Photo by Western Michigan Fairgrounds
The Western Michigan Fair is where you see your friends and neighbors, celebrate the waning days of summer, and appreciate good family values. The big cities may have the advantage over us in certain things, but nothing beats the feeling you get living in a cozy, friendly town with annual events like the Western Michigan Fair.
With the exception of WWII, the fair has been held every year since 1936 at the Mason County Fairgrounds on US-10 in Ludington. The fair was modified in 2020 due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus. The fair features the midway, demolition derby, harness horse racing, entertainment, still exhibits, grandstand events, and carnival rides. But the real attraction of the fair is the 4-H exhibits and animals. Area youngsters who have worked hard the past year raising their sheep, chickens, cows, and rabbits proudly wait for the judge’s ribbon. Equestrians get their chance to showcase their horses, and homemakers busily prepare their pies and other homemade goodies for judging.
Ride wristbands are $30 Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday, and $25 on Wednesday (Kids Day). Pre-sale mega ride passes go on sale in July and can be purchased at tjschmidtcarnival.com.
Days, times, and events listed below reflect the typical fair schedule from year to year, but may be subject to change.
Fair Entrance $3.00
Fair Entrance $5.00 per person – 5 & under free
Fair Entrance $5 per person – 5 & under free. All Veterans and Senior Citizens admitted free. Shuttle service from parking lot will be available.
Fair Entrance $5 per person – 5 & under free
Fair Entrance $5 per person – 5 & under free
Think the fairgrounds are just for the fair? Not here in Ludington! The Mason County Fairgrounds gets plenty of use in the summertime, one of our favorite seasons here along the lakeshore. The 185-acre site where the fairgrounds and airport are now located was farmland purchased in 1935 from Charles G. Wing. The first fair in Mason County was held in 1936, and the fair has been held each year with the exception of during WWII.
The fairgrounds have undergone a facelift in 2013-2014, with $672,000 in improvements. They include:
The fairgrounds are busy throughout the summer with various horse shows, including 4-H Youth, Quarterhorse shows and the AQHA/MQHA. In September, the Mason County Fairgrounds hosts the MIHA District IX Equestrian Meet. Almost every summer weekend, there’s an open air flea market at the fairgrounds, where you’ll find everything from books to furniture to tools. It’s a great place to browse and find those unique treasures.
Western Michigan Fair Association
5302 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431
231-843-8563
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