Joanne Williams
Editor

(TCJ photo – In 2025, livestock exhibits continued to draw crowds, including generations of past exhibitors, family, friends, and of course, buyers and sponsors.)

Anticipation.

It’s been in the air for almost a year since Eaton County budget cuts eliminated funding for the Michigan State University Extension – the backbone of 4-H Clubs in the county. 

As the Eaton County Fair begins, sighs of relief and support have been heard as livestock events continue to draw exhibitors and buyers.

According to a Fairboard statement, “Despite not having 4-H involvement in Eaton County due to large budget cuts, the Eaton County Fair is thriving as we are ready to celebrate 171 years of fair fun this year. While 4-H historically played a role through the organization of clubs, the Eaton County Agricultural Society has always been the backbone of the Eaton County Fair, with the help of our many volunteers and the large amount of community of support.”

The week-long event is the work of the Eaton County Agricultural Society, a non-profit agency since 1855. Known as the Fairboard, Martin Fabrik is president, and with the help of other board members and volunteers, has answered some questions about this 171st event.

What are the benefits for the young people showing and caring for their animals?

Not only do the kids get to learn responsibility through caring for and working with their animals, but they also get to boost their confidence by showing all the hard work they put into their animals throughout the year. However, it’s not just about the kids and their animals; the fair itself becomes a community for the week. The kids work together, mentor each other, and build lifelong friendships and memories. 

Do they have to be 4-H or Fair Members to show?

At the Eaton County Fair, exhibitors can be a part of a 4-H Club, an FFA Chapter, or exhibitors can form their own group of youth and show as an independent.

What is the age range of the youth?

Animal projects are for youth ages 8 through 19. Many have peewee shows for the youth under 8 years old. Arts, crafts, and food projects are available for youth 5 to 19. We also offer an open class for anyone from age 5 and all the way up, that way they can participate in the fair for as long as they would like!

Do they often continue year to year to participate?

Many kids show from age 8, all the way until the age out of showing at age 19. It is also not uncommon to see multiple generations seated in the stands to watch the youngest generation show. 

Are there any new events or changes that people need to know about for this year’s fair?

This year we are excited to announce that we have added a motorhome class to our Bump N Run Derby on Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m. This is a grandstand event. 

State Fair History

The Eaton County Fair shares in a grand history of early agricultural shows and competitions, begun in the mid 1800s. Syracuse, New York, was the site of the country’s first agricultural fair in 1841.

The Michigan State Fair began in Detroit in 1849, and was one of the first statewide fair events to take place in the United States. It was held in Detroit until 2009, when “it was discontinued by a resolution of the state government, due to ongoing budget issues,” according to fair sources. The Michigan State Fair is now a private entity, produced in Novi, Sept. 3-7 this year at Vibe Credit Union Showplace. This venture began in 2013. In 2020, the original fair’s Detroit home was sold and became an Amazon distribution center.

Fair Information

The Eaton County Fair takes place July 11-18 at the Fairgrounds, 1025 S. Cochran, with gates opening daily at 8 a.m.

The full schedule and more is available at eatoncountyfair.com. This will have the most up-to-date information.

Admission is daily or with a week pass. Children 5 and under are admitted free. There are costs for grandstand events as well as carnival rides from Elliott’s Amusements.

There are events for every age, from music to amusement rides to tractor pulls and more. Monday is Farm Bureau Day, Senior day is Wednesday, July 15, Toddler’s Day is July 16, and Kid’s Day is July 17.