4 highlights from this week's calendar: Community events in Northern Michigan
Here's what we recommend:
More: The Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is set for Aug. 18-24. Here's what to expect
Enjoy county fair fun
Both the Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair and Otsego County Fair are up and running this week with a wide variety of activities for people to enjoy.
There are carnival rides, 4-H competitions, animal shows, delicious, fried foods, live music, rodeo contests, monster truck shows and so much more.
The 119th annual Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is running Aug. 18-24 at the fairgrounds in Petoskey. For ticket prices or more information, visit emmetchxfair.org.
The 144th Otsego County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 17-23 at the fairgrounds in Gaylord. For more information, visit otsegocountyfair.com.
More: Agriculture is the 144-year link that anchors the Otsego County Fair
Experience Chippewa County in photos
The Sault Area Art Center's August exhibit is now on display, with a wide selection of images from local photographers who took part in the 48-hour challenge for 'Chippewa County in Photographs.'
The event aimed to bring together 48 photographers from around Chippewa County who split the county into sections. Then, over the course of 48 hours, they took as many photos as they wanted in that area. After the two days were up, the photographers showed their work to a panel of judges from the arts council, who decided which photos would go on display.
The opening reception for the exhibit was on Friday, Aug. 15, and the exhibit will remain on display until Aug. 29. It is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
For more information, visit saultartcenter.com.
More: Local photographers sought: Event aims to capture Chippewa County's beauty over 48 hours
Support the Indian River library
The Friends of the Indian River Area Library are hosting a 'Beer, Brats, Boats and Books' fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21.
The event is taking place at the Howe Marina, with a varied menu, music, activities and many boats on display. All proceeds will go towards the Indian River Area Library Reading Garden project.
Tickets are $75. For more information, visit facebook.com/IndianRiverLibrary.
More: Summertime fun in Northern Michigan: Stargazing at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Join the Light's Out Challenge
The Headlands International Dark Sky Park near Mackinaw City is once again urging people to take part in the Light's Out Challenge.
The challenge, taking place from 10-11 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, asks residents around the region to turn off their lights so the park can try to get the darkest sky ever recorded at the Headlands. The challenge is set for a new moon evening, when the sky is normally the darkest it will be all month. Participation is voluntary, and the event is intended to raise awareness about the effects of artificial light at night on nocturnal habitat, human health and the use of energy resources.
In addition, a special presentation by the Northern Michigan Astronomy Club about the impact of light pollution will take place at 8 p.m. in the Waterfront Event Center.
For more information about the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, visit emmetcounty.org.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: 4 highlights from this week's calendar in Northern Michigan Aug. 19-21, 2025
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3 days ago
- Yahoo
4 highlights from this week's calendar: Community events in Northern Michigan
Whether you want to take a spin on the carnival rides at your local county fair or look up at the night sky's constellations, there's an event for you this week in Northern Michigan. Here's what we recommend: More: The Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is set for Aug. 18-24. Here's what to expect Enjoy county fair fun Both the Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair and Otsego County Fair are up and running this week with a wide variety of activities for people to enjoy. There are carnival rides, 4-H competitions, animal shows, delicious, fried foods, live music, rodeo contests, monster truck shows and so much more. The 119th annual Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is running Aug. 18-24 at the fairgrounds in Petoskey. For ticket prices or more information, visit The 144th Otsego County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 17-23 at the fairgrounds in Gaylord. For more information, visit More: Agriculture is the 144-year link that anchors the Otsego County Fair Experience Chippewa County in photos The Sault Area Art Center's August exhibit is now on display, with a wide selection of images from local photographers who took part in the 48-hour challenge for 'Chippewa County in Photographs.' The event aimed to bring together 48 photographers from around Chippewa County who split the county into sections. Then, over the course of 48 hours, they took as many photos as they wanted in that area. After the two days were up, the photographers showed their work to a panel of judges from the arts council, who decided which photos would go on display. The opening reception for the exhibit was on Friday, Aug. 15, and the exhibit will remain on display until Aug. 29. It is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, visit More: Local photographers sought: Event aims to capture Chippewa County's beauty over 48 hours Support the Indian River library The Friends of the Indian River Area Library are hosting a 'Beer, Brats, Boats and Books' fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21. The event is taking place at the Howe Marina, with a varied menu, music, activities and many boats on display. All proceeds will go towards the Indian River Area Library Reading Garden project. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit More: Summertime fun in Northern Michigan: Stargazing at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park Join the Light's Out Challenge The Headlands International Dark Sky Park near Mackinaw City is once again urging people to take part in the Light's Out Challenge. The challenge, taking place from 10-11 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, asks residents around the region to turn off their lights so the park can try to get the darkest sky ever recorded at the Headlands. The challenge is set for a new moon evening, when the sky is normally the darkest it will be all month. Participation is voluntary, and the event is intended to raise awareness about the effects of artificial light at night on nocturnal habitat, human health and the use of energy resources. In addition, a special presentation by the Northern Michigan Astronomy Club about the impact of light pollution will take place at 8 p.m. in the Waterfront Event Center. For more information about the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, visit — Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@ This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: 4 highlights from this week's calendar in Northern Michigan Aug. 19-21, 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
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Agriculture is the 144-year link that anchors the Otsego County Fair
GAYLORD — The 144th edition of the Otsego County Fair returns on Saturday, Aug. 16 and will once again celebrate agriculture's role in the local economy. Back in 1881 when the fair began, agriculture occupied a much bigger part of the local economy. While the ag footprint is smaller, it remains an important part of the community and continues to bring families together for a week of fun and celebration. "I have done it since I was 8. Family comes to mind when I think of the fair," said Amanda Greenman, secretary of the Otsego County Fair Board. "It's like we are a fair family that keeps coming back year after year. It is special to watch my children enjoy it the way I did. It is a blessing to get to do it a second time through my children." One constant that has remained a pillar of the fair is the opportunity it gives to young people to display the animals they have raised for the past year. "That is the one part that has been around for all 144 years, and it represents the heart of the fair," Greenman said. Children as young as 8 assume the responsibility for raising chickens, ducks, goats, hogs, lambs and steers. The annual youth livestock auction, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, is when all of their hard work will be rewarded. "They will auction off their market animals. We have a phenomenal group of businesses and individuals who come out and generously support the kids by paying top dollar. Raising animals can be a struggle at times but coming here is the reward that shapes our youth," said Greenman. The fair has brought in Christian country music performer Anne Wilson for a 7 p.m. concert on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at the grandstand field. Admission is $30. "We are excited to have her. We have not had a concert in decades," said Greenman. More: Otsego County Fair continues to build on agricultural legacy Rodeo night is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the grandstand on Thursday, Aug. 21. Get ready for a night of rodeo action and live country music from Tommy Brandt. Located on the fairgrounds is the Red School House, which is a reminder of the 45 one-room schoolhouses that were once educating students in the county. The Red School was built in 1884 on the northwest corner of Old US-27 and Parmater Road in Livingston Township as District No. 5. It was moved to the fairgrounds in 1987 in celebration of Michigan's sesquicentennial. Greenman said the schoolhouse will host various events at 1 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday that will include a demonstration on how to make butter. From Saturday, Aug. 16 through Monday, Aug. 18 there is free admission. "Our carnival starts on Tuesday (Aug. 19) and that is when we have a gate admission," Greenman said. Subscribe Check out our latest offers and read the local news that matters to you The fair attracts many who live outside of the county. "A lot of my family is from downstate and they are all coming up to see the concert and then staying the rest of the week as well," said Emerson DeWeerd, 19, recently crowned as the 2025 Otsego County Fair Queen. The admission fee is $5 per person and children under age 5 are free. More information is available at — Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@ This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Agriculture, carnival highlight 2025 Otsego County Fair Solve the daily Crossword
Washington Post
07-08-2025
- Washington Post
Who's ready for funnel cakes and demolition derbies? It's county fair season.
