News File Photo A Flying Star Rodeo cowboy tries to hold on during the saddle bronc riding competition at the Alpena County Fairgrounds during the 2023 Alpena County Fair.

ALPENA — This year, the Alpena County Fair is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Events begin as early as Friday, but the fair officially kicks off on Sunday and continues through Saturday, Aug. 17.

The history of the fair is being recognized with a picture showcase of years past and a breakfast celebration in the Merchant Building at 10 a.m. on Friday. The community is invited to attend and reminisce on years gone by.

“I’m sure there are a lot of people with some really great stories and we’re trying to bring back nostalgia this year,” Courtney Krentz, president of the Alpena County Fair Board, said.

In 1874, the original area of the fairgrounds was developed for horse racing. The area that began as horse stalls under the grandstands was eventually occupied by crafters showing their wares.

The cattle barn is the oldest building on the property. Back in the day, the cattle barn housed all of the fair animals. Now the barns are home to the 4-H Club, the largest youth development organization in Michigan for ages five to 19. With 230 4-H participants showing their animals and skills, all of the barns on the property are utilized.

The Alpena Fair Board is excited to have the 4-H members associated with the county fair, according to Krentz.

“4-H creates a lot of life skills for these kids,” Krentz said. “Not only the caring and feeding of animals but financial responsibility as well. I am so glad 4-H can bring that back to our kids.”

The numerous decorated horse heads adorning the fence outside the fairgrounds are part of this year’s fundraiser. The Home Depot donated the wood and local businesses purchased and decorated the horses for a Facebook competition to win Best in Show.

The money received from the fundraiser will be used for a new sound system for the grandstands and the barns.

With daily entertainment, carnival games, and rides aplenty drawing in the crowds, and the smell of sweet treats filling the air and enticing the senses, the Alpena County Fair is expecting 15,000 to 25,000 attendees this year.

“Every single year we’ve been improving to increase attendance,” Krentz said.

Nightly grandstand entertainment includes something for people of all ages. Microwrestling will be featured on Tuesday, Mower Racing will occur on Wednesday, Aug. 14, the Flying Star Rodeo is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, Bump and Run will bring the fun on Friday, Aug. 16, and the Thumb Tractor Pullers event will be on Saturday, Aug. 17.

This year the crowd will enjoy a fireworks display commemorating the 150th anniversary celebration on the last night of the fair.

For more information, visit the fair’s website at AlpenaFair.org.