If you’re looking for a little late summer exercise, there might be no better option for you than to plan now to hit the 2017 Berrien County Youth Fair! In fact…you could call it your personal “Fairadise.” Did you know that there are more than 6-miles of paved walkways on the 157-acre site of the Berrien County Youth Fair Grounds in Berrien Springs? The week long event is now just days away, starting on Monday, August 14th and running through Saturday the 19th, with some 50 buildings filled with exciting things to see and do, and shows in the grandstand all week long. The theme this year is “Fairadise.”
More than 120,000 visitors typically show up during Fair Week, and there is literally something for everyone. To learn literally anything and everything you ever wanted to know about the fair from the locations of ATM machines to whose on stage which night and more, just start scrolling right now. Fair warning, it’s all here for you including the phone numbers of those who can help if you can’t find what you’re looking for, so there’s a lot of scrolling to do. Enjoy.
It’s the largest Youth Fair in the entire Midwest with more than 12,000 exhibits on display.
FAIR OPENING
The 2017 Berrien County Youth Fair gates open on Monday, August 14th, at 7:30 a.m. with most exhibit buildings ready for viewing by 11 a.m. Rides, however, will not start until 6:00p.m. on Monday only. Tuesday through Saturday, rides start at 11:00 a.m. Office hours during Fair Week are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission gates close daily at 10:00 p.m. Tram service is available from the Yellow Parking Lot located near the Gate 3/Shawnee Entrance from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
BCYF OPENING PRESENTATION OF COLORS & NATIONAL ANTHEM
Dates/times: Monday, August 14, 2017 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. Julie Hein Horse Ring
Contact Person: Cathy Reifschneider, Coordinator (269) 757-1419
As a long standing tradition, showing in the equine area begins at 9:00 am on Monday so they start the week with the presentation of colors and the national anthem between 8:00 and 8:15 a.m. on Monday of Fair week.
FAIR KING AND QUEEN AND PRINCE AND PRINCESS CONTEST DETAILS
Dates/times: Friday, August 11, 2017 7:00 pm
Contact Person: Kala Hoover, Director (269) 473-4251
The King and Queen Contest will be held on Friday, August 11th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Grandstand at the 2017 Youth Fair. Please note the contest is now held on Friday prior to Fair and admission is FREE. A king and queen will be selected from the contestants and will represent the Youth Fair at all events during the Fair. The contestants are ages 16 – 18. They must be a resident of Berrien County and a current exhibitor at the Youth Fair. Lindsay Kay of 97.5 Y-Country will serve as emcee for the program. A Prince and Princess Contest will be held at 7:00 p.m. before the King & Queen Contest. Contestants are ages 9-12. Just as the King and Queen contestants, the Prince and Princess contestants must be a resident of Berrien County and a current exhibitor at the Youth Fair.
Contestants are:
King:
Ryder Zielke, Stevensville
Ben Myers, Hartford
Queen:
Amber Fleisher, Buchanan
Kennedy Melton, Baroda
Lillian Jillson, Buchanan
Serena Sommer, Eau Claire
EVERYDAY IS RIDES WRISTBAND DAY
Again this year at the Berrien County Youth Fair every day will be RIDES WRISTBAND DAY. The cost of a wristband is $22 each Monday through Thursday and $25 each Friday and Saturday; with that a person can ride “most” of the rides as often as they want any one day during the fair. Wristbands may be purchased at the Wade Show Rides Office during the Fair, between 11 AM and 9 PM. Fair admission is not included. The minimum height requirement for rides is 36 inches.
