Isabella County Fair brings animal auctions, carnival to Mount Pleasant

Carnival rides and 4-H classes will be in full-swing at the Isabella County Youth and Farm Fair next week.

The fair opens Monday evening at the Isabella County Fairgrounds, located at 500 N. Mission Road north of Mount Pleasant, with “Isabella’s Best Talent Show” at 7 p.m. in the grandstands.

“They are having auditions this Sunday, then Monday night, at the fair, they will have the winners perform,” said Fair Board secretary Gladys Strong.

Amusement rides start 6 p.m. Monday and 1 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday, said Fair Board Member Deb Acker.

Tuesday gives children $3 off wristbands and a chance to win a free bike.

Friday and Saturday nights will feature demolition derbies for cars and trucks.

“As far as fans I get 1,500 to 2,000 people a night. Last year we had 28 cars, 15 trucks, and 8 suburbans,” said Todd Galgoci, event promoter.

Galgoci throws $2,000 worth of hats, T-shirts and other promotional items to the people in the stands between sets.

Other evening events include tractor and draft horse pulls.

Fair board member Laura Travis said children and teenagers in 4-H will show horses, hogs, sheep, cattle, rabbits, chickens and goats. Some will be selected to compete at the Michigan State Fair later in the month, she said.

After competition, small animals are auctioned off at 7 p.m. Wednesday and large animals are auctioned off 6 p.m. Thursday.

“Isabella County fair has one of the best large animal auctions in the state and that’s due to the amount of businesses in the community coming out to support the kids,” Travis said.

Over the week, admission ranges from free to $10 a day for adults. Parking is $3 a day or $10 for the week.

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