Cass County Fair Guide 2019 by Leader Publications

CASS COUNTY JULY 28

FAIR

A SUPPLEMENT TO LEADER PUBLICATIONS

• 2019 •

AUG. 3

Cass County Fair • August 2019

‘It is in their blood’

Gail and Mary Lou Peterson pose next to the Peterson Family Farm sign in front of their home in Niles. (Leader photo/HANNAH HOLLIDAY)

Grand marshalls continue to serve fair in many capacities By HANNAH HOLLIDAY hannah.holliday @leaderpub.com

ASSOPOLIS — Gail and Mary Lou Peterson have more than just the distinguished titles of grand marshall to celebrate this year at the Cass County Fair. The couple met at the Cass County Fair, dated for three years and got married. On July 17, the couple celebrated their 43rd anniversary and reminisced on their many years of Cass County Fair involvement. “Everything just kind of fell into place,” Mary Lou said. “We had mutual friends, who would all get together at the fair and stand around and talk. It’s a big social event, too, like a big family.” Mary Lou has lived in Cass County all her life. She remembers her grandparents and parents being involved in the Cass fair for many years. Her mother served as a leader for 50 years. Her uncle was on the fair board, and other family members served

as superintendents. Gail’s family moved to the Peterson Farm in 1956 when he was 4 years old. His older brother started to show animals at the fair, and a few years later, his dad got involved in the fair board. The fair only had about three buildings at that time, the couple said. “My dad would go up to work, and I would go with him,” Gail said. “I just got into the habit of realizing that the fair didn’t just happen, that people had to prepare for it.” Both Gail and Mary Lou have been on two different sides of the fair preparation. Mary Lou served as a key leader of a club and on the 4-H Leader’s Council for many years. She continues to help at livestock auctions. Gail has served on the fair board for 29 years and was president for 14 years. Before his stint on the fair board, he also served as beef superintendent right out of college, he said. This year, Gail is vice president on the fair board, which begins planning in Septem-

ber for the following year’s fair. Board members attend other local fairs, do research and contact sponsors, he said. “Everybody on the board is different. People have set hours that they work,” Gail said. “Because we work on a farm — my sons work on the farm — I can get away from there certain times, but most fair board members take the entire week off as vacation.” The Petersons, who have four children and 11 grandchildren, also go to the fair to support their family, as 10 of their 11 grandchildren show exhibits and livestock. Their youngest is 2 weeks old, and the parents are already discussing 4-H showing, Mary Lou said. “It’s in the blood,” Mary Lou said. “Now, the grandkids go up and help Gail or help their parents. Our own kids are involved. It is the big event in the summer. That’s what you work for with your animals. It is a way of life and the main benefit is the kids.” The couple continues

to be astounded by the amount of community support and volunteers who donate their time and energy into preparing and helping during the fair, they said. “It’s outstanding the community support and community members that come and help,” Mary Lou said. “It may be one thing they do or 10 things they do, but bless them, they just do it. They don’t get paid for this. In a day and age where people want to

get paid for everything, I think it is nothing short of amazing the thousands of people who donate their time with absolutely nothing to gain from it other than their satisfaction.” The Petersons were shocked to find out they had been selected as grand marshalls of the fair, the couple said. Gail had health problems earlier this year and could not attend many of the meetings. At a meeting he missed, Gail and Mary Lou were picked by the board. “Normally, fair board members in the past haven’t been grand marshalls,” Gail said. “It’s been more like retired fair board members or somebody

who wasn’t a fair board member, was just a supporter. I never expected for us to be grand marshalls, but they apparently made an exception.” The couple plans on being involved in the Cass County Fair for as long as they are able, Mary Lou said. “Our youngest grandchild has a lot of years left to show,” Mary Lou said. “Our parents were there sitting, whether they were barely able to or not. We like watching our family show and being involved, so we will be there. We don’t know from year to year how long we will be healthy to do that, but that’s our plan.”

