THE FOWLERVILLE FAMILY FAIR
CELEBRATING 138 YEARS OF COMMUNITY, AGRICULTURE, AND TRADITION
By Teresa Miller
In the heart of Livingston County, Michigan, lies the quaint town of Fowlerville, where every year, the community comes together to celebrate its rich agricultural heritage and vibrant spirit at the Fowlerville Family Fair. As the summer of 2024 approaches, anticipation is building for this beloved event. From thrilling rides and delicious fair food to high-spirited competitions, exhibits, and shows, the Fowlerville Family Fair promises something for everyone.
Exciting Attractions & Events
The 2024 Fowlerville Family Fair boasts an impressive lineup of attractions and events guaranteed to delight attendees of all ages. From the exhilarating rides and games of the Carnival Midway by Skerbeck Entertainment Group to the Harness Racing, Demolition Derby, Tractor Pull, and Lost Nations Rodeo in the Grandstand, there’s no shortage of entertainment options. Musicians DeWayne Spaw and Bill Moran will provide musical entertainment before the shows in the Grandstand and at other events throughout the fairgrounds.
Be sure to catch Monday in the Grandstand, which will host a Ladies and Gents Kentucky Derby Style Hat Contest prior to a Spartan Futurity Harness Race, with a Pick-a-Winner Contest and prizes sponsored by Mayhew’s Tree Farm. On Tuesday there will be a mini pony cart race for kids, also with money prizes. Wednesday through Saturday entertainment extends to the horse arena where visitors can catch a free draft horse show, with confirmation and single hitch class competitions. On your way there, you might even be able to snap a photo with one of the many costumed characters, from Fowlerville’s local theater group, who will be walking the fairgrounds.
One of the highlights of the fair is the diverse range of competitions and contests. Whether it’s Livestock Judging, awarding of Homemaker of the Year, crowning of the Fair Queen, or the Ventra Community Spelling Bee, there’s friendly competition and camaraderie on display throughout the week. Families can stroll through the livestock barns, where Junior Agriculture Society, FFA and 4-H members proudly display their animals and awards, or explore the various exhibits showcasing a variety of prize-winning crafts and handiwork.
A Celebration of Agriculture
At the core of the Fowlerville Family Fair is the Fowlerville Agricultural Society. Established in 1886, this organization is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and has more than 300 dedicated members. A bedrock of the community for generations, fostering a deep connection to agriculture, family, and tradition, the society breathes vitality into the Fowlerville Family Fair year after year and was instrumental in recent building improvements.
In 2023 the Fowlerville Fairgrounds underwent a remarkable transformation, from the installation of new restroom facilities for the campground to the enhancement of livestock amenities in several areas. Thanks to a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the unwavering support of the community, the society was able to complete major upgrades to the warm up, show, and sales arenas, as well as to the red livestock barn, including new windows, roof, siding, and PA and electrical systems.
“Looking ahead, the society’s future plans include projects aimed at further enriching the fair experience,” said Claudia Cary-Davidson, a director of the Agricultural Society’s board, who has served for several terms. “Investments in the pig, goat, and sheep barn are on the horizon, with plans for improved stalls, ventilation, and roofing.”
The Fowlerville Agricultural Society’s Board of Directors consists of 16 members, which are voted on by the membership at their annual meeting in November. The directors hold three year terms and four directors are voted on by the board to hold executive positions. Currently those serving as executive board members are: Branden Esch, President; Claudia Cary-Davidson, Vice President; Michelle Carnevale, Secretary; and Jackie Ives, Treasurer.
“The Fowlerville Family Fair receives no state or county money and is self-supporting. To help with the fair renovations and its future sustainability, in 2023 the board established the Fowlerville Fair Foundation, a 509(a)(2) charitable foundation, to accept donations,” said Cary-Davidson. “Funds can be designated to a specific project, like the dairy barn, or remain undesignated.”
The Fowlerville Family Fair would not be possible without the collective contributions from community sponsors and hours of service from the Agricultural Society’s board members as well as many volunteers. The hope is that with additional support from the Fowlerville Fair Foundation, necessary renovations can be accomplished so that the fairgrounds remain an inviting showcase for all those who attend and participate in the Fowlerville Family Fair in future generations.
A Showcase of Youth Development
Central to the mission of the Fowlerville Family Fair is its dedication to supporting youth development through programs like the Junior Agricultural Society, Livingston County 4-H, and Livingston County FFA. Each year, young participants from across the region spend months preparing for the fair, raising and training animals, perfecting their culinary skills, and honing their talents in various endeavors.
For many exhibitors, the fair represents the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. From early mornings spent feeding and grooming animals to late nights perfecting recipes and crafts, the fair is a testament to their passion and commitment to excellence. Beyond the ribbons and awards, participants also gain valuable lessons in responsibility, teamwork, and sportsmanship, setting them on a path to success both in and out of the show ring. You can help support the youth by bidding on their livestock or still life at the fair’s lively auctions.
A Return of Arts & Crafts Under the Grandstand
Coming back in 2024 is Fowlerville Family Fair’s Open Class Home Arts Program headed by Dawn Bhajan, who serves as Co-Superintendent alongside Katie Timer. This program welcomes any Michigan resident, age five and up, to enter their projects including arts, crafts, foods, designs, and plants for judging and exhibition throughout fair week.
