With all the action slated to go on at this year’s 4-H fair, the reason why organizers dubbed this year’s version ‘Spins and Grins? is easy to see.
With over 6,000 exhibits, three new barns and a wide array of demonstrations, the fair promises to keep people’s heads on a constant smiling swivel.
The 4-H fair will be held at the Oakland County Fairgrounds in Davisburg from July 26-31.
Many of the old standards? such as the 25 cent bottomless glass of chocolate milk, demolition derby, equestrian shows, racing pigs and white tiger demonstration? are back again. The fair also has some new tricks up its proverbial sleeves which 4-H fair General Manager L.C. Scramlin hopes the public will not miss.
‘Right at the entrance to the fair we have an info booth. The best thing to do is look for that. On an individual basis we can tailor (someone’s) day at the fair,? said Scramlin. ‘There’s something out here for everybody. You can spend the whole day here.?
The three new barns on the fairgrounds property are being showcased this year. In one barn the miracle of birth exhibit will feature live cow and pig births. The second of the new barns has a ‘Farmer for a Day? interactive exhibit, allowing children to milk pretend cows and toss hay. The goat exhibit, which has been a part of the fair for many years, is moving to the fairground’s third new barn.
In terms of major demonstrations, a new time and demo were added this year, thanks in part to a rainstorm last year.
According to Scramlin, a Tuesday night demo was rained out in 2004 and rescheduled for Sunday afternoon. The unexpected large turnout for the rescheduled Sunday exhibition led to a compact car demolition derby scheduled for July 31 this year at 4 p.m..
‘There is always unique things happening on different days at the fair,? said Scramlin.
To open the fair on July 25 at 6 p.m. there is a grand opening ceremony commemorating
the Ellis Barn’s restoral at the Fairgrounds. On July 26 there is a figure eight race at 7 p.m. The July 27 main event will be a rodeo at 2 and 7 p.m.. The main feature on July 28 is a demolition derby at 7 p.m.. The big draw on July 29 is flat track motorcycle racing at 7 p.m. which is new to the fair this year. Another figure eight race will take place on July 30 at 7 p.m..
Scramlin was particularly excited about this year’s exhibition hall, wherein kids showcase many products of their own ingenuity.
‘The magic of the thing is 650 kids create 6,000 exhibits that are new every year,? said Scramlin.
The fair will also feature daily horse competitions, and a carnival.
For discount tickets to the 4-H fair visit www.oakfair.org. For more information on the fair, call the 4-H fair office at 248-634-8830.