“My grandson is here from Wisconsin, and he’s been waiting all day for them to open up,” said Karen, of Alpena.

Her grandson, Wesley, was all smiles on one of the kiddie rides. He hopped right off and was ready to hit the next ride as soon as possible.

Over at the pony rides, some children were enjoying their very first pony rides. Aubree Storms, 6, rode a pony named Toffee, and her little brother Bo Storms, 3, took a ride on Bazooka.

When Aubree finished riding Toffee, she couldn’t stop smiling and gave the ride two thumbs up. She said the best part about it was being able to ride the pony all by herself.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Kaylee Szymanski, 12, whizzes by on the Paratrooper on Tuesday evening at the Alpena County Fair.

Kaylee Szymanski, 12, of Presque Isle, braved the Paratrooper on her own.

“It was pretty fun,” she said as she prepared to head to the next ride with her friends and family. Tuesday was her first time at the Alpena County Fair.

The fair continues today, with a rabbit show at 9 a.m., draft horse show at 11 a.m., carnival rides and games opening at 2 p.m., pleasure horse show at 3 p.m., and Michigan mower racing at 7 p.m., for $10 per person ($5 for ages 10 and younger). Grandstand pit passes for 18 and older are $20. Brad Corpus trivia will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. in the tent.

Thursday is senior day at the Alpena County Fair, with those 60 and older getting in the gate for free. Small animal sweepstakes will begin at 9 a.m., a speed horse show will be at 11 a.m., the carnival opens at 2 p.m., the Cincinnati Circus (free event) will be from 4 to 6 p.m., large animal sweepstakes at 5 p.m., and the Flying Star Rodeo at 7 p.m., for $15 per person, $10 per child age 10 and younger. Grandstand pit passes are $20 for ages 18 and up. Stoker Variety Classic Rock will be from 7 to 11 p.m. in the tent.

Friday is Military Appreciation Day (free entry with military I.D.). A 4-H awards breakfast will be at 10 a.m. The carnival opens at 2 p.m. The Cincinnati Circus (free event) will be at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. The 4-H animal sale will be at 5 p.m. The bump and run will be at 7 p.m., for $10 per person. Waylon Hanel will perform in the tent from 8 to 11 p.m.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Aubree Storms, 6, takes her very first pony ride on Toffee on Tuesday evening at the Alpena County Fair.

Saturday is kids’ day at the Alpena County Fair, with an open speed horse show at 10 a.m., bingo ’round the barnyard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., tractor time on the track from noon to 2 p.m. (sponsored by Huron Shores Farm Bureau). The carnival starts at 1 p.m. The Michigan State Police Trailer “Hidden in Plain Sight” will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fireman Andy will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Cincinnati Circus (free event) will be at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. Thumb tractor pulls (local tractors) will take place at 2 p.m. Andy Perrin will play music from 2 to 6 p.m. in the tent. Girls and boys bike giveaways will be held at 5 p.m. in front of the grandstands (must be present to win). The winner of the cutest pet contest will be announced at 5 p.m. Free pedal pulls for ages 3 to 12 will be at 6 p.m. Thumb tractor pulls will be held at 6 p.m. The Country Poor Boys will play from 8 to 11 p.m. in the tent. Fireworks will be held at 10 p.m.

Reach Darby Hinkley at dhinkley@thealpenanews.com, or call 989-358-5691.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Wesley, visiting from Wisconsin, enjoys riding on one of the kiddie rides on Tuesday evening at the Alpena County Fair.