GWINN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette County Fair kicked off today at the fairgrounds in Gwinn. It’s the first day full of events, animals, and some pretty delicious fair food. This is the 33rd year The Marquette County Fair has been held at the fairgrounds.
The President of the fair’s Board of Directors, Walt Maki, said The Marquette Fair started as a harvest festival before the grounds were purchased in 1988, the first fair was held there in 1990.
Events began today with livestock auctions, BMX races, and even a magic show. Dale Scott is a performer with Scott’s World of Magic, it’s a traveling show originally from Florida. They’ll be performing 3 times every day of the fair, with magical disappearances and some audience participation.
“We’re real excited this year to be in The UP, it’s so beautiful up here. And we brought a spectacular magic and grand illusion show for everybody.” Scott said. “You don’t wanna miss Robo Girl, she might make a surprise appearance if they like robots, and who doesn’t like robots these days.”
Along with the events, there are fair rides, food vendors, and plenty of animals.
“The reason that county fairs started is animals, and that’s what we have here.” Maki said. “We’ve got a bunch of animals down in the barns and of course horses, and it’s for the 4-H kids to be able to come here and show their animals.”
Elaina Millner is one of those 4-H kids, she says she’s been riding horses for as long as she can remember but this is her first year showing her horse at the fair. Elaina is showing her 17 year-old Hanoverian, Callie, with the help of her family.
“Greatest Hits, that’s her show name.” Elaina said. “Horseback riding makes me feel happy and it makes me feel like I’m in my comfort zone and safe. This is a fun time where everybody can get together and see horses and animals and I love that, I love how people just love seeing animals.”
This weekend will be filled with horse shows, kids’ events, and for the first time a 5K fun run. All the money raised this weekend goes back to the fairgrounds for regular updates and maintenance. Events will continue tomorrow and will wrap up Saturday night in the main barn.
“Saturday night, we close out the fair with a barn dance, a hoedown we’re calling it.” Maki said. “We’ll have live music, and dancing, and we’ll have a lady here that will do line dancing lessons so, maybe I’ll even get out and dance.”
In-person registration will be available for the 5K Fun Run Saturday at 10am for the price of admission. Gate admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children 5 to 11, and free for kids under 5.
The Fair will be open from 10am until 10pm Thursday through Saturday. You can find more information on the Marquette County Fair website, www.marquettecountyfair.org/fair.
