A Heapin’ Helpin’ Of Country Fun At The Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair

Aug. 19, 2016

As American as apple pie, the annual Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair has been a beloved Up North summer tradition for more than a century. Held at the same location, the Emmet County Fairgrounds, for more than 100 years, it’s never once been cancelled — not even during World War II, when times were so tough that local people took to a vote to decide whether or not to dedicate funding to it. They voted yes, and the fair has remained a staple ever since.

Of course, there have been changes. In 2000, the fair joined forces with Charlevoix County, adding more events and manpower. And in 2004, the co-hosting counties had the fairgrounds completely renovated, bringing modern facilities to the mix, and with them the ability to host other county events year-round.

The new covered grandstand welcomes 2,700 people rain or shine (with amazing sunsets from the upper seats) for a variety of shows and events during the fair: pony and horse pulls at 3pm and 5pm on Sunday, Aug. 21; autocross racing on Friday, Aug. 26; and even monster trucks — including The Michigan Monster Truck Shoot Out on Thursday, Aug. 25, featuring machines like the Predator, Prowler, and Rap Attack, plus drivers from ESPN and TNN.

Brand new for the 2016 fair is the Silent Disco (Wednesday, Aug. 24, 6pm–9pm), in which attendees can choose their own music and volume on provided wireless headphones and dance the night away with pals of all ages — a great way to rock out without disturbing the neighbors. If you prefer pals of the fourlegged variety, you’ll enjoy the Dog Agility Show starting at noon, also on August 24.

The grandstand is also the place to find this year’s featured concert: the double-country punch of Parmalee and Love and Theft.

American country band Parmalee hail from North Carolina and were quickly dubbed one of Clear Channel’s New Country Bands to Watch; their newest single, “Roots,” is currently on country radio, and is serving as the introduction to their upcoming new album, which is awaiting a release date.

Fellow country musicians Love and Theft are a Nashville duo that just signed a deal with Curb Records; their radio hits have included songs like “Angel Eyes” and “Runaway.” Both bands will perform on Saturday, Aug. 27 starting at 7pm (gates open at 6pm).

Nevertheless, classic is and has long been the key theme at this century-old fair, so along with apple pies aplenty, attendees will find in the 10,000-square-foot community building dozens of 4-H exhibits as well as flowers, vegetables, quilts, crafts, and more.

And don’t forget the two mainstays of any county fair: a livestock show and carnival rides. Skerbeck Carnival is offering an unlimited rides wristband for $20 — just be sure you save your helping of apple pie for after all of that spinning, whirling fun.

The Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair will run Aug. 23–28 2016. Ticket prices vary per event. The fairgrounds are located at 1129 Charlevoix Ave. in Petoskey. For more information, visit emmetchxfair.org or call 231-347-1010.