AL BARBOTT MEMORIAL STAGE IN MALL AREA:
Located in the center of the fairgrounds is the permanent stage, in memory of Past Fair President, Al Barbott. The stage will provide free entertainment for patrons of all ages. Surrounding the area are numerous park benches and picnic tables, a perfect place to rest and relax during your visit to the Fair. This mall area also features a water fountain/planter donated by Glen & Helen Wade of Wade Shows and a large clock was added to this planter; a special memorial stone dedicated to the first BCYF President – Burton Richards. The mall area serves as the location where we proudly display the American Flag, the State of Michigan Flag, and the BCYF Flag in planters made from the Buy-A-Brick fundraising campaign. This area is brightly lit in the evening by beautiful street lamps donated in memory of Burton Richards and John Schadt. The Mall area also has a 20×30 concrete dance floor positioned in front of the stage so visitors can dance to the great music. Memorial contributions from Jim Hopkins Sr., Jim Walter and Russ Widdis helped to construct the dance floor. A gazebo in memory of Joe Zahrn also sits in the mall area. In 2016 a roof over the mall stage was constructed in memory of Fred Schmaltz.
There will be some special entertainment sponsored by Indiana Michigan Power, Cook Nuclear Plant in the mall area on the Al Barbott Memorial stage. PA and lighting equipment was made possible for this stage from Cook Nuclear Plant’s generous “Heart of Cook” grant. We hope you’ll join us with different entertainment each evening.
Monday, August 14, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Law Day
Tuesday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. DanceArts Performers
Tuesday, August 15, at 1:00 p.m. Home Ec. Food Awards
Tuesday, August 15, at 2:30 p.m. Frozen T-Shirt Contest Sponsored by The Herald Palladium
Tuesday, August 15, at 4:45 p.m. READY Taekwondo Demonstration
Tuesday, August 15, at 6:30 p.m. Mark Ficks & The Funkadelic Cheese Puffs
Wednesday, August 16, 1:00 p.m. Home Ec. Clothing Awards
Wednesday, August 16, 3:30 p.m. Flower Awards
Wednesday, August 16, 6:30 p.m. Lake Effect Jazz Big Band
Thursday, August 17, 1:00 p.m. Horticulture Awards
Thursday, August 17, 2:30 p.m. Crafts Awards
Thursday, August 17, 4:00 p.m. E-man
Thursday, August 17, 6:30 p.m. Past Time Band
Friday, August 18, 12:30 p.m. Hula Performance by Ivy and Friends
Friday, August 18, 2:00 p.m. Citadel Dance and Music Center
Friday, August 18, 4:30 p.m. Blue Shoes Jazz
Friday, August 18, 7:00 p.m. Under the Gun
Saturday, August 19, 9:00 a.m. Communications Speeches (Sr. Division)
Saturday, August 19, 1:00 p.m. Legacy Martial Arts
Saturday, August 19, 4:00 p.m. Alvie Ellenwine & The Sweet Sensations
Saturday, August 19, 7:00 p.m. The Sixth Generation
U-S-A (Unlimited Special Attractions) Schedule of Events –building 34
Contact Person: Marty Smith, Coordinator (269) 684-5186
Monday, August 14
6:00 p.m. 98.3 “The Coast” Talent Show – Best of Berrien County’s most talented youth, ages 7-10.
7:00 p.m. Citadel School of Dance
Tuesday, August 15
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Fun with Curious Kids Museum
6:00 p.m. 98.3 “The Coast” Talent Show – Best of Berrien County’s most talented youth, ages 11-14.
Wednesday, August 16
1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Zendor the Magician
5:00 p.m. Joy Bringer’s Bell Choir
6:00 p.m. 98.3 “The Coast” Talent Show – Best of Berrien County’s most talented youth, ages 15-18.
Thursday, August 17
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Robotics – Watch the three youngest age groups of FIRST Robotics Teams demonstrate.
7:00 p.m. Square Dancing Demonstration
Friday, August 18
11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Senior Day/Exhibits and Demonstrations
6:00 p.m. Talent show winners – Winners Performance – Welcomed by 98.3 “The Coast”
Saturday, August 19
Noon Baked Fruit Pie Contest – come and see the best pie bakers in the county.
Winners announced at noon with pie tasting afterwards. Pre-registration required.
