By Gari Voss
The 173rd Allegan County Fair has arrived. Though the presale specials for Grandstand tickets have passed, there are still opportunities to purchase tickets for Grandstand shows, Midway Rides, and more. Go to www.allegancountyfair.com, stop at the fair Office at 150 Allegan County Fair St., or call 269 673-6501.
Executive Director Saree Miller reminds fairgoers to not miss the PORK CHOP REVUE, “This is one of the most inventive and swine-able shows for the last 50 plus years! An awesome display of some of the smartest swine in the country. These bodacious barnyard buddies present a show featuring amazing stunts and laughable antics. You will laugh as you watch these bundles of bacon jump hurdles, waltz and even sing! See these great family shows with strong family tradition in the community area.”
In addition to grandstand attractions, carnival rides, animals, animals, and more animals, plus Fair Food, the fairground has taken on a new look in several areas with new roadways, new stage curtains, new lights in the racing barns, and a new PA System. In addition, there is a lot of new equipment.
Be sure to wander the Home Economics & Arts building and the large and small decorated booths around the produce in the Agriculture Building, plus visit the many booths in the Industrial Buildings.
Special Grandstand Concerts
Fri., Sept. 5th – 7:30pm: Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias & Jeff Dunham
Sat., Sept. 6th – 7pm: Cole Swindell & Conner Smith
Thurs., Sept. 11th – 7:30p,: Gabby Barrett & Myron Elkins
Additional Grandstand Events on Themed Days
Sun., Sept. 7th – 6pm: Unique Motor Sports Off Road Derby
Mon., Sept. 8th – Carload/Children’s Day
Noon: Harness Horse Racing
6pm: Parade goes through town
7pm: Parade at Free Grandstand
Tues., Sept. 9th – Sr. Citizen’s Day
Noon: Harness Horse Racing
7pm: NTPA Tractor Pulls
Wed., Sept. 10th – Ladies Day 8am program
7pm: Flying Star Rodeo
Thurs., Sept. 11th – Veteran’s Day (free with confirmation)
Fri., Sept. 12th – Taste of the Fair
7pm: SJO Motocross
Sat., Sept. 13th – 6pm: Unique Motor Sports State Championship Demo Derby
Allegan County Show Your Talent
Contestants registered in mid-August. Enjoy the talents of Allegan County entertainers in the Community Area Building (previously the Youth Building). 1st Place = $500; 2nd Place = $250; 3rd Place = $100. For additional information, contact Colleen at (616) 218-8170.
First Round: Sat., Sept. 6th, 2pm
Sun, Sept. 7th, 2pm
Semi-Finals: Thurs., Sept. 11, 6pm
Finals: Fri., Sept. 12, 6pm
Carnival Rides by Skerbeck Entertainment Group
There will be several new rides. Thrill seekers will delight in the Overdrive that spins on an elevated platform. Then there are the classics like the Scrambler with new construction. The children’s area will add a classic power boat plus airplanes and helicopters. Be sure to get a wristband, or rides are $3
Mega Ride (all 9 days) = $110
Daily Ride Mon-Thurs = $30
Fri. – Sun = $35 Fri., – Sun. = $30 if purchased by Noon Sept. 5th
All are encouraged to experience why the Allegan County Fair is considered “Michigan’s Most Popular County Fair”!
