Like the Oakland County 4-H fair’s 25-cent bottomless glass of chocolate milk, this year’s festivities offered an enjoyable experience for the whole family from July 25-31. Unlike the milk though, the fair will take a year to refill the Oakland County fairgrounds in Davisburg.
‘It was a record breaking fair for us. We caught the weather just right and there was a lot of curiosity about the Ellis Barn. I can’t believe it came together for us so well,? said LC Scramlin, general manager of the 4-H fair.
Over 90,000 people flocked into the 4-H fair this year, setting a new attendance record.
‘It was such a blessing that it cooled down. Three or four of the fair’s days were the nicest days of summer,? said Scramlin.
While the easy breezes sweeping across the fairgrounds helped bring people through the gates, some new takes on old exhibits ensured a good visit.
The Miracle of Birth Barn, which in years past was in a tent, was in a brand new barn this year. The change of scenery did a lot to help the visibility level of the exhibit which featured calfs, piglets, ducklings and many other animals born just before or during the fair.
‘Many people thought it was the first time we’d had a live birth exhibit. It was almost shocking,? said Scramlin.
The live animal birth barn was one of three new structures enjoying their debut at the fair. Another new building housed a ‘Farmer for a Day? hands-on activity and the livestock were housed in a new barn as well.
Another drawing point to the fair was another new barn, the Ellis barn restoration project. While the basement and first floor levels of the historic Ellis barn, are the only parts near completion, a dedication ceremony for the restoral project was held on July 25, the opening night of the fair.
‘Driving by (the Ellis Barn) on Dixie Highway (the barn’s former location) at 50 miles an hour you don’t realize how big it is,? Scramlin said.
The 4-H planning board is already talking about next year’s celebration for the barn’s completion.
Members of the planning board have a successful template to use next year, both for the Ellis Barn celebration and the fair.
‘People put their hearts and souls into the fairgrounds,? said Sue Patterson, one of the 18 fair board directors.
One thing Scramlin is exceptionally proud of is the way the Oakland County 4-H fair has incorporated the rural tradition and history of the fair in a predominantly urban community.
‘It’s interesting to realize that 4-H and this fair have been able to adapt to Oakland County. We have a great agricultural history here ? Yes, the kids aren’t farm kids anymore, but they’ve adapted,? Scramlin said.
The lessons taught by raising an animal or creating an exhibit for the fair are universal to Scramlin.
?? Setting a goal and keeping track of expenses. All of these things a parent wants to teach their kids,? he said.
Some noteworthy Clarkston area residents who won Best of Show in the exhibit hall as well as State Gold Awards were: Beth Boyd, Tory Salvador, Chelsea Rawe, Elizabeth Brazeal and Christine Bignotti. Winning State Gold Award allows an individual to show their exhibit at the Michigan State Fair, which begins on Aug. 10.
Some Clarkston residents also showed off their skills on a horse. Renee Knight was named the western bareback grand champion and Amanda Suddeth is this year’s western fitting and showing grand champion.