4:00 p.m. “Our Farms, Your Food, and the Future” discussion and ice cream social
BCYF GRANDSTAND ENTERTAINMENT
Monday, August 14 @ 7:00 pm Ticket price: $11.00 each
Super Farm Tractor, 2WD Truck, Super Stock Combo and 4WD Diesel Truck Pull
Welcomed by: WSJM 94.9 FM
Presented by: Miles Truck Services
Tuesday, August 15 @ 1:00, 4:00 & 7:00 pm All shows FREE
Circus Continental
Welcomed by 98.3 The Coast
Wednesday, August 16 @ 7:00 p.m. Ticket Prices $40, $30, $25
Brothers Osborne
Welcomed by: 97.5 Y-Country
Presented by: United Federal Credit Union
Thursday, August 17 @ 7:00 pm Ticket prices: $12
Demolition Derby
Welcomed by: Rock 107 WIRX
Presented by: Precision Auto
Friday, August 18 @ 7:00 p.m. Ticket price: $11
Bullmania featuring bull riding
Produced by: Super Kicker Rodeo Productions
Presented by: Brookfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Welcomed by: 97.5 Y-Country
Saturday, August 19 @ 7:00 pm Ticket price: $12
Motocross
Welcomed by: Rock 107 WIRX
Tickets for all events are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at the Fair Office prior to Fair week Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; starting at 2:00 p.m. during fair week at the Grandstand Ticket Office; or anytime online at www.bcyf.org.
Concert Highlights
Brothers Osborne: Wednesday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Two sons from a working class family, John and TJ Osborne grew up in a small, Maryland water town writing and playing songs for friends and family in their father’s shed. John moved to Nashville first to play in other bands and two years later, TJ joined him. It was then they formed Brothers Osborne as a twang-and-crunch duo that blends equal parts country and rock into one of the freshest, most identifiable sounds to come out of Nashville in recent years. The singer/songwriter siblings recently won both “Vocal Duo of the Year” and “New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year” at the 52nd ACM Awards and they also stand as the reigning CMA “Vocal Duo of the Year”. Brothers Osborne’s debut album PAWN SHOP was released January 2016 and features their current rowdy single “It Ain’t My Fault” in addition to the GRAMMY-nominated, No.1 smash hit “Stay A Little Longer” as well as the GRAMMY-nominated “21 Summer.” Brothers Osborne have toured with the likes of Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert.
HISTORICAL BUILDING SPECIAL ACTIVITIES– “Highlighting the area Centennaial Farms”
Dates/times: August 14 – 19, 2017
Contact Person: Linda Shinsky, Director (269) 876-2215
To honor the rich farming history in Berrien County, the historical building features a display on area centennial farms. Farms on display have been in the same family for over 100 years.
The Historical Building is open Monday through Saturday, August 14-19, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
WONDERS OF BIRTH
Dates/times: August 14 – 19, 2017
Contact Person: Eric & Dana Lee, Superintendents (269) 757-2166
The Berrien County Youth Fair proudly presents the “BCYF Wonders of Birth” exhibit. Eric & Dana Lee, Superintendents, along with their committee have been working hard to put this together. You ask yourself “What will I see at “BCYF Wonders of Birth”? Just to name a few of the many things: mother and baby animals including rabbits, goats, sheep, beef, dairy, and horses; knowledgeable volunteers to answer questions about the birthing process; action photos of births; a birthing video. The Berrien County Youth Fair is committed to providing an animal education exhibit to promote the animal agriculture industry. To expand the knowledge and awareness of the general public relating to agriculture, volunteers will be available to discuss animal birthing.
The “BCYF Wonders of Birth” exhibit will be open Monday, August 14th through Saturday, August 19th from 11 AM to 10 PM. This exhibit is supported by Indiana Michigan Power – Cook Nuclear Plant.
