SerpApi.Org
One of the highlights of the Manistee County Fair each year is the events in front of large crowds in the grandstand.
This year, the Manistee County Agricultural Society has lined up a variety of grandstand events sure to appeal to everyone.
Agricultural society board member Ann Wilkosz said one change this year is making the fair more affordable.
“We are trying to get more people to come to the fair,” said Wilkosz. “There will be a fee for the grandstand events, but this year we are not charging anything to enter the fairgrounds or to park your vehicle.”
The agricultural society also implemented new pricing this year for the grandstand events to give those attending multiple events a break on the cost.
“We are going to have gold passes for adults where they can pay $50 ... to get into all the grandstand events for the whole week, and (we) also will have silver passes for (ages) 12 and under for $30, “ said Wilkosz. “We are only selling those passes (until) July 18 at that price.”
All of the grandstand events begin on July 28 with the Michigan Horse Pulling Boat Association event. Gates open at 6 p.m. and it starts at 7 p.m. The concept is to see which team of horses can pull set weights the furthest distance.
“They have been doing this at the Manistee County Fair for many years, and we get entries taking part in it from all over the state,” said Wilkosz.
The tickets for the horse pull are $10 for adults or $5 for children.
July 29, the action in front of the grandstand heats up when the vehicles take to the track during the TNT Bump N Run Racing. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get a good seat for this popular event; the grandstands open at 6:30 p.m.
Bump N Run racing has been described by some as a sibling of the demolition derby and a rough cousin of dirt track racing. It is full-contact racing on the track with contestants trying to get in the most laps without crashing to win.
“They make a track and race through a certain amount of laps without wrecking to win,” said Wilkosz.
Entry for the Bump N Run is $15 for adults and $10 for children.
One of the new events this year is the lawnmower and mini wedge racing; gates open at 6 p.m. July 30. This type of racing is a trend that has caught the attention of many other fair organizers this year. Entry is $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
These modified lawn mowers can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour depending upon the track and skill of the driver. The vehicles are modified in terms of the frame, brakes, steering and engine.
Mini wedge race cars use Hoosier racing tires that are smaller than the average lawn mower tire. These machines are allowed to use regular or premium gasoline.
Wilkosz said it is an event that local people are interested in.
"We decided to give it a try to see how it goes, as there is quite a following with it,” said Wilkosz. “They are regular lawn mowers and mini wedge vehicles that will be racing.”
The West Michigan Pullers will take back over the track July 31, but this time it will not be the horses doing the pulling. Gates open at 6 p.m. with a 7 p.m. start.
“This is the truck and tractor pull, and they pull a variety of weights to see who can move the most,” said Wilkosz.
Aug. 1 caps off the grandstand events when another long-time favorite: the TNT Bump ‘N Run and MWFA Street Stock Demo Derby. Gates open at 6 p.m. for this event. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
“That is more of a crash them up and bang them up type of competition demo derby,” said Wilkosz.
Tickets for all grandstand events can be purchased at the venue.
