Fair News

PIG SCRAMBLE CANCELLED

At the June 5th meeting of the GCFFY Board of Directors, the board voted to cancel the pig scramble scheduled for Saturday night at the fair. The State of Michigan's Department of Agriculture has been forced to set strict rules on exhibiting swine. Allowing the scramble pigs to go home with exhibitors after the fair would be pose an unacceptable risk.

Only swine in sold at auction will be allowed on the fair grounds for the 2008 fair. More information regarding the decision from the Michigan Department of Agriculture is available at their site.

Gratiot County Fair for Youth Prepares for 2008 Fair

If you are in the mood for cotton candy, caramel corn, carnival rides, games, and family fun, the Gratiot County Fair for Youth is coming to town July 13 – 19 at the fair grounds in Alma, Michigan. Registrations are coming in for many different animal exhibits including horses, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, poultry, goats, and new for 2008 alpacas.

There are changes underway for the upcoming fair that help to enhance the fair’s mission of providing youth in Mid-Michigan an opportunity to showcase their accomplishments. Fair brochures outlining the schedule of events are available at local businesses.

This year, the fair’s opening ceremonies will be held on Sunday, July 13. For the first time, the fair will announce the new senior and junior fair queen at the actual fair. “There will be excitement as queens’ candidates, their families, and friends wait to hear the contest results” states fair coordinator Brian Gardner. “I am sure the event will be a high point of the evening”. Following the opening ceremonies will be the annual Still Exhibit Auction where the community will have the opportunity to purchase baked goods and products created by our local 4-H & FFA exhibitors.

The livestock auction sales have also changed days. The annual Small Animal Livestock Sale is Thursday, July 17 starting at 5:00 p.m. and the Large Livestock Sale is Friday, July 18 starting at 1:00 p.m. At these auctions, youth exhibitors will offer their animal projects for sale. “Buyers are not only purchasing a quality project, but supporting the educational growth of youth exhibitors.” explains Becky Hirschman, President of the Gratiot County Fair for Youth. “Money raised from the sale helps young people create college funds, and reinvest in the local economy.”

The rodeo is coming back to the fair this year, on Saturday, July 19. “This will be a time for the community to see an inexpensive family friendly event” explains Gardner. “Super Kicker Rodeo Company always has an outstanding show for us.” Tickets will be available for advanced purchase at various businesses and available at the gate. Following the rodeo will be a fireworks display.

The fair’s board of directors are also busy improving the fair grounds. You will see new white vinyl fencing around the horse arena and a new roof around the sheep arena. Plans are underway for a covered arena announcers stand. “The stand is built in memory of Laurie Smith who was a longtime fair supporter, volunteer, wife, and parent who passed away this past year of cancer” reports Hirschman.

For more information call (989) 875-5292.