The Hillsdale County Fair Is A 171 Year Tradition

The Hillsdale County Fair is one of the most anticipated events in Michigan and has been for 171 years. That’s really quite a feat!

I know I have been going for a very, very long time and I cannot tell you how much I look forward to it each year. Hopefully, I can show you why…

Time Sensitive Post! The Hillsdale Fair Ends October 2, 2021

If you can’t make it this year, make sure you put it on your calendar next year! It is always the third Sunday after Labor Day Monday.

Travel Back To The Beginning

In January 1851, the Hillsdale County Agricultural Society was established with the purpose of organizing a yearly fair, which is exactly what they did in October of the same year.

For the first five years the location of the fair bounced back and forth between Hillsdale and Jonesville before more property was added to Hillsdale and that became the permanent home of the fair.

Needless to say, Jonesville did not like this at all and for the following 10 years there were dueling fairs. Eventually the association in charge of the Jonesville Fair sold their property to the railroad and joined forces with the Hillsdale Fair once again.

Over the last 171 years, the fair has faced hardships and triumphs but one thing has always stayed constant…the Hillsdale County Fair is loved by many and looked forward to with great anticipation! Afterall, their own tagline states that it is “The Most Popular Fair On Earth”

One Of The Reasons We Go To the Fair…FOOD!

Everyone has a favorite “fair food” and I’m no exception! I never get a lot because I’m not a big fan of greasy food but I do have one that I absolutely MUST have. What is it you ask? I’m so glad you did…

I have got to have a Cheese On A Stick! I have only found them here at the HCF so it is always the first thing I buy. They are like corn dogs but with lots of melted cheese! Much better than a regular ole cheese stick anyday…

I am also a fan of Elephant Ears (with just cinnamon and sugar) but I don’t get them every time. Rarely actually. Sometimes being really cheap is good for my waistline.

My newest favorite I discovered just last year and it’s the donuts they make right there at The Donut Hut. I’m not a big donut eater but last year they had a food rally when the fair was cancelled due to COVID and now I’m completely and utterly hooked! I completely understand why they have such long lines at the little building every year. I loved the pumpkin donut! Crispy outside and warm, soft inside, perfectly spiced…excuse me while I drool a little.

Some of the food choices there this year are:

There were also tacos, pork BBQ, pizza, Cajun and much more to choose from. Frankly, a whole lot of food looked and smelled mouth-wateringly scrumptious!

I have got to say, fair food has really upped it’s game in the last few years! It has come a long way from corn dogs and cotton candy. Now you can get steak tips and garlic bourbon chicken, gyros or Cajun jambalaya…oh my!

What is your favorite must have fair food item?

Rides For All

One of the great things about the HCF is that there is something here for every person in the family. Whether it’s the Grandstand events, the barns, shows or rides.

There are plenty of rides for adults and small children every year. For the littles you can expect to have to the merry-go-round, the berry-go-round, spinning cars and spinning motorcycles plus others.

All rides and games on the midway are provided by the Skerbeck Family Carnival.

Notices From The HCF -FYI

Health Concerns

While I could not find any direct addressing of COVID concerns on the fair’s website, I can say that if you wish to wear a mask, you are welcome to do so. I also saw several hand sanitizer stations located everywhere around the fairgrounds.

MY PUBLIC NOTICE:

Please remember this is a crowded event so be sure to use common sense and good judgement

This is a county fair that has a few thousand visitors each and every day and as much as I would love to see everyone out and having fun, I know not everyone can or even should.

If you are concerned for your own health or that of your loved ones, please think twice before attending. Most are not masked here. This was not a problem for me and my family but if it is for you, please reconsider visiting the fair this year.

Safety and health is a priority above fun.

Beyond The Fair

The Hillsdale County Fair grounds are also home to a weekly auction and flea market. It is held every Saturday, with the notable exceptions of the Saturdays prior and at the end of fair week. This is a rain or shine event.

The flea market is 7am – 2pm and the auction is 9am – 2pm. If you would like more information about attending or selling at either, please call (517)437-2424. You can also visit https://www.hillsdalecountyfair.org/saturday-auction/

The fairgrounds also has three buildings that are available for rent. The Grange Hall, The Poultry Building and The New Merchants Building. Prices are dependent on which hall you choose and the date you reserve it. For more information you can call the fairgrounds office at (517) 437-3622.

Yay or Nay?

I cannot imagine ever giving the Hillsdale County Fair anything but a Yay. Seriously, even as an adult I look forward to this every year as much as I did as a kid. Maybe more so. Now I not only have the memories of my own visits as a child but also those of taking my daughter every year. I have been to a lot of fairs over the years but to me none compare to the HCF.

I love the feel of walking around the fairgrounds, smelling the food, hearing the music and laughter of everyone enjoying their day. Even if you don’t go into the grandstands, you can still feel the excitment of whatever event is captivating the crowd inside, be it a concert or a tractor pull or a demolition derby ripping the dirt up.

Going through the animal barns is a must every year and my daughter has to visit the sheep and goats – especially the goats. She loves goats. I like the horse barns best, myself. If you go, take some stale bread to toss to the ducks – they love it! My husband and I also enjoy going through the Women’s Congress building and looking at the flower entries (it’s a gardener thing). That’s also where I bought my honey.

I did notice this year that there wasn’t as much stuff as there usually is. There were no camper sales at all (I love looking at the new campers), very few incredibly overpriced cars (way of the country right now), and not as many animals or carnival rides.

But, it was good to be able to go this year. No fair last year was a great disappointment…

What is your favorite thing about the Hillsdale County Fair?