“The homestead and homeschooling movements have generated a renewed interest in gardening, canning, crochet, sewing, beading, and a whole host of handiwork,” said Bhajan. “We have a Facebook group, Fowlerville Fair Open Class Home Arts, where we spotlight classes, swap creative wisdom, share resources, and feature exhibitors. Our members are a unique mix of makers who love to create and can’t wait to enter their handiwork in the Fowlerville Family Fair.”
Membership in any organization is unnecessary, and children, regardless of affiliation with FFA or 4-H, are encouraged to participate. Last year, the absence of the Open Class Home Arts Program beneath the Grandstand was palpable. Bhajan, who has two children, seven and eight years old, wanted to make sure that they would have the same fond memories she had as a child of the fair.
“Restoring the program to its former glory is a childhood dream of mine”, said Bhajan. “Makers, especially kids, put their heart and soul into it, and really want people to come out to see their creations and the awards they earn.”
Initially unaware of her deep-seated passion, Bhajan now actively engages in presentations at various community meetings. Bhajan stresses that the Open Class Home Arts Program not only allows adults and children to engage in creative endeavors, it also fosters ingenuity and intergenerational connections.
The ultimate goal isn’t merely restoration of the Open Class Home Arts Program, but revitalization. As it returns, a new facet of the program will be an exhibitors’ reception on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. under the Grandstand. This celebration will feature light refreshments, presentations, and awards to highlight achievements of the program’s entrants.
Community Engagement and Volunteerism
What does the fair mean to you? Is it the sight of impeccably groomed livestock that stand proudly in their rows of pens? Is it the roar of the engines from the demolition derby and tractor pull? Is it air filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly spun cotton candy and sizzling corn dogs? For many, it is all that and much more that isn’t as apparent to your senses.
Behind the scenes, the Fowlerville Family Fair is a celebration of community spirit and volunteerism. From the dedicated organizers and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the success of the event to the local businesses and sponsors who generously support it, the fair truly embodies the collective effort of the entire community.
So mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and join us this summer from July 22 to 27, 2024 for another unforgettable celebration that makes the Fowlerville community truly special. For fair events dates and times, as well as Agricultural Society Membership Forms, visit the Fowlerville Fair’s website at www.FowlervilleFamilyFair.com. There you will also find entry forms for the Youth Show, Fair Queen, Homemaker of the Year, Citizen of the Year, the Spelling Bee, the Open Class Program, Commercial Vendors, and Fair Sponsorship.
Beyond Fair Week, the Fairground Hosts Additional Events
The Fowlerville Fairground is host to a variety of events throughout the year, from a Twilight Barrel Racing series to an Off Road Expo. Follow the Fowlerville Family Fair Facebook page at facebook.com/FowlervilleFair to stay up-to-date on all of the events. Here’s just a few of the unique events that will be held at the fairground in 2024.
Grandma’s Attic May 16 – May 18, 2024
An annual fundraiser held by the Livingston Centre Historical Society and Fowlerville Agricultural Society. It is a rummage-style sale where all purchases are “make-an-offer” donations. All proceeds are used for the maintenance and restoration of the Livingston Centre Historic Village.
33rd Annual Antique Tractor Show & Pull June 7 – June 8, 2024
Annual event by the Hudson Mills Old Power Club and Fowlerville Family Fair / Fowlerville Agricultural Society. Not only are there Antique Tractor Pulls, there is also a Gas Engine Show, Crafter/Flea Market, Bake Sale, and Kids Activities.
Fall Fest 2024 Saturday September 14, 2024 1am
Event by Livingston Centre Historical Village and Fowlerville Family Fair / Fowlerville Agricultural Society. Festival featuring music, games and activities, entertainment, local vendors, food trucks, seasonal baked goodies, 50/50 raffles and more! All proceeds and donations support the maintenance, renovation, and restoration of the Livingston Centre Historical Village.
HearseFest 2024, World Record Attempt Saturday September 21, 2024 10am – 5pm
Event by Just Hearse’N Around, Fowlerville Family Fair / Fowlerville Agricultural Society. Attend with your hearse to help us break the World Record for “Longest Parade of Hearses”!
Finders Keepers Vintage Market September 29, 2024
Handmade, shabby chic, trendy clothing boutiques, rustic, boho, farmhouse decor, harvest tables, hand painted furniture, organic products, mom + baby, wall decor, live music, delicious food trucks, face painting & more.
Camping in the Warmer Months, Storage in the Cold
The Fowlerville Fairgrounds campground welcomes you from mid-April through September. The Fowlerville Agricultural Society’s Campground is at the north end of the Fowlerville Family Fairgrounds, in a quiet setting. From basic rustic spaces to fully equipped hookups, we cater to all camping needs, whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV. Enjoy the convenience of public restrooms with showers on-site, and take advantage of our proximity to various family-friendly events and shopping centers. For reservations, please contact us at 517-223-8186 or via email at fair@fowlervillefamilyfair.com.
Winter Storage for RVs & Boats
Starting in mid-October, the Fowlerville Fairground offers winter storage services until mid April, on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your storage space, get in touch with us at 517-223-8186 or fair@fowlervillefamilyfair.com. Contracts can be obtained in advance from our website at fowlervillefamilyfair.com or filled out upon arrival.