Cass County Fair • August 2019

The Cass County Fair will host its first-ever Bump-n-Run event this year. Pictured is Todd Sorensen, of TNT Demolition Derby. (Leader photo/SARAH CULTON)

Knock ‘em out Cass County Fair to host first Bump-n-Run Derby By SARAH CULTON sarah.culton@leaderpub.com

ASSOPOLIS — At this year’s Cass County Fair, a new event is coming to the grandstand that will have fans cheering and participants bumping competitors out of the way. For the first time, the Cass County Fair will host a Bump-n-Run and Mini Van Demo Derby at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 in the grandstands. The derby will follow the traditional demolition derby, which will take place at 7 p.m. July 31. Entry is $25 per car, and participants must be 16 or older to enter. For spectators, grandstand tickets are $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 12 and $1 for children 5 and under. Unlike a traditional demolition

derby, a Bump-n-Run derby has participants run laps on an oval track, and the first one to complete their laps wins. Along the way, participants must navigate obstacles and can bump each other out of the way — hence the name Bump-n-Run. The derby is being facilitated by TNT Demolition Derby LLC, a Scottville, Michigan-based company. Manager Todd Sorensen said Bumpn-Run derbies have been steadily gaining popularity in the northern parts of Michigan, and now he is excited to bring one to southwest Michigan through the Cass County Fair. “I’m excited about it because this is such a beautiful place. When I first pulled in, I was like ‘wow,’” he said. “We are really excited to see [the Bump-n-Run] here. This is go-

ing to be a fantastic track.” As excited as Sorensen is for the Bump-n-Run, he believes Cass County residents should get excited, too. Though a Bump-n-Run may not be usual for the area, Sorensen said Bump-n-Runs are easier to get into than demolition derbies as the vehicles used for them are often less expensive than demolition derby cars, and it is more welcoming to younger participants. For those just watching from the stands, Sorensen said the Bump-n-Run is sure to prove entertaining and that fans often enjoy it. “It is more for fun than anything else,” Sorensen said. “But it is competitive. … You can spin people out to win first place.” In addition to the fun, Sorensen said people compete for the money. There will be more than $4,000

worth of prize money on the table. No matter the reason why someone competes — the money, the glory or just to have fun — Sorensen said he would encourage anyone curious to check out the Bump-n-Run. After they try it out, he hopes that they develop a passion for derbies the same way he did when he was young. “There’s nothing like the feeling of being out there,” he said. “It’s a passion. It’s been a passion all my life.” A full list of rules and safety regulations for the Bump-n-Run derby can be found at tntdemoderby.com. Participants can register at the Cass County Fair or by calling TNT Demolition Derby at (231) 425-6990. “We don’t turn anyone away,” Sorensen said. “It will be a good time — a good night.”

Cass County Fair • August 2019

Cass County Fair

SCHEDULEofEVENTS

Monday, July 29

Paid Admission Gate at 8 a.m. Veterans’ Day — Free admission — Must show I.D. 8 a.m. — Youth & PeeWee/Clvoerbud Dairy Show…………………….......................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 8 a.m. — Youth Horse & Pony — English Showmanship, Pleasure, Equitation, Dressage……...........................................................................................................................Horse Ring 8:30 a.m. — Youth & PeeWee/Cloverbud Sheep Show……………………....................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 3:30 p.m. — Youth Dairy Feeder Steer Show……………………..............................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 5 p.m. —Carnival Opens……………………....................................................................................................................................................................................................................Midway 5 p.m. — Draft Horse Pulls…………………….....................................................................................................................................................................................................Draft Horse Ring 7 p.m. — Super Kickers Rodeo…………………….................................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand

Tuesday, July 30

Kiddies’ Day — Free admission — Children 6 through 12 8 a.m. — Scales open for Farm Tractor Pull………………….......................................................................................................................................................................................…..Infield 8 a.m. — Youth Horse & Pony, Western & Ranch Showmanship, Western, Ranch & Walk/Trot Horsemanship……………………........................................................Horse Ring 9 a.m. — Farm Tractor & Antique Tractor Pull…………………….................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand 9 a.m. — Youth & PeeWee/Cloverbud Swine Show…………………….....................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 1 p.m. — Kdidies’ Day Program (1 to 2:30 p.m.)……………………................................................................................................................................Agnes Gregarek Community Building 2 p.m. — Carnival Opens……………………......................................................................................................................................................................................................................Midway 5 p.m. — Open & Youth Draft Horse Cart & Youth Team classes…………………….........................................................................................................................................Draft Horse Ring 7 p.m. — NTPA Regional National Tractor & Truck Pulls……………………....................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand

