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Great fun awaits county fair visitors

Late summer might bring a little melancholy to lovers of warm weather, but it also means it’s fair time.

The Marquette County Fair is marking 30 years in Sands Township this week, with the fair kicking off Thursday and ending Saturday at the fairgrounds along M-553.

One change is that there will be no fair Sunday since the new carnival, run by Schmidt Amusements, has to be on the road on that day. However, that still leaves three days of fun, with the fair open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. those days.

The carnival will start at 1 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and at noon Saturday.

Thursday will have social significance since it’s Military Appreciation and Senior Day, with seniors and members of the military paying only $3 for admission.

However, people don’t have to be part of those demographic groups to enjoy the Lutey’s Heritage Motors Antique Car Show, poultry and rabbit showmanship, a draft horse show and other attractions.

Friday highlights are to include a miniature horse show and Go Kart races, while Saturday events include horse show jumping as well as livestock and small animal sales.

Of course, there will be live music throughout the fair, the Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo, Lone Oak Pony Rides, vendors, 4-H projects and other attractions, plus popular food vendors where people can get delicious fair food. What’s summer without a taffy apple or Croatian chicken?

Even people who think they’ve seen everything there is to see at the Marquette County Fair should consider attending to see new attractions such as the Timber Jack show with log rolling and chainsaw carving.

For example, there will be a new horse arena with a mixture of sand and clay, which is better for speed events and on a higher elevation to avoid problems with rain.

Even if you’re not in the market for a championship lamb, it might be fun to come out and watch the youth livestock auction at noon Saturday. It’s also gratifying to know that money raised goes to the youths who raised the animals.

If nothing else, walk through the various animal barns to get a close-up look at the animals. Maybe you can learn a thing or two about raising cows or goats on a farm from talking with their friendly keepers.

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