Ontonagon County Fair set for July 25-28

GREENLAND — The Ontonagon County Fair will close out July with a bang and a full schedule of events July 25-28. Animals, races, fast cars, kids games, beer and wine judging top the menu during the annual event.

One of the newly organized events is the Jackie Strauch/Critter Ranch Memorial Speed Show presented by the Timber Trails Riding Club. Named after the late Strauch, who operated the ranch and taught many young people to ride and work with horses, will be held Sunday with registration at 10 a.m. EDT and the speed show to start at 11. Erin Tucker, who was mentored by Strauch, said the event is a “Gym Khana.” They are horse timed barrel, pole and other games in beginner, intermediate and advanced divisions.

The fair begins Thursday, July 25, with early exhibit registration. Premium information on exhibit types is available at the Michigan State University Extension office at the Ontonagon County Courthouse. The final exhibit registration is from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 26.

Other Friday events include: Judging of exhibits at noon, animal entries accepted from noon to 5 p.m. and stock car races at 8 p.m.

Saturday is packed with activities starting with a lumberjack breakfast buffet from 7 to 11 a.m. Other activities are:

7 to 8 a.m., motocross registration; 9 a.m., motocross practice.

9 a.m., Ontonagon Outback Walk/Run, and exhibit building opens.

10 a.m., livestock, poultry and rabbit judging.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., old-fashioned kids games, and motocross races begin.

12:01 p.m., beer and wine judging.

1 to 3 p.m., fun activities.

6 p.m., 4-H kids mock rodeo.

Sunday, July 28

10 a.m., exhibit building opens, Memorial Speed Show registration.

11 a.m., Memorial Speed Show.

Noon to 2 p.m., 4-H petting zoo.

4 p.m., release of exhibits.

There are some events that continue all during the fair including: antique engine and tractor show with exhibits and demonstrations; concessions, vendors; demos and displays of various artists/craftsmen; and live music at the gazebo.

Admission rates for Saturday and Sunday are $3 for kids age 6-17 and $5 for adults. Sunday offers a Senior Day rate of $3. Children under 6 are free.