Wednesday, July 31

Law Enforcement Day — Law enforcement/military free admission — Must show I.D. 8 a.m. — Youth Horse & Pony — Western, Ranch & Walk/Trot Pleasure, Jumping, Versatility…...................................................................................................................Horse Ring 9 a.m. — Youth Beef Show……………………...............................................................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 9 a.m. — Youth & PeeWee/Cloverbud Rabbit Show………………........................................................................................................................................................……..Bergman Building 10 a.m. — Draft Horse Halter Classes……………………...............................................................................................................................................................................Draft Horse Ring 1:30 p.m. — Youth Goat Show (All classes except cart, obstacle, and costume)..........................................................................................................……………………..Show & Sale Arena 2 p.m. Carnival Opens……………………..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Midway 5 p.m. — Youth Draft Horse Show, decorating, Bareback Riding................................................................................................................................................................Draft Horse Ring 7 p.m. — T-N-T Demolition Derby, “Mid-Season Championships”…………............................................................................................................................................................Grandstand

Thursday, Aug. 1

Senior Citizens’ Day — Free admission — 60 and older 8 a.m. — Youth Horse & Pony Show — Costume, Pee Wee/Cloverbud, Award Ceremony, Last Ride...…………..............................................................................…………..Horse Ring 8 a.m. — Youth & PeeWee/Cloverbud Cat Show…………………...........................................................................................................................…..Agnes Gregarek Community Building 9 a.m. — Youth & Pee Wee/Cloverbud Poultry Show...............................................................................................................................................................................Bergman Building 9 a.m. — Senior Citizens Day Program.....................................................................…………………........................................................................Agnes Gregarek Community Building 10 a.m. — Youth Market Livestock Auction — Lambs, Dairy Feeder, Beef, Galllon of Milk, Draft Horse, Swine, Beef. NOTE: Buyer dinner will be provided during the auction with no organized break……………………...............................................................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 2 p.m. — Carnival Opens…………………….....................................................................................................................................................................................................................Midway 3 p.m. — Euchre Tournament……………………................................................................................................................................................................Agnes Gregarek Community Building 6 p.m. — Draft Horse Utility & Obstacle Class.........................………………….......................................................................................................................................…..Draft Horse Ring 7 p.m. — T-N-T Bump & Run Demolition Derby.............................................................................................................……………………...........................................................Grandstand

Friday, Aug. 2

Homemakers’ Day, 4-H Day — Homemakers — Free admission until 9:30 a.m. 8 a.m. — Youth Horse & Pony — Keyhole, Speed & Auction, Kegs, Poles, Flags, Barrels……………………..............................................................................................................Horse Ring 9 a.m. — Homemakers’ Day Program, “Scrappy”…….................................................................................................................................................Agnes Gregarek Community Building 10 a.m. — Pedal Pull……………..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Midway 10 a.m. — Youth Livestock Judging Contest……………………....................................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 1 p.m. — Youth Interviews & Demonstrations……………......................................................................................................................................................................................………..Gazebo

Cass County Fair • August 2019

2 p.m. — Carnival Opens……………...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Midway 2 p.m. — Ag Olympics…………………….......................................................................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 4 p.m. — Youth Goat Show — Costumer, Cart, & Obstacle Show (following Ag Olympics)……………………..............................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 4 p.m. — Small Animal Sweepstakes……………………..............................................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 6 p.m. — Showmanship Sweepstakes……………………............................................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 7 p.m. — SJO Super Cross Championship Series……………………........................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena At Dusk — Fireworks (rain date: Saturday)……………………..................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand

Saturday, Aug. 3

Family Dollar Day — $1 admission from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 9 a.m. — Youth Horse & Pony — Costume, Pee Wee/ Cloverbud, Award Ceremony & Last Ride............................................................................................................................Horse Ring 9 a.m. — Youth Small Animal Auction — Rabbits, Eggs, Poultry, Goats……………………..............................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 10 a.m. — (Drive In) Open Draft & Light Draft & Hitch Show…….......................................................................................................................................................……..Draft Horse Ring Noon — Carnival Opens…………..................................................................................................................................................................................................................…………...Midway 3 p.m. — Adult Alumni Horse Showmanship Fundraiser…………......................................................................................................................................................................Horse Ring 6 p.m. — Adult Alumni Dairy Feeder Showmanship Fundraiser…...................................................................................................................................................Show & Sale Arena 7 p.m. — Ultimate Mega Monster Trucks Championship...................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand 8:45 p.m. — Home Arts Quilt Raffle Drawing…………………….....................................................................................................................................................................................Fair Office

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Bag a Cass County Fair • August 2019

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Cass County fair offers discounts, free events all week long By HANNAH HOLLIDAY hannah.holliday@leaderpub.com

ASSOPOLIS — When the fair comes to Cass County, the event organizers want visitors’ last worry to be their wallet. In keeping with a longstanding tradition of offering discounts, this year’s fair will feature more savings to keep families focused on the fun. “To get in the fairground, people can buy a season pass for $25 dollars, instead of paying $42 for admission every day,” said Cass County Fair President Brian Kuemin. Specific Cass County populations will already run into fair deals before they even walk through the front gates. Typical admission prices will stay consistent from last year’s prices: $7 for adults, $2 for children ages 6 through 12 and free admission for children 5 and under. “The special discount days have increased over the last five years,” said Gail Peterson, the vice president of the Cass County Fair board. “We’ve had Senior Citizens’ Day and Homemakers’ Day for a long time, and then we added the rest.” On Monday, July 29, Veterans’ Day will be celebrated, allowing veterans free admission into the fair with a valid ID. This deal will last the entire day. On Tuesday, July 30, children ages 6 through 12 will have the opportunity to enter the fair for free in honor of Kiddies’ Day. In order to keep the children entertained and educated, free grounds entertainment is planned throughout the week, including Granpa Crachet, who will tell jokes and teach life lessons at his free shows, offered daily. Barnyard Adventures will also offer a free show, featuring audience participation, team building activities and a presentation of fun farm facts. “We always think that a lot of people in the county don’t have a lot of money,” Peterson said. “We try to offer some things that are

reasonably priced. Other things we have to charge a little more for in order to do them.” Wednesday, July 31, will be dedicated to law enforcement, where law enforcement personnel can enter the fair for free all day. Providing the proper identification is required. Senior citizens will have their day of celebration as attendance is free for all those 60 years and older on Thursday, Aug. 1. A Medicare card or driver’s license must be shown as proof. The day will kick off with a special Senior Citizens’ Day program, hosted by the Cass County Council on Aging. The program will feature Rock Harley as Johnny Cash and a performance from the Bronk Brothers. Early morning coffee and donuts will also be provided by the COA at 9 a.m. Thursday will not just be dedicated to Senior Citizens’ Day. This year, the Cass County Fair will also be hosting its second annual Handi Capable Day by welcoming all visitors with special needs and providing complimentary food vouchers and carnival rides. Participants must register to be eligible for

food vouchers. Check-in will occur from 11 a.m. to noon, and the rides will commence from noon to 2 p.m. Interested readers can register by calling the Cass County Fair Office at (269) 445-8265 or emailing casscountyfair@gmail.com. For the crafty crowd, Friday, Aug. 2 will be Homemakers’ Day, offering free admittance until 9:30 a.m. for those attending a homemakers’ program at 9 a.m. On Saturday, Aug. 3, families should search for cash to see just how far their dollar can go on Family Dollar Day. Gate admission will cost $1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. All rides will be $1, and special food items offered by specific vendors will also cost $1. “Dollar days has been huge,” Kuemin said. “When we started doing that, it made a really big difference for us on Saturdays. Particularly, during the day, temperatures get warm, and they will wait until the evening for things to cool down, but if they can get to the fairgrounds for $1, that’s made a huge difference.” For all the ride warriors and thrill seek-

