The July fireworks have finally subsided, and that can mean only one thing in Eaton County — it’s Fair time. The Eaton County Fair returns to Charlotte July 10 through July 15, bringing with it a schedule packed with entertaintment opportunities most anyone could find enjoyable.
Elliott’s Amusements returns with its host of rides guaranteed to thrill and excite, and games ready to challenge even the most skilled on the midway. The grandstands await the roaring crowds dazzled by the monster trucks, motocross riders and powerful tractors.
The 4-H rings are being filled by eager youth anticipating the opportunity to showcase the hard work they’ve put in raising their livestock.
There is no doubt that the Eaton County Fair provides a nice variety of opportunities for family fun.
Pre-Fair events began Wednesday, July 5 with the Performing Arts and Talent Show at Eaton Rapids High School. Events moved to the Eaton County Fairgrounds Friday, July 7 with harness racing at 5 p.m. Harness racing continues Saturday, July 8 at 11 a.m., followed by horse pulls at 4 p.m. Mini horse pulling takes the grandstands on Sunday, July 9.
Livestock exhibits get into full swing on Monday, July 10, beginning with swine showmanship at 8:30 a.m. The goat show begins at 9 a.m., followed by the open class draft horse show at 10 a.m. The 4-H Horse/Pony Pee Wee and Proud Eqestrians take the arena at 4 p.m.
The midway opens for the first time Monday, July 10 at 4 p.m. Armbands are only $12 on Monday.
Monday is also Veterans, Active Duty Military and Emergency Services Personnel Day, along with Eaton County Farm Bureau Day.
Monster trucks will dominate the grandstands Monday, with a pit party planned for 6 p.m. and the Monster Truck show beginning at 7 p.m.
4-H horse and pony classes start the day off on Tuesday, July 11 at 9 a.m. Rabbit showmanship and breed classes also begin at 9 a.m. The dairy market show takes place at 9:30 a.m. Beef showmanship, breeding cattle, market classes and feeder and club herds take the ring beginning at 4:30 p.m. Sheep lead classes and the decorative class begin at 6 p.m.
The grandstands feature the Auto Enduro and Mini Van Demo Derby Tuesday evening, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday is also Kids Day, with rides for the little ones running from noon to 4 p.m. Senior citizens also receive free gate admission Tuesday for Senior Citizens Day. Special events geared toward area senior citizens will take place at Kardell Hall between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Rides open at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12 with a special coupon available online at eatoncountyfair.com. The horse and pony classes, dairy showmanship, sheep showmanship, and poultry showmanship all kick off a busy day in the 4-H rings, beginning at 9 a.m.
SJO Motorsports presents a thrilling evening of motocross racing in the grandstands, beginning with practice at 5 p.m. and competitions at 7 p.m.
Rides open at noon on Thursday, July 13 for Toddler’s Day (children 6 and younger). Toddler armbands are just $5 from noon to 2 p.m.
The horse and cattle arenas open for competition at 9 a.m. The big market livestock sale begins at 10 a.m. in the Wawiernia Pavilion.
Thursday is also the first of two nights of truck and tractor pulls in the grandstands. Beginning at 7 p.m., Heavy Super Stock, Light Pro Stock, 2-Wheel Drive, Diesel Pickup, and Mini Mods will take the infield. The truck and tractor pulls return Friday, July 14 with Heavy Super Stock, Modified, Super Farm Stock, and 4-Wheel Drive Pickup competitions, also beginning at 7 p.m.
Cloverbud competitions take place throughout the day Friday in the 4-H arenas.
Saturday, July 15 is kids day from noon to 4 p.m. with $1 rides during that four hours. Large and small animal showmanship sweepstakes round, and the small animal sale help round out 4-H activities for the week.
The final night of grandstand entertainment features mud bogging by W. Michigan Mud Runs, beginning at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.EatonCountyFair.com.