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
Dates/times: Monday, Aug. 14 – Friday, Aug. 18 11:00 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday, Aug. 19 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Contact Person: Les Smith, Director – Outdoor Vendors (269) 684-3372
Jill Hein – Indoor Vendors (269) 473-4251
There are over 120 businesses represented in the 3 commercial buildings and over 40 exhibits featured outdoors. Hours for the commercial area are: Monday – Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. There is a contest for outstanding commercial displays in each building and outside displays. The winners are selected by various committee members and exhibitors. Ribbons will be awarded to the top 5 in each building and outdoor exhibit area.
TROPHY ROOM
Dates/times: August 14 – 19, 2017
Contact Person: BCYF Fair Office (269) 473-4251
The trophy room, located in Building 10, houses over 480 challenge and revolving trophies that are on display during Fair week, when not being presented. Once these trophies are presented, they are brought back to the trophy room where the exhibitor’s name is engraved on the trophy. At the conclusion of the Fair, the exhibitors are allowed to pick up their trophies and take them home for the year. Challenge and revolving trophies must be returned the following year, prior to fair, so that they may be awarded again.
There are also over 64 annual trophies housed but not displayed in the trophy room that are awarded during Fair week. Once presented, annual trophies are kept by the exhibitor.
SPECIAL FREE ATTRACTIONS
The Great Lakes Timber Show
With chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, crosscut sawing, modified chain sawing, log rolling, and loads of clean family humor, this show has something for everyone.
There will be multiple shows daily.
All shows will be held outdoors on the corner of the Farm & Power area across from the Ag-Expo/USA Building. All performances are FREE!
AG-EXPO BUILDING
Contact Person: Miriam Barbott, Ag-Expo Committee Member (269) 556-1487
Ag-Expo is buzzing with agriculture! Visit the business displays, get valuable commodity info, yummy recipes, and learn about agriculture in Berrien County. New this year, an ice cream social and panel discussion on “Our Farms, Your Food, and the Future”
MILKING DEMONSTRATIONS
Dates/times: August 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 2017 7:00 p.m. (except Wednesday)
Contact Person: Dale or Kevin Young, Dairy Superintendent (269) 683-0873
Each evening (except Wednesday) at 7:00 p.m. in the Dairy Barn will be a special milking demonstration. The Youth Fair has its very own milking parlor located in the front of the Dairy Barn where spectators can see first hand where and how milk is produced. Also during these demonstrations, committee members will be available to answer any questions.
FARM STOCK 1960 & OLDER TRACTOR PULL CONTEST
Dates/times: Monday, August 14, 2017 Contest held at Noon
Contact Person: Patrick Freehling, Director (269) 921-4480
Returning for the 22nd year is the Farm Stock Tractors of the Pre-1960 vintage. All tractors must be registered by August 1st. The tractor must be a Stock Tractor, puller must be a Berrien County resident, and will be a percentage pull, using low gear, with single tires only. Two classes will be offered, one for the tractors that weigh up to 5,500 lbs. and one for tractors weighing 5,501 lbs. and over. Each of the two classes will award a John O. Foster memorial trophy. This Pull will be held on Monday, August 14th in the Grandstand at noon.
OTHER TRACTOR PULLS
Farm Stock and Garden tractor pull starts at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14th in the Grandstand. Admission is free.
LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS
Dates/times: Thursday, Aug. 17 starting @ 9:30 a.m. Small Animal Auction
Friday, Aug. 18 starting @ 9:00 a.m. Large Animal Auction
Contact Person: Bruce Foster (269) 208-2237
The Berrien County Youth Fair Livestock Auction Committee extends a cordial invitation to you to attend and support the Annual Sale of Market Animals. The following is the schedule:
Small Animal Auction
Thursday, August 17 (Location between Bldgs. 10 & 11)
9:30 a.m. – Rabbit Auction followed by Poultry Auction.
