2nd-longest-running fair in the state kicks off today.

August 23, 2016

#OceanaCountyNews #OceanaCountyFair2016

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

HART — The 145th Annual Oceana County Fair, which is the second-longest running fair in Michigan, is set for Tuesday, Aug. 23, through Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Oceana County Fairgrounds.

The event draws approximately 25,000 fair goers every year, said Oceana County Fair President Clancy Aerts. The fair’s history dates back to 1871.

The longest-running fair in Michigan is the Lenawee County Fair in Adrian, which just had its 177th annual event this summer at the end of July.

Elliott’s Amusements will once again provide the rides and midway, which opens Tuesday at 5 p.m. Tuesday is also Entry Day, which starts at 9 a.m. Oceana Has Talent begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Grandstand.

The midway opens Wednesday at 2 p.m. Harness horse races begin Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Grandstand with free admission. Farm Worker Appreciation Night begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Grandstand.

Thursday the midway opens at 2 p.m. The Oceana 4-H Ambassadors will be presented Thursday at 6:45 in the Grandstand, followed by the 4-H Market Livestock Auction at 7 p.m.

Friday is Youth Day, and the midway opens at 1 p.m. Check out Heavyweight Horse Pulling Friday at 2 p.m. in the Grandstand. Local farmers compete in tractor pulling in the Grandstand Friday at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, watch the autocross and demolition derby in the Grandstand at 8 p.m. Adult admission is $10, and children 12 and under are $5. The Garden Tractor Pull is from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Grandstand, and admission is free.