Agriculture is the 144-year link that anchors the Otsego County Fair
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.
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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 otsegocountyfair.com.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Agriculture, carnival highlight 2025 Otsego County Fair
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