173rd Hillsdale County Fair aims to harvest memories
HILLSDALE — From Sept. 24-30, the "Most Popular Fair on Earth" returns to Hillsdale for its 173rd year.
Over 100 vendors will join the live entertainment, 4-H show and weeklong grandstand events that make up fair week in Hillsdale.
"I always tell people that the community stops for fair week," said Lori Hull, manager of the Hillsdale County Fair. "It really does become the focal point for the county."
This year's theme for the fair is "Harvest the Memories."
Hull said this is what she hopes the people who come from all over to take part in and attend the fair will get to do.
"We have exhibitors typically from at least three states: Michigan, Ohio and Indiana," Hull said. "People come from all over for Hillsdale's fair week."
This year's fair will include two new unique exhibitions: glassblowing and a firefighter show. Both events will be happening daily.
The Demo Derby, rodeo, and truck and tractor pulls will all return to the grandstand. The rodeo on Wednesday starts at 7 p.m. is the only free grandstand event. Tickets for the other events range from $12-$18.
There will also be a photography competition.
"We probably have one of the largest photo photography contests in the state," Hull said. "We'll probably have 700 to 900 photos entered."
Hull said the fair wouldn't be possible without the help of its many volunteers.
"We always appreciate our volunteers that help us put this whole thing together. The board is completely volunteer and they each take responsibilities and different aspects of the fair," she said.
Community members can purchase gate admission passes ahead of time by stopping at the fair office, which is at 115 S. Broad St. It is also possible to pay at the gate.
On Saturday and Sunday, children 11 and under are free. On Monday and Tuesday, school children are free. Monday is also veteran's day, when veterans can get in for free.
Senior day is Friday, with those 65 and older able to get in for $2.
Armbands are also available daily, except on Wednesday. The megaband is an unlimited ride armband that is valid for all of fairweek and costs $80.
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Parking costs $5, or there is a weekly pass for $60.
This year, there will also be a daily shuttle service starting at 10 a.m.
For the most up-to-date information about the fair, text HILLSFAIR2023 to 226787.
— Contact Reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: 173rd Hillsdale County Fair aims to harvest memories
