Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The county fair is an American institution that is alive and well in rural areas and highly populated counties across Michigan. Some county fairs and festivals have more than a century's worth of history and continue traditional activities such as livestock shows and pie-eating contests.
Wayne County is home to more than 2 million residents and the city of Detroit. The Wayne County Fair takes place in Belleville, southwest of Detroit, in late summer. It is a multiday event with traditional fair activities and rides, a livestock show and auction, equine competitions, youth games, cooking contests and other events such as monster truck shows. Farmers and 4-H club members compete in several contests, and dog and cat owners can enter their animals in a pet show. Kids can enter the Wayne County Fair queen and princess contest. The fair runs from early morning until evening.
Wayne County Fair
10871 Quirk Road
Belleville, MI 48111
734-697-7002
waynecountyfairgrounds.net
The Kalamazoo County Fair takes place in Kalamazoo, in southwest Michigan. It features numerous animal competitions and exhibits. There are dog, dairy, draft horse, livestock, poultry, sheep and swine shows. Food contests include pie, hot dog and watermelon-eating contests. In addition to rides, the fair has entertainment from radio stations. Chainsaw artists can take part in a carving demonstration, creating log sculptures in front of the fair audience. The multiday fair runs from early morning to evening. Discounted admission is available for senior citizens.
Kalamazoo County Fair
2900 Lake St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
269-349-9791
kalamazoocountyfair.com
The Allegan County Fair takes place in Allegan, in western Michigan. The fair features an agricultural hall with animal shows, classes and auctions. There are separate shows for youth and a senior citizens program. Other fair attractions include a rodeo, a parade and the "Taste of Allegan" food exhibit. Entertainment includes musical groups, derby shows, all-terrain vehicle races and tractor pulls. Younger children will enjoy a petting zoo with camel rides and an exotic animal and reptile exhibit. The multiday fair also features a historical re-creation of a local village to teach fair attendees about the area's history.
Allegan County Fair
P.O. Box 10
150 Allegan County Fair Drive
Allegan, MI 49010
269-673-6501
allegancountyfair.net
Oakland County includes part of the Detroit metropolitan area and has more than 1 million residents. The Oakland County Fair dates to the 1830s, when it began as an agricultural event. The fair takes place in Davisburg and has indoor and outdoor events, including tractor shows, monster truck contests and demolition derbies. The fair also has a wide range of animal shows and contests. One of its main events is "Camp Scrap-Alot," in which tables are set up for scrapbooking enthusiasts to create their crafts in a group atmosphere over several days. The fair also features an art festival, a circus and traditional fair rides and amusements.
Oakland County Fair
Springfield Oaks County Park
12451 Andersonville Road
Davisburg, MI 48350
248-634-8830
oakfair.org