143rd county fair kicks off

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — One of the longest-running county fairs in Michigan kicked off today and runs through Saturday at the fairgrounds, located at the corner of Polk Road and State Street.

After periods of heavy rain off and on throughout the day, the skies cleared shortly before 5 p.m. when the midway opened. Many of the rides were going immediately.

Approximately 25,000 people are expected to attend the 143rd Annual Oceana County Fair.

Today was Entry Day, and all of the 4-H animals were transported to the fairgrounds and are now in their barn stalls. Fair goers can tour the livestock barns to view the 4-H animals. Many of the horses are covered in light jackets right now, so they can stay clean for upcoming showings.

The Oceana Has Talent music competition was set to begin at 7 p.m. tonight in the Grandstand. The competition offers prizes and awards and will have a free-will offering and silent auction benefiting local ministries.

The fair offers 4-H competitions, grandstand events, carnival rides, games and food vendors.

Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Gate admission is $3 for adults; $1 for children ages 5-12; and free for kids under 5. Free transportation is provided to and from the parking area.

Hundreds of exhibits can be viewed in the display buildings, and hundreds of trophies and ribbons will be awarded to the 4-H members who have worked hard all year in preparation for the fair.

The fair closes with the exciting Auto Cross and Demolition Derby in the Grandstand Saturday night.

Schedule

– Wednesday: Senior Citizens Day. Midway opens at 2 p.m.

Fair goers over age 60 admitted for $1 until 6 p.m.

Grandstand: Silver Stake & Great Lakes Series Harness Racing – 1 p.m. The event features four Silver Stakes races and eight Great Lakes Series races. Free admission.

Grandstand: Farm Workers Appreciation Night – 7 p.m. Music, entertainment and drawings. Free admission.

– Thursday: Midway opens at 2 p.m.

Grandstand: Presentation of Oceana 4-H Ambassadors – 6:45 p.m. Free admission.

Grandstand: 4-H Market Livestock Auction – 7 p.m. Free admission.

– Friday: Youth Day. Midway opens at 1 p.m.

Fair goers 12 and under admitted free until 6 p.m.

Grandstand: Heavyweight Horse Pulling –  2 p.m. Free admission.

Grandstand: Tractor Pull – 7 p.m. Local farm tractors compete in seven events.Admission: Adults $5 and Children 12 and under $2.Grandstand opens at 6 p.m.

– Saturday: Midway opens at 2 p.m.

Grandstand: Garden Tractor Pull – noon. Free admission.

Grandstand: Auto Cross and Car & Truck Demolition Derby- 8 p.m.Admission:Adults $10, Children 12 and under, $5. Ticket sales open at 6 p.m. Prize Money: Auto Cross $2,400; Car Demo $1,000;Pickup Truck Demo $1,000.

For a more detailed schedule with 4-H events, go to oceanafair.com/schedule.