News File Photo At the Alpena County Fairgrounds, Addison Spicer, 13, center, spends time with Caruso, an Arabian horse, during the 2022 Alpena County Fair.

ALPENA — The Alpena County Fair kicks off on Saturday when the animal and livestock events begin and the midway fires up on Tuesday.

The fair lasts until Aug. 19.

Alpena Fair Society Board President Courtney Krentz said this year’s fair is setting up to be large and crammed full of fun events for people of all ages. She said there are many free attractions for children and larger events where tickets are required that are sure to be popular.

“We have a large variety of things this year,” Krentz said. “We went from having four events in the grandstands to five, which is exciting. We worked hard to gear events for people of all ages. We also brought back the teen dance, so the teenagers, who are often overlooked, can enjoy that.”

The first event in the grandstand is the Flying Star Rodeo on Tuesday, and the Night of Speed and demolition derby is on Wednesday at 7 p.m. On Aug. 17, a new event will take place, as Micro Wrestling will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Krentz said since the wrestling event was announced, presales have been solid.

“The bump and run is always popular, but this year, the people are really excited about the micro-wrestling,” she said. “So far, we’ve sold the most presale tickets for that than any of the other events.”

The bump-and-run is Friday.

Krentz said, several years ago, people were disappointed in the fair and it was struggling. She said things have bounced back and there is more support for the event.

“Well, we couldn’t do this without the support of the community,” Krentz said. “This year we have a record number of sponsors and volunteers. I know there was some displeasure with the fair in previous years, but I feel the community sees the improvements and are willing to support us.”

Krentz said the fair board and the local 4-H have also worked hard to put together agriculture events. She said families like to walk through the barns and see and learn more about the animals.

“Not everyone gets to see them up close and this is a chance for them to see these magnificent animals,” Krentz said. “Everyone involved worked really hard on everything and I think we are going to have a great fair week.”