Large Animal Auction
Friday, August 18 (Location – Show Arena)
9:00 a.m. – Sheep, Champion Quart of Goat Milk & Goat Auction
Noon – Auction of Gallon of Milk from Grand Champion Dairy Animal
followed by the Beef Auction
2:00 p.m. – Swine Auction
All buyers for Thursday and Friday’s Auction will need to register BEFORE sale time and receive a “Buyer Number”. In case you find it impossible to attend either of the Auctions, but would like to purchase an animal in your name or in the name of your business, arrangements can be made to do so. You may call the Fair Office at 269-473-4251 anytime prior to or during the week of the Fair, August 14-19 and give us the information. You may also have someone else buy for you. In case you should not want to keep the animal after making the purchase, arrangements can be made for re-sale. Payment for all animals must be made by the close of the large animal auction with cash, check, or credit card. Buyers using a credit card or who want to be invoiced will be charged a 3% time/price differential fee.
–NOTICE– Due to the diminishing number of slaughter houses and processors in our area, if you plan to buy animals at the 2017 Berrien County Youth Fair Livestock Auction, please make arrangements personally prior to the Fair time for work you may need done. Failure to make these contacts could result in a delay.
The night before the auctions, the sale bills (order of sale list) will be available at www.bcyf.org.
PEDAL PULL CONTEST
Dates/times: Thursday, Aug. 17 @ 3:00 p.m.
Contact Person: Patrick Freehling, Director (269) 921-4480
On Thursday, August 17th, at 3:00 p.m., make sure you are at the south end of the commercial buildings to watch the kids’ Pedal Pull. This ever-growing event had over 100 entrants last year in the 4 classes.
(Classes are based on the child’s weight)
Class #1 35-45 lbs.; Class #2 46-55 lbs.; Class #3 56-65 lbs.; Class #4 66-75 lbs.
Boys and girls may enter the contest in their weight group. Entry forms are available one hour prior to the contest. Contestants will be furnished with pedal tractors; must pedal tractor without assistance; they are given 2 chances to move sled; and they must stay within boundary lines. In case of a tie, a pull-off will determine the winner. First place winners receive a trophy, 2nd through 5th place winners are awarded placing ribbons in each class. Each participant will receive a participation ribbon. The Pedal Pull is sponsored by Country Heritage Credit Union.
SMALL ANIMAL SHOWMANSHIP SWEEPSTAKES
Dates/times: Friday, Aug. 18 @ 10:00 a.m.
Contact Person: Rob Christner, Director (269) 473-4251
On Friday, August 18th at 10:00 a.m. under the Dog/Cat Tent-by Building 13 will be the Overall Small Animal Showmanship Sweepstakes. The Showmanship Sweepstakes contestants shall be comprised of the Grand Champion showmanship winners from the Small Animal Divisions of rabbits, poultry, cats and dogs. Each Sweepstakes contestant shall show competitively against the other three contestants in each respective small animal division in a round robin showmanship competition. Each sweepstakes contestant will be judged on a point basis between one and four with one being the highest and four being the lowest. The contestant accumulating the least points in each division will be declared the Showmanship Sweepstakes Winner.
LARGE ANIMAL SHOWMANSHIP SWEEPSTAKES
Dates/times: Saturday, Aug. 19th @ Noon
Contact Person: Brian Smith, Director (269) 998-6063
On Saturday, August 19th at noon, in the Show Arena, the large animal Showmanship Sweepstakes, which is the highlight of all Senior Showmanship winners, will be held. The Showmanship Sweepstakes contestants are comprised of Senior Showmanship winners from the Livestock Divisions of sheep, swine, dairy, beef, goats, llamas/alpacas. The Jack Dean Memorial winner will represent the horse division. Each sweepstakes contestant shall show competitively against the other six contestants in each respective livestock division in a round robin showmanship competition. Each sweepstakes contestant will be judged on a point basis between one and seven, with seven being the highest and one being the lowest. The contestant accumulating the least points in each division will be declared the Showmanship Sweepstakes Winner.
