Alpena County Fair well attended, says Alpena County fairboard
Rodeo and bump-n-run were crowd favorites
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ALPENA -- The Alpena County Fairboard and fair supporters say they are happy with the turnout for this year's Alpena County Fair and plans for next year are already in the works with upcoming projects and fundraising goals.
Abbie Kowalski, Alpena County Fairboard member, said the board doesn't have exact numbers yet for attendance and event turnout, but said she believes the fair was well attended and the grandstand events were popular with fairgoers.
"Even on Saturday for the tractor pull, we still had a lot of people come out to support us," Kowalski said.
She added that based on estimates, attendance peaked during the rodeos, especially for the second day of the event.
"You never know when you have a two day rodeo how that will go," she added. "Something new sparked people’s interest."
She explained that the Southpoint Rodeo featured different kinds of rodeo events that brought in a range of crowds.
Overall, Kowalski said that the bump-n-run was well attended and is usually well attended every year.
"Year after year it’s like that, the bump-n-run is a fan favorite," she said.
Kowalski added that the fair board has received positive feedback regarding the Dairyland Donkey Races and is considering bringing it back next year.
We definitely received a lot of feedback for the donkey races," she said. "It drew more excitement than we thought. There are a lot of people who want to participate next year. We are definitely looking to bring it back."
Overall, Kowalski said that the fair happens every year because of the help of volunteers and her fellow board members. She said without those commitments, the fair wouldn't be what it is now.
"Our fair simply wouldn't be possible without the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, and talents to make it all happen," she said, via text message. "They, along with our board members, are the ones working behind the scenes, putting in the long days and early mornings, and stepping up wherever they are needed."
"They are essential to the success of the Alpena County Fair, and we are incredibly grateful for every one of them!" she added.
Kowalski also noted the support from the community and thanked those who attended the fair and participated in the annual fun.
"We are so proud of our community and the incredible support they show the Alpena County Fair, from the businesses and organizations that sponsor us to the families and friends who come out and attend our events," she wrote. "Every sponsorship, ticket purchased, volunteer hour, and visit to the fair makes a difference and helps us continue creating opportunities and memories for our community."
Connie Lucas, a fair supporter, said that this year's fair was "well attended" and "everyone was positive and happy."
Lucas is part of a four generation 4-H family and her grandchildren showed hogs and sheep this year.
"They all placed very well," Lucas said.
She agreed with Kowalski that the rodeo was a crowd favorite and that the bump-n-run is well attended every year.
"The derby is always a favorite, you can't get away from that," she said.
Lucas organized a community luncheon with 4-H members during fair week to educate the public about what 4-H is and to present their projects and animals. She said a few Alpena County commissioners attended as well as Paige Fisher, Alpena Chamber of Commerce president.
"They were so excited to share with the commissioners," she said. "You'd think they had the president there."
Lucas is a member of the Friends of the Alpena County Fair group and shared with The News that the volunteer group is looking into fundraising for a show pavilion for 4-H.
Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.