Fair set to roll into town in two weeks

EMSF schedule has something for everyone

 

IMLAY CITY — The Eastern Michigan State Fair is set to open for business in less than two weeks and is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

The fair runs July 23 -27 at the fairgrounds in Imlay City, near the intersection of S. Cedar St and W. Borland Rd. Travelers heading in any direction in the area can’t miss the giant setup as amusement rides from Arnold Amusements light up the skyline along M-53.

“We are looking forward to another great year,” said Fair Manager Ian Kempf. “We have been working hard behind the scenes to get things ready to go. We’ve got a good lineup of grandstand events and special shows and we know the youth have been working hard with their projects. It’s going to be a great five days. We just are hoping the weather cooperates.”

This year’s fair has a small change in their admission policy for select days of the week while the Friday and Saturday of the fair will be the same, paying one price, with no free readmission, if you leave the gated entrance/exit area.

Among the highlights of the grandstand show is the popular Figure 8 trailer race with a variety of campers being towed behind entrants, a Monster Truck show that is sure to delight the crowd, along with a rodeo and the bone-crunching demolition derby on the fair’s final night.

Arnold Amusements will provide another year of thrilling rides for all ages along with games and concession stands.

Over 200 youth exhibitors are preparing 1,600 entries to be on display at the fair, including livestock projects and other entries. More than 160 beef, hogs and sheep are among the exhibits to be competing for prizes.

A year ago, fair officials, law enforcement and first responders had to quickly evacuate the fairgrounds due to heavy thunderstorms and a false report of a tornado in the area.

While the evacuation went relatively well, fair officials, law enforcement and other agencies gathered and created a comprehensive plan for emergencies at the fairgrounds, including severe weather.

Police Chief Brett Selby said the 42-page comprehensive plan is not only for weather related situations. “This certainly includes a better developed plan for evacuation due to weather. But, it also addresses all types of situations that are possible at the fairgrounds, involving numerous agencies. We want to be well prepared and have worked together with fair board officials to come up with a good plan.”