HANCOCK – The Houghton County Fair, taking place tomorrow thru Sunday, is expecting more than 25,000 guests to come through the gates. The Fair Board, according to Vice President Rick Freeman, has been hard at work lining up a variety of entertainment for all ages.

The “Sea Lion Splash” show will have multiple performances each day, on the Midway. “We’ve had them before,” said Freeman, “and they’re fabulous, a big hit.” Just as it sounds, sea lions will swim around, do tricks, interact with audience members, and wow the crowd. “We were so impressed with them before, we tried to book them the next year, and we couldn’t get them. We’re lucky to get them back, in my opinion, and think they’ll be a big hit again,” Freeman added.

Also returning this year, the Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo will have a variety of animals for families to interact with and feed. For those looking to watch animals from a distance, the horse arena has a Cowboy Challenge on Friday, Cattle Sorting on Saturday, and Open Horse Jackpot Speed Events on Sunday. Freeman mentioned seeing cattle sorting last year himself and recommends the event, saying, “it was amazing, we’re really excited it’s coming back this year.”

On the indoor stage on Thursday and Friday evenings, fair goers can watch a performance by the Hypnotist Kerry Sharp. “We had him here a couple years ago,” said Freeman, “and he is amazing. He does a real good show that audiences of all ages really enjoy.”

Roving around throughout the fair, people will also have the chance to interact with Alfy’s Robotic Puppets. They’re driving around, fully independent, and would love to have a chat with everyone that comes across them. Everyone enjoying the rides and games Skerbeck Carnival has to offer should make sure to keep an eye out for these characters as well.

The Main Event Arena, outdoors, has something every night for audience members to enjoy. On Thursday, Motocross races for a variety of age groups will take place. On Friday, the TNT Demolition Derby will put on an impactful performance. Freeman talked about a change in the demolition derby where they “hired it out to a professional, and we’re really fired up about it.” He went on to say, “I love watching it every time it’s here, and I’ve been here forever!”

On Saturday, the Monster Truck Throwdown returns once again. “It’s nuts,” said Freeman, “there’s five or six thousand people here, and it’s quite the draw.” Finishing out the weekend, there is an Off Road Derby at the arena which is an event Freeman said has been growing over the years.

Whatever your age and interests are, the Houghton County Fair Board has been working hard to make sure there will be something to entertain all members of the family when visiting the fair.

The fair opens at 2 p.m. tomorrow and runs through 5 p.m. Sunday. Daily ticket prices are:

• Adult (16 & up) $ 9 Thursday, Friday, Sunday, $12 Saturday onlyu

• Youth (6-14) $5 every day

• 5 and under Free.

For more information and a complete schedule visit houghtoncountyfair.com