Read about why dairy cattle is excluded from the fairgrounds in 2024
As many already know MDARD had put restriction on animals affected by the HPAI A sickness that has been spreading in the state. The most recent update is as follows:
Under the initial HRRRO, Michigan had to go 30 consecutive days without a new HPAI A (H5N1) detection in poultry before showing poultry at fairs could be reinstated. On June 8, 2024, the state reached 30 consecutive days without a new HPAI A(H5N1) detection, which lifted the restrictions on poultry exhibitions outlined. Additionally, the prohibition on all lactating cows and animals from farms impacted by HPAI A(H5n1) remains in effect, as outlined in the original HRRRO.
It was decided by the board of directors that this year we will Not have dairy cattle at the fairgrounds. This decision echos that of several other fairs in the state. The board wants to keep everyone and animals as safe as they can while enjoying the fair. See you in August!
Exhibitor Information for the Western Michigan Fair
The fair isn't only about rides, games, and entertainment.
It’s also an opportunity for exhibitors to display their business or their hobby to fairgoers who enjoy browsing the many displays.
The Mason County Fairgrounds has many buildings dedicated to hobbyists who enter their talent in a competition. The Community Center commercial building and Vendor Row at the Grandstand will be full of local business exhibits, organizations, and unique vendors from near and far.
Please note that online applications are now closed.
Prior to registering, please read our 2024 Fair Book and Code of Conduct.
Registration is due by the second Wednesday in July for Youth and Open Class exhibitors. **Please note RFID/Scrapie/Accession # are required on registration form**
Camping registration for exhibitors is due by the second Wednesday in July. Late registrations will not be accepted. Register for Camping Here
There are many youth exhibitor and competitive opportunities at the Western Michigan Fair. The varieties judged include dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, rabbits, horses, and dogs.
Additional departments feature needlework, culinary arts, fine arts, folk arts, photography, agriculture, floriculture, horticulture, sciences, natural resources, and much more! There is something for everyone.
If you would like to be a vendor at the Western Michigan Fair, please contact us here. Once you submit your request, a fair week vendor contract will be email to you.
Fair Exhibitor Info
Youth/4H Exhibitor Building Work Bee
All clubs & youth exhibitors are responsible for monitoring the building during fair week. There will be a sign-up sheet with several 1 hour time slots listed. Please pick four(4). Let us know your club or exhibitors name, the person watching the building, and how to reach them during fair week. Monitors can be leaders, parents, or older teens. If a substitution in the time schedule becomes necessary, clubs or exhibitors are responsible for finding a replacement. Sign-up sheet will be posted in the building. Failure to fulfill a time slot will result in premiums being forfeited.
Monitors Duties: Observe visitors as they pass through the building so we can avoid any vandalism or theft. Answer questions and be helpful to visitors. Be at either end of the building and patrol building as needed. Exhibitors are not to remove any exhibits or trophies without permission of the superintendent. There will be a Best in Class display at the front of the building.
Work Bee Before Fair: Monday, July 29 th @ 6:30PM
Please do not bring in any projects or decorations at this work-bee. Do bring your own brooms, dust pans, staple removers, gloves and anything else you think would be helpful in cleaning up!
Setup for Youth Exhibit Building
Booth Set-Up Times:
- Wednesday July 31st Building open from 6:30-9 p.m.
- Thursday August 1st Building open from 6:30-9 p.m.
- Saturday, August 3rd Building open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sunday, August 4th Building open from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Monday, August 5th Building open from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Plan on bringing your own tables, ladders, hammers, scissors, staple guns etc…to set-up your booth.
All exhibits must be in place by 2:00 p.m. on Monday August 5th.
Judging takes place at 6 p.m. and no exhibitors will be allowed in the building until judging is over.
Release Time: Sunday, August 11th from 8:30 a.m. – NOON
*Clubs and Exhibitors are responsible for cleaning booth area after take down, this includes sweeping and moving walls. Your help is appreciated and we would like to leave the building better than we found it, to show our appreciation to the Western Michigan Fair Association!
Small Animal Barn Work Bee
July 31 @6PM
Bring gloves and brooms.
Please remember to sign your club up for a time to watch the building. Each Exhibitor/Family/Club is required to fill one time slot.
Large Animal Barn Work Bee
July 31 following the meeting
Check-in Times for Animal Barns
Saturday Aug 3rd: Market Birds Only 10 am
Sunday, August 4th: Small Animals 10AM – 1PM
Sunday August 4th: Large Animals
Swine 12PM Weigh-In (All Pigs should be in pens by 10AM)
Steers, Feeders, Sheep and Goats 2PM
Sunday August 11th – Removal – 8AM – Noon
Domestic Arts/Floriculture Buildings
Sunday, August 4th 1PM – 4PM
Monday, August 5th 8:30AM – 4PM
Commercial Building & Vendor Row
Set up times for 2024:
Sunday Aug 5th 1PM – 5PM
Monday Aug 6th 10PM – 6PM