Fair opens next week!

2025 extravaganza has it all; thousands are expected

 

IMLAY CITY — The annual Eastern Michigan State Fair is putting the finishing touches on the grounds and buildings, getting them in prime shape prior to gates opening on the 2025 fair.

“We’re excited” said fair manager Ian Kempf of the five-day event that begins Tuesday, July 22.

“We’ve had people mowing, getting buildings cleaned out and set-up on the fairgrounds themselves. We expect the midway to be showing up in the next few days. They always do a great job for us and they usually bring everything they have for us to help make it another great fair week.”

Kempf says at most festivals, $40 will get you maybe 20 minutes of fun. Here, at the Eastern Michigan State Fair, your admission covers ALL DAY fun.

“No extra tickets needed” Kempf said. “Bring the whole crew! Play all Day. Admission includes: Free Unlimited Rides, Free Shows, Free Grandstand, Free Animal Exhibits, Vendors, and so much FUN!!!”

A full slate of grandstand events, highlighted by the always popular Bump-N-Run and Demolition Derby, has a new act for fair week.

The National Tractor Pulling Association will be making a stop at the fair and is expected to put on a show that will be long remembered by pulling fans.

This year’s Fair runs from July 22 to the 26th and whether you are interested in youth livestock exhibits, ground entertainment shows, the midway or grandstand shows, it promises to have something for everyone.

“We tend to draw the larger crowds for our grandstand events on Friday and Saturday nights,” said Fair Manager Ian Kempf. “We want to give them a good show every night and kind of mix it up with what we have to offer. We’ve made some changes for this year’s line-up.”

Wednesday, July 23 will be a treat for tractor pulling buffs when the National Tractor Pulling Association comes to Imlay City.

“This is a big deal for us,” Kempf explained. “With this being the NTPA, they are going to be bringing the big boys. Tractors with three or four engines and it’s going to be a great show.”

Kempf said the 300-foot track will be plenty of space for the big boys to pull their eye-catching rigs, along with a safety area for slowing down after their pull.

One of the crowd favorites the past couple of years is back again this year, as the popular Figure 8 Trailer Racing roars to the starting line Thursday, July 24.

Kempf commented, “It was new for us a couple years ago and from what we heard from people, they really seemed to enjoy it. We told those that wanted to compete, if you have something that can pull a trailer – whatever kind it is, you’re in. It was pretty fun to watch.”

Vehicles of all sorts haul trailers of all shapes and sizes as they work to navigate the dirt course. Along the way there may be a few fender benders, collisions or even rollovers as drivers race to the finish line.

Kempf said participants bring whatever they want to drive and are able to hook-up to a trailer.

Prior to the races getting underway, there is a meeting where drivers have a random draw to find out what they are pulling.

Tuesday night, July 22, kicks off the grandstand shows at the Fair as the Rodeo makes a return appearance to the fair at 7 p.m.

Thursday night will be the trailer racing event, sponsored by Novak’s Supply & Equipment. Once the dust settles, the units in the event will most likely not be suitable for camping this summer.

Friday night will be the Bump-N-Run, sponsored by Coulter Real Estate, as a large number of cars race around the course hoping to take home the winning hardware.

Saturday night the Eastern Michigan State Fair wraps up it’s grandstand lineup with a smashing good event, the Demolition Derby.

The Derby is sponsored by Great Clips.

“We get a really good crowd the last couple of nights,” Kempf pointed out. “The place is packed and the drivers put on a good show. We are excited for all of the events this year and hope people come out and support the Fair.”

Eastern Michigan State Fair Nightly Grandstand Schedule.
Events Start at 7 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 22, Rodeo

• Wednesday, July 23, NTPA tractor and truck pull

• Thursday, July 24, Figure 8 Trailer Race
Presented By: Novak’s Supply & Equipment

• Friday, July 25, Bump-N-Run
Presented By: Coulter Real Estate

• Saturday, July 26; Demolition Derby
Presented By: Great Clips.

The Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds is a 47-acre exhibit and entertainment complex in Imlay City that operates seven months a year.

Founded in 1883, the Eastern Michigan State Fair showcases the best of Michigan agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the local economy, according to fair board members.

Tickets cost $15-25, depending on the day of the week. For more information, visit easternmichiganstatefair.com or find them on Facebook.

Kempf reminds visitors there is free re-admission Tuesday-Thursday, but not on Friday or Saturday.