The Cheboygan County Fair is being featured as the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce‘s Member of the Month for May!
Cheboygan Fairgrounds
I asked Ron Williams to share some history on the Cheboygan County Fair (which can also be found on their website at www.cheboygancountyfair.com). He states,
“Our fair has a long and proud history and we make history every year.
It was first held in September 1878 on the grounds of the Cheboygan Horse Association, then moved to O’Brien’s Grove, and was also held in Wolverine for a time. However, in the late 1940’s the Spies family sold the 30 acres which is now the Cheboygan County Fairgrounds to Cheboygan County Fair Association Agricultural Society for $1.00 because they believed the Fair should be held at the location of the county seat. It has taken place there ever since and has grown into one of Michigan’s premier county fairs.
Fair Camp
Each year the Cheboygan County Fair hosts over 35,000 guests from all over the region during a ten day period. This results in significant economic gains for the local economy and presents exceptional opportunities for both young and old to enjoy and participate in the magic a great county fair.
Hundreds of hard working volunteers spend thousands of hours each year organizing and conducting the fair, and the Cheboygan County Fair Board works diligently to operate with positive cash flow to ensure fantastic features and events each and to avoid spending any taxpayer funds.
The Cheboygan County Fair is a family tradition and community celebration. The Fairs economic impact statement estimates that the Fair generates an additional $850,000.00 in revenue for local families, businesses and non-profit organizations. It is the longest, largest Fair/Festival/Public event in Cheboygan County.”
The Fair uses Radio, Newspaper, and Social Media to promote. Local businesses help support the efforts of the Cheboygan County Fair by sponsorships which are advertised all over the grounds in the form of banners, golf carts, public announcements and brochures. (You can find sponsorship opportunities HERE!)
There are many fun events happening all week long at the Cheboygan County Fair for 2019!
You can follow the Cheboygan County Fair by going to their WEBSITE at www.cheboygancountyfair.com or on Facebook for the latest updates.
All images above were submitted with approval and credit to the Cheboygan County Fair and it’s affiliates.
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On a personal note, my family has attended the fair annually since 2012. We have had the opportunity to become involved in events like 4H where my daughter learned showmanship for her bunny, Rainbow Flower. We always take a day to visit the animals and view the 4H and art exhibits. Each day highlights certain events, such as the Ladies Day Expo where I’m able to share my photography business and Kids Day when the children can play traditionally fun and competitive fair games like sack races and pie eating contests. And of course you can’t forget the carnival and amusement rides! We appreciate the schools bringing the “free lunch program” for the kids while my husband and I enjoy tasty fair-fare from local church restaurants on grounds. It really brings a great sense of community involvement from all areas. Music concerts, Heavyweight Horse pulls, and Monster truck shows are big events once the sun goes down. Something for everyone! I don’t share many personal images, but I wanted to share some of our favorite activities over the years. (click HD for better resolution)
The fair is also an amazing place for getting engagement, family, or senior pictures done and I’ve had the pleasure to do all three at this location during my time in business.
So a big thank you to those that spend the many hours to make the Cheboygan County Fair a great place to bring my family every year. We so enjoy each event we’re able to attend.
If you have any special memories or photos of the Cheboygan County Fair, I’d love for you to share them in the comments below! Let’s continue to support this wonderful annual event that has taken place for over a century! It’s a festive tradition to take part in with a great history for our community!