AG OLYMPICS
Dates/times: Saturday, Aug. 19th, 2017 @ 2:30 pm
Contact Person: Jim Kesterke, Director (269) 313-3234
To expel the stored energy from an exciting, competitive, enthusiastic, suspense filled week of activities, awaiting judging results, and meeting new friends, the fun filled Ag Olympics of the Berrien County Youth Fair was initiated over 20 years ago. A parade from the tent between Buildings 10 and 11 to the Show Arena will include music and each Ag Olympic team and their cheering section. The parade will lead participants and spectators into the Show Arena where the event will take place. A plaque will be awarded to the winning team, and Olympic style medals (gold, silver & bronze) will be awarded to the top three teams. Each team participant will receive a t-shirt sponsored by the Berrien County Farm Bureau.
The object is to involve all exhibitors from all areas of the Fair in fun competition against each other as teams. Teams are selected by Department Superintendents and consist of six members: two Sr. Exhibitors ages 16-20; two Intermediate Exhibitors ages 13-15; one Jr. Exhibitor age 9-12; and one Young Jr. Exhibitor age 5-8. The competition is strictly fun games for the teams and the Livestock Arena is filled to capacity with family, friends, and exhibitors to cheer their team to victory.
PARADE OF CHAMPIONS AT THE 2016 YOUTH FAIR
Dates/times: Saturday, Aug. 19th, 2017 @ 5:45 pm
Contact Person: Brooke Totzke, Director (269) 473-4251
On Saturday, August 19th, a parade through the Fairgrounds will start at 5:45 p.m. by the USA/Ag-Expo Building. The parade will travel through the Fairgrounds and end in the Livestock Show Arena. The parade consists of champion winners, Youth Fair Royalty, Michiana Two-Cylinder Tractors and more.
BAKED FRUIT PIE CONTEST
Dates/times: Saturday, Aug. 19th, 2017 @ Noon
Contact Person: Kelly Ewalt, Director (269) 473-4251
The 22nd Annual “BAKED FRUIT PIE CONTEST” will be held on Saturday, August 19th in the USA/Ag-Expo Building starting at 9:30 a.m. with entry and closed judging. The public is invited to join the awards ceremony at noon, followed by pie tasting. The baked pie contest is open to Berrien County residents in two age divisions: age 12-21 and 22 years and older (including senior citizens). The baked pie must be baked at home and brought to the Youth Fair on Saturday, August 19th and will be judged by a panel of judges. The pie can be a single, double, or lattice crust. Written and typed pre-entries and recipes are due to the Fair Office by August 1st. Contest rules include: recipes cannot include mixes, canned fillings, milk, or cream and must be presented in disposable pie plates. No cream pies or custard pies. Ribbons will be awarded to the top five placing contestants in each age group with trophies and special prizes going to the adult champion, youth champion, and most eye appealing winner. The USA/Ag-Expo building is made up of agricultural commodity groups telling their story to the public and the reason to have the baked fruit pie contest is to promote Berrien County’s fruit industry.
ROBOTICS DEMONSTRATIONS
Dates/times: Thursday, August 17 and Saturday, August 19, 2017
Contact Person: Ken Kuespert (269) 473-4251
Area high school robotics teams will be on site to demonstrate their robots and promote their local robotics teams. The public is welcome to come participate and learn about the growing sport of robotics. Event will take place in the USA/Ag-Expo Building on Thursday from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and in the Youth Memorial Building on Saturday from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION – COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
The backbone of the Berrien County Youth Fair is volunteers. From its inception to the present day, a key factor is people donating their time and talents for Youth. The Fair is proud to have over 1,500 volunteers working together to bring this event to life. As you tour the grounds, you will quickly notice the pride that each and every department shows in their area. People working together for a common cause and lending their expertise to improve the Fair and provide a learning experience for the youth. The Board of Directors also work all year on a volunteer basis. The enthusiasm, pride and general great attitude of all the workers is due to the fact that each and every one of the volunteers has played an important part in the growth and continued success of this “Showcase for Youth.” If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, just call the Fair Office at 473-4251 or visit www.bcyf.org. Remember, the Berrien County Youth Fair couldn’t do it without you!
