Ventriloquist, alien abductions, butterflies, rock and roll and all the fair food you can handle? Even with fall knocking on the door there is still lots of summer fun to be had at this year’s Allegan County Fair. This year’s event will feature some new and exciting fun including great music acts, new rides, and the thrilling events this fair is known for.
“This year we are attempting to make the Allegan County Fair bigger and better than ever,” promises Allegan County Fair’s Executive Director Saree Miller. “Last year was a total disappointment for us all and we are soooo happy to be back. And with this being an outdoor event there is plenty of room for those who want to physically distance if they choose. Everyone is welcome, we just hope everyone comes out and has a great time!”
This year the Allegan County Fairs sticks to tradition by bringing in diverse music and entertainment that everyone can enjoy. The 2021 lineup features Billboard Magazine chart topping acts like 3 Doors Down, Casting Crowns, Justin Moore, and world-famous comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham with his cast of characters. Dunham has been featured on national television shows like the Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents, and The Tonight Show, and is know around the world for his sold-out arena tours. To be able to see him in at the fair is definitely a treat.
Along with the fair’s exciting music line up are events for those who enjoy watching heart pounding action like the Flying Star Rodeo, the State Championship Demo Derby, horse racing, and the off-road derby. However, if you are more inclined to leave the grandstands and be a part of the action the new Alien Abduction ride and the Music Express promise to create gravity defying experiences for any rider who wants to put the laws of physics to the test.
Bringing in great music acts and exciting events is not new to the Allegan County Fair. This event has had a focus on breaking ground and pushing the boundaries on what to expect at a county fair since its inception. In fact, in 1889 they were the first and only fair in Michigan to hold an evening fair. Older newspapers say this was quite an attraction back then seeing the grounds and buildings lit up with 2000 candlepower arc lamps. And in that same year they didn’t stop at just having lights, they still pushed the entertainment boundaries with headlining attractions like The Great Houdini and the Wonderful Douglas, who buried a man alive. So it’s no surprise they have managed to keep things exciting and new year after year.
In all this excitement however agriculture is still the backbone of the Allegan County Fair. The 4H clubs, 4H members, and open class participants agricultural activities remain strong to this day. Animals, crafts, foods, and antiques are judged daily at the fair. They also have included a screened in butterfly exhibit with nectar sticks so children of all ages can enjoy and feed the butterflies. There is also an opportunity to learn about the plight of the honeybees, a very important part of our agrarian society, and how to help preserve the important work they do for our food supply.
The fair, in it’s 169th year, takes place September 10th through the 18th and has something for fair fans of all ages to enjoy. It’s also important to note that tickets are definitely still available. With music acts this big there are rumors that scalpers spread that the shows are sold out, but they are not. Tickets are still available for all shows, just make sure to buy them at www.allegancountyfair.com, and check that it says official site when searching.
By Julee Laurent, MoodyOnTheMarket.com Contributor
