July 24-31, 2010 (Open to public July 27-31)

The Western Michigan Fair opens this Tuesday with Family Buck Night. Beginning at 5pm, West Shore Bank will be at the gate handing out $1 bills to the first 500 children through the gate!

Fair entrance is $2 a person, five and under free.

Here's a rundown of the events at the fair:

Tuesday, July 27
Dollar Days, 3-11pm. Admission is just $1 (five and under free) and rides are $1 each.
Rides on Laura the Elephant, 4-8pm.
Scottville Clown Band, 6pm, east end of Community Center.
Truck & Tractor Pull, 7pm. Admission is $10.
Fireworks, 10:30pm, in front of grandstand. Rain date is July 31.

Wednesday, July 28
Family/Kids Day, noon-5pm. Midway open from noon-11pm. Wristband cost is $15.
Rides on Laura the Elephant, 2-6pm.
Chainsaw Art, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm.
Ludington Area Trolley, free rides around fairgrounds from 5-8pm.
Meet the Candidates Open Forum, 6pm, Town Hall Building.
Marek Music Makers, 6pm, east end of Community Center.
Mason County's 2010 Homemaker announced, 6:30pm, east end of Community Center.
Demo Scramble, Garden Tractor Races & Figure 8, 7pm. Admission is $10.

Thursday, July 29
Midway open 3-11pm. Wristband is $17 or $15 with $2 coupon.
Rides on Laura the Elephant, 4-8pm.
Chainsaw Art, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm.
Bingo, 3-9pm, Town Hall Building.
Ludington Area Trolley, free rides around fairgrounds from 5-8pm.
Shoreliners Gospel Group, 6pm, east end of Community Center.
Small Animal Auction, 5:30pm, Large Animal Auction, 7pm, Show Sale Barn.
Cage Fighting, 7pm. Admission $15.

Friday, July 30
Midway open 3-11pm. Wristband is $17 or $15 with $2 coupon.
Rides on Laura the Elephant, 4-8pm.
Chainsaw Art, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm.
Ludington Area Trolley, free rides around fairgrounds from 5-8pm.
Bingo, 3-9pm, Town Hall Building.
Pedal Pull for kids, 5-8pm, Show/Sale Barn.
Country Western singer DeWayne Spaw, 6:15pm, in front of Grandstand.
Moto Cross, 7pm. Admission is $10.

Saturday, July 31
Barn Brawl, 9am-finish, Show/Sale Barn.
Midway open, noon-11pm. Wristband is $17.
Rides on Laura the Elephant, 4-8pm.
Chainsaw Art, noon, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm.
Stick Horse Rodeo, 10am-noon, Beef Arena.
Bingo, noon-9pm, Town Hall Building.
Garden Tractor Pulling, 1pm, in front of Grandstand.
Chuck Wagon Scramble, 3pm, Main Horse Arena.
Country Western singer DeWayne Spaw, 5:30pm, in front of Grandstand.
Demolition Derby, 7pm. Admission is $12.

Smaller towns set themselves apart from big cities by local events that involve the community. No where is that more prevalent than here when Ludington hosts the Western Michigan Fair.

With the exception of WWII, the fair has been held every year since 1936 at the Mason County Fairgrounds on US-10 in Ludington. The public enjoys the midway, demolition derby, harness horse racing, and grandstand shows. But the real attraction of the fair is the 4-H exhibits and animals. Area youngsters who have worked hard the past year raising their sheep, chickens, cows, and rabbits proudly wait for the judge's ribbon. Equestrians get their chance to showcase their horses, and homemakers busily prepare their pies and other homemade goodies for judging.

The Western Michigan Fair is where you see your friends and neighbors, celebrate the waning days of summer, and appreciate good family values. The big cities may have the advantage over us in certain things, but nothing beats the feeling you get living in a cozy, friendly town with annual events like the Western Michigan Fair.

FUTURE DATES FOR THE WESTERN MICHIGAN FAIR:
July 23-30, 2011
July 21-28, 2012
July 20-27, 2013
July 19-26, 2014

More of Ludington's Very Own...

Lakeshore Parrothead Club - This lively group of characters promote friendship and raise money annually for the Alzheimers Association.
Friday Night Live - Held four consecutive Friday nights in late July and early August, it features food, music, and entertainment.
Baby Badger - This miniature replica of the S.S. Badger carferry is a welcome sight at Ludington's summer events.
James Ludington - The founder of this lakeshore city never actually resided here, but contributed greatly to its growth.
Ludington's Freedom Festival - Held during July 4th, it's one of the great, old fashioned festivals, complete with parade and fireworks.
Ludington Lakestride - Every June, runners and walkers take place in this popular race, which runs through the Ludington State Park.
The Colorful Murals of Ludington - Take a walking tour of Ludington and view the beautiful murals that adorn area businesses, each telling its story of Ludington's history.
Ludington Pumped Storage Project - Built in 1973, this 842 acre reservoir can generate up to 1,872 megawatts of electricity.
Waterfront Park - Set between the city's two marinas, this park features a playground, sculptures, tables, and a great view of the carferry.
Scottville Clown Band - These zany group of professionals are known throughout the country for their comedy and their musical ability.
The Sculptures of Waterfront Park - Eight unique sculptures are scattered throughout the park, which reflect Ludington's history.
Western Michigan Fair - Mason County's fair, held near the end of July, features a midway, harness horse racing, and 4-H displays.
Historic White Pine Village - Various buildings from Mason County's past are set upon 23 acres that overlook Lake Michigan.
Ludington Area Center for the Arts - Now settled into an historic church in the downtown area, it's the venue for writer's workshops, concerts, and classes.
Sandcastles Children's Museum - This summer museum attracts thousands each summer, with interesting exhibits and programs for kids of all ages.
Father Jacques Marquette Shrine - This white cross that overlooks Lake Michigan marks the spot where Father Marquette died in 1675.