If your summer isn't complete without the twinkling lights of a carnival midway and the smell of funnel cakes sizzling in a deep fryer, it's time to schedule a trip to a county fair. Luckily, Washingtonians have plenty of nearby options. Here's a rundown of fairs happening in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. over the next two months so you can get your fill of cute animals, prizewinning pies and Tilt-a-Whirl spins. Aug. 2-9 This community-focused fair offers an opportunity for everyone to participate, whether it's 4H kids demonstrating their turkey showmanship or a lawn-mower obstacle course designed to appeal to local landscapers and homeowners. Entertainment options include a Wild West cowboy demo, amusement rides and live music, including a performance from the Maryland Accordion Club. One cool thing this year: Try to aim for the bull's eye during free ax throwing in the fair's commercial vendor building. Fair food highlights: Seafood is a new offering this year, but you'll also find pit beef, Mediterranean dishes and barbecue. Best time to go: Saturday, the last day of the fair, features a horse show with barrel racing and is capped off with a grade parade at 5 p.m. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship. $10 for adults and teens, $5 for seniors older than 62 and free for kids 12 and younger. Aug. 8-16 Hyped as Virginia's longest-running and largest county fair, the Prince William County Fair is celebrating its 76th year with agricultural showcases, demolition derbies, tractor pulls and live music. Thrill seekers will appreciate the array of carnival rides, from a Ferris wheel and fun house to the Hydra, which swings up to 60 feet in the air. One cool thing this year: See the midway from a whole new vantage point: the sky. Hot-air balloon rides will be offered Aug. 11 and 13. Rides are available in limited quantities and can be prepurchased online (a $50 day pass covers a ride and admission). Fair food highlights: Gourmet mac and cheese bowls, artisanal corn fritters and seasonal fruit slushies from local vendors are joining the stacked culinary lineup. Best time to go: There are a few days during the week that offer savings on ticket prices, including Senior Day on Aug. 11 with free admission for visitors ages 55 and older, Half‑Off Tuesday on Aug. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. and $15 Wristband Wednesday on Aug. 13, which includes rides and admission all day long. Various times. Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas. Advance sale tickets are $20 for an adult day pass and $10 for children and seniors. Tickets purchased at the gate are $25 for an adult day pass and $15 for children and seniors. Aug. 8-16 More than 5,000 animals are on view each year across 50 buildings at the sprawling grounds of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, which boasts an equally impressive selection of food and rides. Families will love the free entertainment options too, from pig races to hypnotist and magic shows. The ticketed demolition derby is a big draw too. One cool thing this year: A Caribbean cantina pops up this year in the upper grounds, serving adult beverages and more. Fair food highlights: Standard favorites include the Korean hot dog-slinging Chan's Concessions and barbecue purveyor Moose Pit, while Wok & Roll passes out free chicken stir fry samples on a massive wok from 11 a.m. until supplies run out. Best time to go: The Stoney Robert's Demolition Derby is only happening one night, so if you want to see cars get smashed to bits, plan on being there Aug. 16. Other special events in the grandstand include the free, family-friendly Touch-a-Truck program on Aug. 10, the Renegade Monster Truck tour on Aug. 13 and 14 and the Redeye Rodeo on Aug. 15. Various times. 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg. Admission is $18 at the gate and $13.88 online. Free for children ages 11 and younger. Aug. 13-17 Touted as one of the largest free events on the East Coast, the Arlington County Fair transforms the Thomas Jefferson Community Center and Park into a Metro-accessible destination for hands-on exhibits and community showcases, live entertainment and ticketed rides. One cool thing this year: The Kids Entrepreneurship Market channels the community spirit of the Fair, with kids doing all the making and selling. Meanwhile, princess-obsessed tots will love the Vienna Princesses Glam Tent, where they'll find face painting, hair braiding and balloon animals. Fair food highlights: Newcomers including Ned's Lobster Rolls join standards such as fried Oreos and funnel cakes at this year's fair, which also offers Greek gyros from the Gyro Brothers food truck, hot dogs from Haute Dogs, Thai dishes from Yummy Food Corner and Mexican cuisine from Arlington's own La Perla Bar & Grill. Best time to go: The crowds are lighter during the first few evenings, but Saturday's schedule is packed with performances and events as well as a pie-eating championship and a kids' foam party. Various times. Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd St. S, Arlington. Free. Sept. 4-7 The Prince George's County Fair returns this year after a hiatus in 2024, when organizers canceled the fair due to a lack of volunteers. Planning is still in the works for the fair, which will include live music and local dance groups on the main stage. More volunteers are encouraged to sign up. One cool thing this year: In addition to competitions for activities such as flower arranging, quilting, and basket making, the fair is hosting a Beautiful Baby Contest for Prince George's County residents on Sunday at 2 p.m. Fair food highlights: Look for ice cream, barbecue, ribs and more fair favorites. Best time to go: Sunday is Military Day when service members and their immediate families get in free. Thursday and Friday from 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prince George's Equestrian Center and Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro. $6 for ages 13 and older, $5 for seniors and children ages 5 to 12 and free for kids 4 and younger. Sept. 6 Washington's version of a fair is a bit different than others on this list. For starters, you won't see livestock at the DC State Fair, but you will see things like a ribbon awarded for the best pollinator garden. This very urban — and aspirational — interpretation of a state fair isn't held at a fairground, either. It's held partly at a bar: the fair will stretch across public space at mixed-use development Bryant Street NE and into the indoor/outdoor drinking hub Metrobar. What does compare to a typical state fair is the DC State Fair's mission to celebrate the talents of the local community via competitions and demonstrations. One cool thing this year: Learn the official dance of D.C. during a hand dance demonstration (it's a form of swing dance). Fair food highlights: The list of D.C. vendors is still being finalized, but Metrobar plans to offer specials to visitors. Best time to go: Community arts organization Washington Performing Arts is curating performers for the one-day fair. Check the website for an updated schedule. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bryant Street NE., 680 Rhode Island Ave NE. Free. Sept. 11-14 This year marks the 101st Charles County Fair and this event still crowns a young local resident as the winner of the Queen Nicotina pageant. You'll also be able to go back in time by touring the historic McConchie one-room schoolhouse, in addition to checking out fair traditions like 4-H demos, live music, pony rides and pig races. One cool thing this year: A butterfly safari tent allows kids to be surrounded by fluttering butterflies. Fair food highlights: Stuffed potatoes, crab cakes, corn dogs, ice cream, snow cones and funnel cakes are all traditions, and vendors will vie to earn Fair Food Competition Champion titles. Best time to go: If carnival rides are your thing, be there Thursday when Rosedale Amusements & Attractions offers a Ride All Rides All Night pass for $20 per person in honor of the fair's recent milestone anniversary. Various times. 8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata. $10 for those ages 11 and older, free for children ages 10 and younger. Sept. 12-20 In addition to concerts and motorsports, the Great Frederick Fair is focused on agricultural education — and one of the must-see exhibits is a livestock Birthing Center where kids can see the miracle of birth as little calves, piglets and lambs come into the world. One cool thing this year: This summer's fair boasts plenty of free entertainment for ticket holders, such as RC car racing, princess meet-and-greets, comedy hypnosis shows, mobile glassblowing and live music at Funky Joe's Bandwagon Stage, as well as harness racing happening in the grandstands at noon from Wednesday to Saturday. This year's newest feature for little ones is a foam party, happening every day in the Kids Zone. Fair food highlights: Deep-fried Oreos, funnel cakes and classic candy apples join heartier fare like crab cake sandwiches and barbecue. More esoteric options include pickle pizza and Fruity Pebbles-crusted corn dogs. Best time to go: Plan a lunch at the fair and get free gate admission during Lunch Bunch days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 18. Families will also appreciate Fair Day on Sept. 19 when everyone 18 and younger is free to enter the fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 from 4 to 10 p.m. on opening day and Saturday, Sept. 13 through Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick. $8 in advance online and $10 at the gate for everyone ages 11 and older. Free for kids 10 and younger.