ADOPT-A-BED PROGRAM
What makes the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds look so nice? All the beautiful flowers!! Volunteers from Berrien County adopt-a-bed, plant, weed and care for the flowers through-out the summer months. Do you enjoy gardening and have some EXTRA time? The Adopt-A-Bed Program is always looking for more volunteers to help with this project. If interested, please call the Fair Office at (269) 473-4251.
ATM MACHINE
Two ATM machines will be available during the week of fair. One will be located next to the Grandstand ticket office, the other next to the Fair Office.
BCYF FAST FACTS – “DID YOU KNOW?”
- attracts over 120,000 visitors during the week of Fair
- consists of 157 acres with over 6 miles of paved walkways
- has a total of 50 buildings, filled with exciting things to see and do; over 1500 volunteers work throughout the year to provide our “Showcase for the Youth of Berrien County”
- boasts carnival rides for all ages
- has no games of chance and no alcohol
- features over 150 commercial displays
- covered grandstand facility seats over 3,300 people
- showcases a variety of animals that are exhibited by the area youth
- is proud of park benches and picnic tables placed throughout the fairgrounds
- has over 28,000 annual flowers and 25,000 perennials planted throughout the fairgrounds
- is the largest “YOUTH” Fair in the Midwest with over 12,000 exhibits on display exhibited by over 2,200 Berrien County youth between the ages of 5 and 20.
INFORMATION BOARDS
Look for more Fair information in one of the five memorial gazebos located near the Grandstand, Horse Area, and Commercial buildings. Information in these displays include: daily events programs, mall schedule of events, USA building schedule of events, a map of the fairgrounds, and souvenirs that are available for purchase at the Fair Office.
YOUTH FAIR ADMISSION PRICES
Adult One-Day Pass (Ages 13 & Over) $7
Adult Season Pass $20
Child One-Day Pass (Ages 5-12) $4
Child Season Pass $10
Age 65 & Over One-Day Pass $5
Age 65 & Over Season Pass $13
FREE PARKING!
BCYF “FAIR GEAR”
The BCYF souvenirs are now on sale at the Fair Office. Available items are:
BCYF T-Shirts (Blue, Tan, Yellow) $15
BCYF Sweatshirts (Pink and Blue) $17
BCYF Hoodies $22 Adult
BCYF Hats $16
GOING GREEN AT BCYF
Recycling containers for plastic bottles and cans will be located throughout the grounds.
COURTESY SHUTTLES
Sponsored by:Country Heritage Credit Union and Origami Owl Jewelry (Located in Building 37)
Shuttle Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
There will be special golf carts providing a shuttle service from various points throughout the fairgrounds to assist fair visitors who need a little extra assistance getting from one location to another. Shuttles will stop at designated locations, which will be marked with a sign.
YOUTH EXHIBITS
The main purpose of the Berrien County Youth Fair is to provide a once a year showcase for the youth of Berrien County. The Fair annually presents over 400 trophies to winners of various classes. Not only are the top winners recognized, but each and every youth that displays and shows at the Youth Fair is presented with a ribbon that indicates his/her placing by the judges. As an added incentive for these young people, the Fair gives each exhibitor a week pass to enjoy the activities and also monetary rewards are presented depending upon their respective placing in the class that they entered.
In 2016, there were over 2,200 Berrien County youths that displayed almost 12,000 exhibits. There are also classes provided for Handicapped individuals. The only requirement is that the exhibitor be between the ages of 5-20, and be a resident of Berrien County or live in a Michigan township contiguous to Berrien County where they are an active member of a recognized youth club based within Berrien County.
YOUTH EXHIBIT REGISTRATION
In an effort to plan exhibit space, get basic information on file, and to better organize for a busy Fair Week, we have TOTAL PRE-REGISTRATION. Registration deadlines are:
February 1: Market Beef
June 1: (Large Animals) Beef Breeding, Dairy, Sheep, Goats, Swine, Llamas/Alpacas, Equine, Swine Carcass
July 1: (Small Animals) Rabbits, Pocket pets, Poultry, Cats, Dogs
August 1: (Still Exhibits) Crafts, Home Economics, Flowers, Horticulture, Variety Classes.
