County fair offers old-fashioned fun with new improvements.

County fair offers old-fashioned fun with new improvements.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART – The Oceana County Fairgrounds are buzzing with activity this week as workers prepare to open the gates for the 148th annual fair, Aug. 20-24.

Oceana County Agricultural Society President/Manager Paul Erickson, who took over the helm for long-time president Clancy Aerts last year, has spearheaded many changes to the iconic fairgrounds.

One major improvement addresses the growing needs of handicap parking. Erickson has worked with the Disability Network of West Michigan Mobility Manager for Oceana County Lisa Andritsis and Director of Northern Counties Ada Linderman to establish not only enhanced parking but also a Disability Network tent on site.

“Our biggest challenge has been handicap parking,” Erickson said. “There is an increase of the number of people needing assistance.”

Oceana County Agricultural Society President/Manager Paul Erickson stands in front of a new sign displayed on the grandstands.

“There will be a tent right at the main gate to provide services for people in need,” he said. Handicap parking spaces will also be available near the main gate. A “people mover” – a large golf cart that can transport eight people and one wheelchair – will shuttle folks to the west parking lot for additional handicap parking.

In addition to the handicap parking and services improvements, the ag board has invested over $100,000 in improvements to the grounds over the last two years, Erickson said. The funds were saved from previous years, he said.

Fencing throughout the grounds has been replaced or improved to create a more welcoming atmosphere. New lighting equipment and security cameras have been installed, and WiFi is now available at the fair. The commercial building got a makeover with new doors. The duck ponds by the poultry barn have been re-vamped, and the rabbit and poultry barn also has been enhanced with new doors.

Attractive new signs are on display at the intersection of Polk Road and State Street and on the grandstands.

Oceana County Jail inmates – through the Inmate Work Program – paint a fence near the horse barn at the fairgrounds.

A fenced-in “Kids’ Camp” has been constructed near the Education Building to provide a safer place for the 4-H children during their “down time” at the fair. Kids’ Camp is a place where kids can set up tents so they can relax in between competitions. It is a well-lit area and offers electrical outlets for phone charging.

“Our main focus is the safety and security of our children,” Erickson said. “Human trafficking is becoming more rural, and we must be vigilant in making the fair safe for all who attend.”

A lot of the work has been performed by Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast’s Inmate Work Program. Erickson said the program has been a win-win for the inmates by boosting their morale and the fair for receiving free labor.

Erickson has more projects in the works that will not only continue to improve the grounds but also bring more events there throughout the year. “We have had the grandstands inspected and are going to take an aggressive stance toward restoring this century-old structure.”

With an ambitious approach toward improving the grounds and offering more activities, it looks like the best is yet to come for the Oceana County Fair.

The following is the schedule of events for the 2019 Oceana County Fair:

TUESDAY, AUG. 20, 2019:
ENTRY DAY: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Midway opens at 5 p.m. – $12 armband will let you ride from 5 p.m. to closing
* 2 p.m. – Harness Horse Racing (FREE GRANDSTAND)
* 5 P.m. – 4-H  Dog Show (INFIELD near west end of Youth Exhibit Building)
* 6 p.m. – Draft Horse Halter and Showmanship Classes (LARGE ARENA)
* 6:30 p.m. – West Shore Talent Competition (FREE GRANDSTAND – open at 6 p.m.)

