Firefighting Products Fair

The Bay County Fair begins today in Bay City

BAY CITY — The fairgrounds in Bay City have come to life this week as the 146th annual Bay County Fair & Youth Exposition gets under way today.

Employees from Schmidt Amusements of Standish spent the day Monday setting up carnival rides and children arrived with their small animals and fowl ready to compete for Grand Champion honors.

Horses, swine, steer and other large animals fill the stalls in the horse and livestock barns, projects completed by 4-H members are on display in the Canteen Building and final preparations are being made for this year’s grandstand events — a Bump & Grind Race on Thursday, Figure 8 Race on Friday and Mud Bog on Saturday.

“This thing is rockin.’ We are ready to welcome the community,” said Michael Coyer, vice president of the Bay County Fair Board. “We’re looking forward to putting a great event on for Bay County.”

Fair Board President Kari VanOchten said she hopes upward of 20,000 people turn out to this year’s event at the fairgrounds, 800 Livingston St. on Bay City’s East Side.

“Everything is set up and ready to go. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate. There’s a lot of shelter in case it does rain,” she said.

Today is family day at the fair with wristbands for all-day rides on sale for $5 each. Wednesday through Saturday, wristbands cost $10 each.

Coyer said it’s a new event at this year’s fair — the first ever Fire Department Chili Cookoff — that really has people talking.

“The trash talking is starting on Facebook,” said Coyer, a 17-year firefighter in Hampton Township who competes in the cookoff from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday along with firefighters from eight other departments. 

Cost is $3 to sample 20 different types of chili. 

The celebrity judges will be state Rep. Charles Brunner, D-Bay City; NBC25 chief meteorologist Mark Torregrossa; and Jodi K, co-host of the morning show on 94.5 The Moose.

Coyer encourages all fair visitors to remember the true purpose of the fair. He said fair-goers should “look outside of the box and get the focus back” on the youth. 

“That’s why we do it,” he said.

Kristy and Emily Brandt of Auburn say there’s one other goal during fair week — to have fun.

The sisters, ages 19 and 17 respectively, are members of the Bay County Shooting Stars 4-H Club and have been involved in 4-H for a decade. They’ll be at the fair this week showing off their lambs, swine and chickens.

Clark County Firefighters Helping Kids | Clark County Live!

One of the displays I enjoyed at this year’s Clark County Fair was “The Old Firehouse”. It’s a display of over 40 Fire Engines and fire fighting equipment, dating from the 1800′s to current day. Many of the old engines have been beautifully restored, and just walking through the building tells a great visual story of how tied to the community firefighters were, and still are.

In fact, if you are going to the Clark County Fair on Monday or Tuesday, you will see some of our local heroes in action (in a good way!).

“Clark County Fire District 6 firefighters are helping make memories for medically fragile children living in our area. Five patients from the Legacy Children’s Center – Salmon Creek and their families will get to enjoy rides, play games, and grub on some fair food all for free.

A firefighter/paramedic and two EMTs accompany each child to ensure their safety while at the fair. The firefighters volunteer their time on behalf of the Local 1805 Professional Firefighters Union.

People’s Community Federal Credit Union provides money for food and games, while the fair and Butler Amusement provide ride, entry, and parking passes for the kids and their families.

Having a child with special medical needs can be stressful for a family both financially and emotionally. Memory Makers hopes to give these families a day free of stress and full of fun. We hope you can join us.” ~ Clark County Fire District 6

This post: “Clark County Firefighters Helping Kids” was originally featured at Salmon Creek Live!