Presque Isle County Fair scheduled for June 28 to July 1

It is that time of year again when families gather to kick off the summer season and make their way down to the Presque Isle County Fair, which is scheduled from Thursday, June 28 to Sunday, July 1 at the County Fairgrounds in Millersburg.

THE COUNTY Fair has a long history, with the first fair held in 1901 in Millersburg and organized by the Presque Isle County Agricultural Mechanical Society. Around 1932, the fair moved to Onaway. It stopped off in Posen for a period of time as a 4-H Fair, and then to the Moltke Town Hall where it stayed for about eight years. Finally in 2001, the County Fair made its way back ?home? to Millersburg.

Improvements went into the fairgrounds in order to bring the celebration back to Millersburg, including a 30? x 96? animal barn. There is a grandstand with banked seating for about 800 people, and an impressive sign at the main entrance was added in 2006.

According to the numbers, the fair attendance in 2005 grew to about 2,000 visitors ? and the fair continues to attract more and more people every year. The County Fair is highlighted by the Queen?s Pageant on Thursday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Nine young women from Presque Isle County will vie for the title and opportunity to represent their area. (See related story.) Admission to the pageant is $5.

On Thursday morning at 8 a.m., the animals will begin to arrive. The flea market, equipment display, and free demonstrations, including spinning, basket weaving, and soap making, all begin at 10 a.m. At noon on Thursday, a Red Cross Van will be on display and taking donations to help Presque Isle County services.

Judging on exhibit entries begins at noon, and free Schmidt Amusement rides begin at 1 p.m. An ice cream and pie social starts at 6 p.m. Pie is $2, while ice cream is $2.50. On Friday, June 29, exhibits open again at 10 a.m. and include a flea market, arts and crafters, and various demonstrations including a working sawmill. Schmidt Amusement rides begin again at 1 p.m.

MUSIC IN the tent will be provided by ?Chester?s Habit? from Lewiston beginning at 2 p.m. A talent show, open mic style, begins at 7 p.m. Also at 7 p.m., a ?Sleepy Time, Story Time? sponsored by the friends of the Onaway Library will begin. Children are encouraged to bring a blanket, pillow, and parents. Stories will be read by volunteers. Saturday, June 30 will again feature exhibits opening at 10 a.m. including a fish pond, face painting, milking a cow, and making ice cream, among others. The fish pond is sponsored by the Hammond Bay Anglers Association and costs $3 per fish.

A heavy horse pull takes place at noon in the horse arena, as well as the continuation of the Schmidt Amusement rides. The famous Mud Bog begins at 3 p.m. Ent

ry is $6, while children under the age of 10 can enter for $1. The Rogers City Kiwanis will have a fish fry on Saturday. Children also can receive free tickets to Thunder Falls Water Park on Saturday.

The fair continues Sunday, July 1 at 10 a.m. with many exhibits. Amusement rides and an antique tractor pull sponsored by the Tip of the Mitt Tractor Club start at noon. At 1 p.m. a horse speed show will take place. This event is sponsored by the Onaway Area Horse Club. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, visitors can take part in the Chicken Drop for a nominal fee. There also will be raffle drawings throughout the day.

Gate admission for each day is $3, with some events inside the grounds charging additional entry fees.

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