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21, 2019:
SENIOR CITIZEN DAY – Over 60 admitted for $1 until 6 p.m.
Midway opens at 2 p.m.
 – $10 armband will let you ride from 2-6 p.m. An additional $12 armband will let you ride from 6 p.m. until closing.
*Individual ride tickets will be available.
* 8 a.m. – Swine Showmanship, Breeding and 4-H Market Classes (SMALL INDOOR ARENA – Hog/Lamb/Goat Barn)
* 8:30 a.m. – Beef Showmanship, Breed and 4-H Market Classes (LARGE ARENA)
* 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 4-H Building Judging, All entered exhibits in 4-H Youth Building (4-H BUILDING – building will be closed until 3 p.m. during judging)
* 1 p.m. – Saddle Horse Showmanship and Halter Classes (LARGE ARENA)
* 2 p.m. – Harness Horse Racing (FREE GRANDSTAND)
* 4 p.m. – Sheep Showmanship, Breeding and 4-H Market Classes (SMALL INDOOR ARENA)
* 6:15 p.m. – Mini Horse Driving Classes
* 6:30 p.m. – Draft Horse Driving Classes (LARGE ARENA)
* 5 p.m. – Farm Workers’ Appreciation Night (FREE GRANDSTAND)

THURSDAY, AUG. 22, 2019:
Midway opens at 2 p.m. – $10 armband will let you ride from 2-6 p.m. An additional $15 armband will let you ride from 6 p.m. until closing.
*Individual ride tickets will be available.
* 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Accommodations for those with disabilities will be provided during this time, including free gate and free rides.
* 8 a.m. – English Performance Classes – 4-H and Open (INFIELD ARENA)
* 9 a.m. – Dairy Cattle Judging, 4-H and Open (LARGE ARENA)
* 9 a.m. – Goat 4-H and Open Showmanship, Breeds and 4-H Market Classes (SMALL INDOOR ARENA)
* 10 a.m. – Rabbit 4-H and Open Showmanship, Breeds and 4-H Market Classes (RABBIT and POULTRY BARN)
* 6:45 p.m. – Presentation of Oceana 4-H Ambassadors (FREE GRANDSTAND)
* 7 p.m. – 4-H Market Livestock Auction (FREE GRANDSTAND)

FRIDAY, AUG. 23, 2019:
YOUTH DAY – Ages 12 and under admitted free until 6 p.m.
Midway opens at 1 p.m. – $10 armband will let you ride from 2-6 p.m. An additional $15 armband will let you ride from 6 p.m. until closing.
*Individual ride tickets will be available.
* 9 a.m. – Western Riding Classes 4-H and Open (INFIELD ARENA)
* 9 a.m. – Poultry 4-H and Open Showmanship, Breeds and 4-H Market Classes (RABBIT and POULTRY BARN)
* Noon to 3 p.m. – Open Music Jam (Between Fair Office and Commercial Building)
* Noon to 4 p.m. – Horse Trail Class (near INFIELD ARENA)
* 1 p.m. – Commodity Carnival (north side of LARGE ARENA)
* 2 p.m. – Heavyweight Horse Pulling (FREE GRANDSTAND)
* 4 p.m. – Cow Trail Classes/ Costume Class (LARGE ARENA)
* 7 p.m. – Tractor Pull – local farm tractors (GRANDSTAND ADMISSION; ticket sales open at 5 p.m.)
* 6:45 p.m. – Parade of Horse Breeds (LARGE ARENA)
* 7 p.m. – Horse Costume Class (LARGE ARENA)
* 7:15 p.m.– Miniature Horse Obstacle Class (LARGE ARENA)

SATURDAY, AUG. 24, 2019:
FINAL DAY OF FAIR
Midway opens at 1 p.m. 
– $20 armband will let you ride all day until closing.
*Individual ride tickets will be available.
* 10 a.m. – Grand Slam Showmanship (RABBIT and POULTRY BARN, LARGE ARENA)
 Starting with smaller animals, working up to larger animals in large arena
* 10 a.m. – Horse Games (INFIELD ARENA)
* Noon – Garden Tractor Pull (FREE GRANDSTAND)
* 1 p.m. – Ag Olympics (LARGE ARENA) – All kids 19 years and under are invited to participate. Games, fun, and prizes.
* 5 p.m. – 4-H Small Market and Junior Market Auctions (LARGE ARENA)
* 7 p.m. – Demolition Derby and Auto Cross Event (GRANDSTAND ADMISSION) Ticket sales begin at 5 p.m.

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