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Houghton County Fair returns

HANCOCK – The Houghton County Fair is right around the corner, from August 22 to 25, at the corner of Birch and Ingot in Hancock.

Various entertainment is planned throughout the weekend, including TJ Schmidt and Company Carnival and Amusements, Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo, The Great American Duck Races, the Caboodlestoppers, and indoor and outdoor vendors. The fair opens at 3 p.m. on Thursday, runs until 10 p.m. at night, and closes on Sunday at 5 p.m. Thursday kicks off the fair with the Miss Houghton County Fair Queen Pagaent and Motocross Races. Friday there will be livestock shows, a tractor pull and off road derby as well as Senior Citizens’ Day indoors. Friday and Saturday evenings hypnotist Kerry Sharp will put on a show at 9 p.m. and the Chicago Honey Bear Dancers will perform Friday and Saturday, including a youth workshop at 11 a.m. Saturday. Horse shoe pitching Singles will be Saturday and Doubles on Sunday at noon. Main events on Saturday include the youth horse show, the local logging competition, the livestock auction, youth talent show and Midwest Monster Trucks in the evening. Sunday events include the open horse show and Demolition Derby, along with all of the daily entertainment.

“It is always a challenge that we work on to get entertainment and shows that are different and attract both young and old alike,” said Deb Winquist, board member. “This year we are fortunate to have The Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo back again by popular demand. New this year we have the Great American Duck Races. Adults and children will be picked from the audience and be able to release their ducks in the water and watch them race. They not only will have fun, but will be able to learn educational information about the Mallard Duck.”

When asked what motivates him to be involved, President Jack Dunstan replied, “The nature of the fair is to feature local agriculture, and to have a memorable family experiences. Many families come to the fair when they have young children, and those children continue to come to the fair when they are older. And in the case with our family, my wife and I volunteer at the fair together. It is something we can enjoy together. All around, the fair is about having a good time with fun activities for all ages, from the very young with Kid’s Day on Saturday, to Senior Citizens Day, and every age between!”

Long time board member Bonnie DeCaire Jones, when asked about her involvement over the years, expressed similar sentiments. “I really look forward to the Fair every year because it’s such a meeting place for young & old alike. I love watching the old folks with memories clearly written on their faces of times gone by of being young, quilting, baking, preserving, driving horses, tractors, etc. The memories come alive again at the Fair. I love watching the young ones with the wonder on their faces. Maybe they’re seeing a cow, horse, or pig for the first time. Maybe it’s their first merry-go-round or ferris wheel ride, elephant ear or corn dog. These will be their memories when they’re old!”

Please note: Tickets will be sold in one central ticket booth in the Birch Street parking lot, so unless you have passes in advance, stop at the ticket booth before proceeding to the ticket takers at the gates.

A full schedule, admission prices, a list of the commercial vendors and great options for food at the fair are listed on the website at www.houghtoncountyfair.com.

Editor’s note: This feature is part of a paid advertising package purchased by the Houghton County Fair Association. Businesses interested in being featured on the Business page may call Yvonne Robillard at 483-2220.

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