The exhibits under the grandstand at the fairgrounds feature a wide range of arts, crafts, baked goods, sewing projects, and gardening displays — activities that showcase the creativity and skills of both youth and adults in the community.

“The grandstand features arts, crafts, baked goods, sewing, home arts, gardening,” Borke said. “All the things you can think about at a county fair that aren’t animal-related.”

Under the grandstand, the fair offers both youth and open divisions, giving everyone in the community a chance to highlight their talents.

The 4-H program plays a significant role in this, with Youth Day allowing children to display their crafts and receive judging before the fair officially opens.

News Photo By Temi Fadayomi Participants at the fair look at the booths underneath the Grandstand at the Alpena County Fair on Thursday.

“The kids can highlight their creativity,” Borke said, “And, the adults can also do the same.”

Exhibits under the grandstand are open daily from noon to 9 p.m., although sometimes they close as early as 8 p.m., depending on vendor availability.

While setting up for these exhibits involves some logistical effort — moving items stored in the grandstand during the winter and arranging the display areas — Borke says it’s all worth it to provide a platform for local artisans and hobbyists.

“The county uses that space for storage in the winter,” Borke said. “Everything has to be moved, and then the Fair Board comes together to set up the exhibit areas.”

Borke is particularly eager to see more people participate in these under-the-grandstand exhibits. She believes there’s a need to revive interest in traditional arts like sewing and crafts, which have seen a decline in recent years.

News Photo By Temi Fadayomi Participants at the fair look at the booths underneath the Grandstand at the Alpena County Fair on Thursday.

“Sometimes I think sewing is becoming a lost art, and maybe more people would join a guild if they knew that there’s this friendly bunch of women out there,” she said.

Borke encourages anyone interested in entering exhibits to visit the fair’s website for details on the available classes and how to participate.

“I’d like to see a resurgence of interest in these exhibits,” Borke said. “It’s a great way to get people back involved in the community and to keep these traditions alive.”

Temi Fadayomi can be reached at 989-358-5693 or tfadayomi@thealpenanews.com.