TO REGISTER: Pick up an Exhibitor Handbook and Entry form (remember your exhibitor number is the first initial of your last name plus the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number). Complete the Entry Form and return the white copy to the Fair Office by the above deadlines. List ALL classes that you think you will exhibit, then on Entry Day, deletions or substitutions will be acceptable, but no additional classes will be allowed. Again this year, online registration is FREE for ALL departments! Once registered, (each year you will create a user name and password – it can be the same as last year’s) exhibitors can return to the program and add more entries up until each entry deadline. Families can register under one e-mail and password. The exhibitor’s printed email confirmation will serve as the traditional yellow copy of the entry form and is required on entry day, just as the yellow copy of the traditional entry form is. The link for online entries can be found at www.bcyf.org.
THE ENTRY DAYS FOR EXHIBITS THIS YEAR:
Entry Office Times
Sunday, August 13th 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Equine Entry at the Equine Complex Office
Sunday, August 13th 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Rabbits, Poultry, Goats, Sheep, Swine, Beef, Dairy, and Llamas/Alpacas
Dogs, Cats and Pocket Pets must verify classes
Sunday, August 13th 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
All Still Exhibits.
Use YELLOW DUPLICATED FORM OR E-MAIL CONFIRMATION and take exhibits to proper exhibit building and place on exhibit. Go back to the ENTRY OFFICE to receive the Youth Exhibitor Pass.
Animal Health Check
Sunday, August 13th
6 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Swine, dairy, beef
7 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Equine
7 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Goats, sheep and llamas/alpacas
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Rabbits and poultry
Monday, August 14th
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Cats
Tuesday, August 15th
9 a.m. – Dogs
Wednesday, August 16th
12 (noon) – 12:45 p.m. – Pocket Pets
Still exhibits are any class in the Exhibitor Handbook other than livestock classes. Since some of the projects are perishable, they are judged on the same day to give the exhibitor the best possible opportunity to win the class. As the livestock is entered on Sunday, each animal is checked to see that it has the proper medical papers and identification tags, then is placed in the exhibit area involved. Animals are judged by species and each has their own show day. Check the BCYF Program Brochure listing for all the individual judging dates and times.
EARLY CRAFT ENTRY DAY!
Dates/times: Thursday, August 10th, 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact Person: Bekki Lund, Superintendent (269) 428-4402
Tired of those long lines at the Craft Building? Then bring down your craft exhibits BEFORE Fair on Thursday, August 10th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All you need is your yellow copy of your entry form or printed e-mail confirmation and take your craft exhibits directly to the Craft Building. If you cannot make the early dates, then you may still bring your craft exhibits to the Fair on the regular entry day Sunday, August 13th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
BCYF FUNDRAISERS
In an effort to raise funds to continue to pay exhibit reward premiums to our exhibitors, the BCYF has formed a fundraiser committee. This committee is in charge of planning various fundraisers throughout the year. Some of the events include an adult dinner dance and two Mom2Mom sales!
BLOOD DRIVE
Dates/times: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday, August 17, 2017 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Please be a blood donor here on Wednesday, August 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, August 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Michigan Blood. Blood drives will take place in the Youth Memorial Building.
VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK
Want to know what’s going on at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds anytime of the year? Stop by the BCYF web site at: www.bcyf.org. Get upcoming events, upcoming fundraisers, registration deadlines, directions, entertainment line-up and ticket information (order them off the site), or send us e-mail, just to mention a few. So for the latest information, anytime day or night, visit us at www.bcyf.org.
2018 DATES ANNOUNCED
The Berrien County Youth Fair dates for 2018 will be August 13th through 18th. The Berrien County Youth Fair is always three weeks before Labor Day.
