By Christopher Johnson
The Farwell Fairgrounds, a beloved community institution since 1906, is gearing up for one of its biggest weekends of the year: Memorial Weekend 2026. A four-day carnival event, that will be running Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, May 24. In addition to fairground fun, it will be offering live entertainment, demolition derbies, great food, and the kind of small-town energy that has kept this fairgrounds going for more than a century.
Things get underway Thursday evening when the carnival opens at 4 PM. Rides and games are courtesy of Native Amusements and wristbands cost $20.
Gary & Renee take the stage at 5 PM for live music to kick things off musically. Squiggles n’ Giggles will be on hand offering face painting, and Cedar Acres Homestead brings their popular goat cuddling experience for visitors of all ages. The Animal Barn opens for those who want to get up close with farm animals, and vendors will be set up throughout the grounds. The Beer Tent runs from 11 AM to 1 AM, giving everyone plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the opening night atmosphere.
Friday continues with the carnival opening at 11 AM, joined by face painting, a caricature artist, vendors, and a DJ keeping things lively throughout the day. Goat cuddling continues, and the Beer Tent is once again open from 11 AM to 1 AM. The highlight of the evening, and one of the most anticipated events of the whole weekend, is the TNT Demo Derby at 7:30 PM— billed as the “King of the Track Weekend.” Both events take place at 221 S. Weber St. in Farwell, MI, and feature the same impressive class lineup across two nights of competition.
Night 1 kicks off Friday, May 22 from 7:30 to 10:30 PM. This first night focuses on BNR (bump-n-run) and Figure 8 classes, with competitors lining up across Power Wheels, Youth FWD BNR, Powderpuff BNR, Stock BNR, Stock F-8, Mod F-8, and Big Car RWD F-8. Friday’s show wraps up with fireworks after the final heat, capping off a big night of motorsports action.
Night 2 on Saturday, May 23 at 7 PM shifts the focus to the Figure 8 format and carries the “King of the Track — Figure 8” title, making it the championship closer of the two-night series. Saturday’s classes are Big Car RWD Figure 8, Mod FWD Figure 8, Stock FWD Figure 8, Power Wheels, Youth FWD BNR, Powderpuff FWD BNR, and Stock FWD BNR.
Across both nights, entry is $50 per car and driver, with pit passes available for $25, all ages welcome. The pits open four hours before showtime, and drivers must be registered at least one hour before the show begins. Full rules are available at tntderby.com, and for more information call 231-425-6990.
In addition to the derby, Saturday is the biggest day of the weekend. The carnival opens again at 11 AM alongside the Animal Barn, goat cuddling, and the Beer Tent running its full hours. The afternoon features a live performance by Domestic Disturbance at 4 PM, with face painting and the caricature artist available for those looking for something a little more low-key.
Sunday wraps everything up with the carnival opening at 2 PM for one final afternoon of fun. Face painting, goat cuddling, and vendors are all back for the closing day, and Jake Slater brings his Elvis tribute act to the stage at 2 PM. Sunday also features a Dinner Fundraiser offering smoked pork, cowboy beans, smoked mac & cheese, and cole slaw for just $10.00. A great deal and a great cause. The carnival officially closes at 6 PM, bringing the weekend to a close.
Beyond the main events, the fairgrounds will offer rustic camping for those who want to spend the whole weekend on the grounds, as well as horseshoe tournaments and lawn tractor pulls coming soon. Food is covered by a handpicked lineup of trucks and concessions including The Patty Wagon, Giant Cookie Lady, Bubba Q, and Amy’s Country Cafe Concessions.
A special thank you goes out to straw donor Elliot for his generous contribution to the event. The Farwell Fairgrounds is also deeply grateful for the support of its community sponsors: Chad Malley, Oakridge Party Store, Dagwoods, Loomis Bed and Breakfast, Bob’s Tire, Clare Automotive, Family First Pool Service, Family First Pool & Patio, Carrow’s Supermarket, Palmer’s Trading Post, KC’s Party Store, Shoreline Construction, Reiss Real Estate, TKOE, J&J Drain Cleaning, Smart Recovery Group, Clute’s Wrecker Service, Hamilton’s Wrecker Service, GFL, and Fabiano Brothers.
The fairgrounds is led this year by President Sue Ley, Vice President Stephanie Davis, Treasurer Kevin Klein, and Secretary Dawn Harmon. Volunteers and new members are always welcome. If you’d like to be part of what makes the Farwell Fairgrounds run, come on out and get involved. This is a community effort, and there’s always room for more.
