owned, but the very good one for the locality, However, the merchants and new site proved so popular, and many strangers present residents of Manistee felt a expressed great surprise at the location nearer the city would the annual fair remained in beautiful exhibits of garden be better and would allow Onekama.
Manistee County Fair | August 2021
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TNT Demolition Derby coming to fairgrounds Ken Grabowski For the News Advocate
take part in it,” said Sorenson. “You can even bring your little Baja Jeep if you want to. We will have individual classes for it and whatever you bring and we make a class for it.”
Those looking for some real excitement at the Manistee County Fair should consider checking out the Demolition Derby and Barrel Racing events. Todd Sorenson of TNT Demolition Derby LLC said they always love coming to the Manistee County Fairgrounds to put on a show. He said both the fans and the fairground staff are wonderful in supporting what they do in the demolition derby competition. “We are doing a big bump and run off road derby on Wednesday night and Thursday we are doing something new that is kind of interesting,” said Sorenson. “It’s barrel racing side by side and
It is a unique competition, according to Sorenson. He said with all the side by sides everyone brings to fairs, he feels this will rapidly develop into a fan favorite. “It will give those who want to compete a chance to hear their name over the intercom and have the chance to win some cash or a trophy,” said Sorenson. “It’s competition, TNT Demolition Derby will bring events to the Manistee County Fair at 7 p.m. on Aug. 18, 19 and 21. (File photo) but this time it is all for fun and we are going to make sure they are all going to have their rel and back. Where it really “It can be the car or truck you it works out.” own classes.” gets unique is in the type of drive on the road, or you can He also is putting on similar Sorenson said it will be a race vehicles that will be allowed to bring a demolition derby car down the track, around a bar- take part in the race. as it’s only a $20 entry fee to Continued on Page 11
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Manistee County Fair | August 2021
Horse pull to provide plenty of grandstand excitement Ken Grabowski For the News Advocate
of good teams,” said Reed. “It always is a good pull with good teamsters and if people want to see some horsepower they will see it at the fair.”
Moving 27.5 feet doesn’t sound like a great distance to cover unless you are attempting to pull several thousand pounds of weight in the process.
Reed said a lot of the teamsters who come to this fair travel the circuit of fairs and events around the state during the summer months.
That is the challenge teamsters and their Belgian Draft Horses will be facing starting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17 in the heritage horse pull competition at the Manistee County Fair. This popular annual event is once again sponsored by the Heritage Draft Horse Organization.
“There is a lot of pulls around to go to compete,” said Reed. “Now that people can go out more (with COVID on the decline) we are seeing the crowds get bigger each time.” Probably the biggest thing Reed hopes doesn’t happen is that the area gets hit with rain the day of the pull.
Ben Reed is organizing this year’s event at the Manistee County Fair, and he said it should be another great one. “We usually average right around 10 teams that come to pull,” said Reed. “We will start out on light loads of usually around 5,000 pounds and more, and likely it will end somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds.”
Teamsters and their Belgian Draft Horses will take part in the heritage horse pull competition at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Manistee County Fair. (File photo)
Reed said the only requirement is the team must pull the load 27.5 feet on a continuous pull to qualify for the next load.
“We have guys that come down from the Upper Peninsula and from Grand Rapids, West Branch, Hastings, Reed City, Lake City and even from as far away as Indiana,” said Reed. Those competing will be attempting to win some
He also praised everyone at the Manistee County Fair for doing an outstanding job in preparing for this event. “The fair board really goes all out for trophies and extra prizes for the pullers, and the guys really appreciate it,” said Reed. “Compared to some other fairs around the state, Manistee is not that big in size, but the other fairs don’t outdo this one with prizes.”
“You do have three tries to pull that amount and then they just keep adding weight until the teamsters can’t pull it,” said Reed. “As they drop out they get placed until we get right down to the final team.” Competing teams come from all over the state and beyond, said Reed. He also pointed out they have a strong contingent of fans who follow the sport.