ers, mega pass deals are being offered for a second time this year. Interested adrenaline junkies can ride an unlimited number of rides during three days for $35, which results in a $25 savings if riders purchased full price armbands each day. For fair attendees who want to take full advantage of the many attractions, a sixday ride pass is available for $55, equating to a total savings of $65 if armbands were bought every day at full price. Mega pass deals are available online or at the fair office. For a free activity with the thrill included, The Fearless Flores Thrill Show will have free shows daily. For those looking to ride rides at discounted rates on Monday, July 29, wristbands will cost $14, and Tuesday, July 31, wristbands will cost $10, which is a great deal, Kuemin said. Wristbands will cost $20 during the rest of the week. For those families with children, the Meet Up and Eat Up program will feed children 18 years and younger a free breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday during the fair week. The summer food service program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cassopolis Public Schools will sponsor the tent at the fair. Questions from readers are directed to Glen Barr, (269) 445-1645. The tent will be located across from the beef wash racks and will be serving breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For those visiting the fair, parking is always free, Kuemin said. Instead, the fair charges a gate admission fee. The Cass County Fair will also be using an app again. It will include the schedule of free events and other fair deals. “It’s a great tool, and we are planning on using it to send out messages. [It is] a place to share pictures, has the schedule, grandstand prices and a map of the fairgrounds,” Kuemin said.

Cass County Fair • August 2019

Cooking up tradition El Amigo Pepe to return to Cass County Fair By SARAH CULTON sarah.culton@leaderpub.com

ASSOPOLIS — Though fair food has become synonymous with deepfried fare, one local vendor will once again be challenging that stereotype by selling fresh, Mexican treats at this year’s Cass County Fair. Longtime fair food vendor El Amigo Pepe will return to the Cass County Fair Grounds this month. Throughout the fair, which runs from July 28 to Aug. 3, the Niles-based Mexican eatery will be set up outside of the grandstand. The truck will be serving several customer favorites from El Amigo Pepe’s brick and mortar restaurant, including tacos, taco salads, burritos and quesadillas. “We keep it simple,” said Jose Mendez, who owns El Amigo Pepe with his wife, Ana. “We

El Amigo Pepe will be a vendor at the Cass County Fair this year. Pictured are Jose Mendez, Gabriela Morales, Erik Mendez and Mayra Ortiz at their home restaurant in Niles. (Leader photo/SARAH CULTON)

hardly do any fried food. People know we don’t use a lot of grease. We don’t use anything frozen. We make everything fresh.” “It’s all made to order and fresh ingredients,” added daughter, Gabriela Morales. “It’s a way for you to feel a little bit better about eating at the fair.”

Mendez estimated that El Amigo Pepe has had a presence at the Cass County Fair for at least eight years. The restaurant is often out and about at festivals, also participating in the Four Flags Area Apple Festival, the Berrien County Youth Fair, the Van Buren County Fair, the Niles Blue-

grass Festival, Redbud Motocross and the Oceana County Fair. Though El Amigo Pepe visits many Michigan events, the Cass County Fair is one of the family’s favorites, according to both Mendez and Morales. “All the people are just really nice,” Mendez said. “Cass is one of the best around.” “Everyone everywhere he goes is really nice, but [the Cass County Fair] is just like open arms,” Morales added. “They are managing it in a way that makes us feel welcome and makes everyone who is coming to the Cass County Fair feel welcome.” In addition to making El Amigo Pepe feel welcome, the Cass County Fair keeps them busy. Morales said that from the time they open each day, workers never see the end of the line.

“A lot of times, we get so busy, I can’t even say hi to people I have known for years,” Mendez said. “I get so busy. I hardly have time to turn my head around.” Despite the fast pace and the challenge of working out of a food truck, both Morales and Mendez said that serving food at the fair is worth it. “It’s fun,” Mendez said. “I love to be outside, to be around people.” With the fair just around the corner, Mendez said he is excited to get back outside, back at the Cass County Fair and back serving the customers who have come to expect El Amigo Pepe’s presence on the grounds. “People know us. They know the food is good,” he said. “Sometimes, people come in just for our food. … We are happy to be back.”

Cass County Fair • August 2019