“It is a big factor because a lot of the times the track gets so greasy it’s hard to pull, but over the years we have been pretty lucky with Manistee,” said Reed.
Reed said the track is always in great shape for horse pull, which makes a big difference for giving good traction for the horses. Ben Reed, whose family has been involved with horse pulling for generations, is organizing this year’s draft horse pull event at the Manistee County Fair. (File photo)
cash prizes. “First place is $510 and then it goes $450 for second place, $390, $330, $270, $240, $180, $150 so on down,” said Reed. “The Manistee County
During the heritage horse pull competition at the Manistee County Fair, the only requirement is a team must pull the load 27.5 feet on a continuous pull to qualify for the next load. (File photo)
Fair is one of the top paying fairs for the horse pull competition that we have in the association.”
pays compared to other pulls can be shown in the fact the state championship only pays $590 for first place.
A good example of how well the Manistee County Fair
“Because Manistee pays so well it usually brings in a lot
“It’s a really nice track that isn’t too hard, as some places it is like cement and that is not good for the horses,” said Reed. “It is those type things that make the teamsters want to come back.” The teamsters hope they get a large crowd to watch the action as it always adds to the fund for the competitors.
Manistee County Fair | August 2021 Continued From Page 3
Continued From Page 9
the naming of the village. For “people to enjoy Polka music,” said Bossingham. As well as hosting a vintage car show on Aug. 15. To recognize not only Michgan’s lumber community, but the automobile industry as well.
programs at the Mason and Wexford county fairs. He said it gives him a small circuit with those events at all three fairs.
“(It’s) a great way to bring history to northern Michigan,” said Bossingham. Free to attend for all, the fair will begin Aug. 16 and run until Aug. 21. There will be food, music and events for everyone to attend. Bossingham said it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several volunteers and fair board members. “A special thank you to all the volunteers who come out and support the fair,” she said.
“If a guy does the best out of everyone in those three county fairs, he might get an extra financial bonus out of it,” said Sorenson. “We get competitors from everywhere as they come from the Upper Peninsula, the east side of the state and even Indiana. Last year we had that little championship at the Manistee County Fairgrounds during COVID, and we had more than 100 cars there taking part in it from all over.” On Saturday, all the fun starts at 6:30 p.m. for the big bump and run again followed by the demolition derby. “Both Wednesday and Saturday we will have Power
11 at Cadillac and Standish and those shows are usually kind quiet, but this year we had a lot of drivers and the stands were full. That is a good sign for our fairs and I just want them to do well and make it through this year.” Sorenson said they have lots of Demolition Derby action planned all over the state this year, and the response has been great from those areas in terms of interest.
Kailyn Chaney stands next to her Honda Accord 875 car before capturing a first place victory in her heat during the 2019 Manistee County Fair. This year, TNT Demolition Derby will bring events to the Manistee County Fair at 7 p.m. on Aug. 18, 19 and 21. (File photo)
Wheels for the kids too,” said Sorenson. “We are expecting a lot of people entering on Saturday night this year with more than 100 cars taking part in it.”
He said Wednesday should draw a very large number of competitors as well. “It’s going to be neat,” he said. “We already put on a couple spring shows this year
“The Manistee fair people do a great job as they do so much work to that place,” said Sorenson. “The team they have had in the last couple of years has been just awesome and works so well together. The races have always been good at the Manistee County Fair.” Sorenson said last year many of the drivers commented on how good the track condition was, and he expects the same this year.
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ELEMENTARY
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Leaps & Bounds Childcare After School Daycare All Day - Every Day Kindergarten Safety Engineered Playground Academic & Athletic Competitions All Students Issued iPad (1 to 1)
Onekama Consolidated Schools 231-889-5521
STUDENT SERVICES 231-889-5521 SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE 231-889-4251 www.ocs.manistee.org
ONE Campus • ONE Family • ONE Choice • ONEKAMA