A 4-H member shows off his market steer during the large animal auction at the Osceola County 4-H/FFA Fair in 2013. This year's fair runs July 24-31. (Pioneer file photo)
EVART — Horses, rabbits and pigs. Oh, my.
Creatures great and small will begin filing into the Osceola County Fairgrounds this weekend, as young caretakers prepare to show off their hard work at the 2021 Osceola County 4-H/FFA Fair, July 24-31.
The festivities kick off with a roar Saturday, July 24, with the Truck and Open Track Pulls and ends Saturday, July 31, with the Ag Olympics. All grandstand events cost $7 per adults. Kids age 12 and younger are free. Native Amusements will provide the midway rides and games everyday.
And of course, there will be the animals. 4-H and FFA members will get a chance to compete with their fair projects in the market, youth and open classes. Also on display will be "still exhibits," which highlight non-animal entries such as crops, gardening, canning, baking, crafts, artwork, science, first aid/safety and more.
Here's a partial list of this year's events. For a complete list, visit osceolacountyfairgrounds.com.
Saturday, July 24
Military/First Responders' Day
• Noon to 10 p.m. Midway: Military and first responders get $5 off armband with ID.
• 7 p.m. Grandstand: Truck Pull
Sunday, July 25
Family Fun Day
• Noon to 10 p.m. Midway: Buy one armband and one parent rides with child for free.
Monday, July 26
Can Food Drive for Sears Food pantry
• 3-10 p.m. Midway: Bring in a nonperishable food item to get $5 off armband.
• 9 a.m. Rabbit Showmanship, Market classes Cavy Judging
• 9 a.m. Poultry Breeds, Market poultry, Posters, Demonstrations
• 12:30 p.m. Poultry Showmanship
• 1 p.m. Youth & Open Rabbit Breed Judging, Posters, Demonstrations
• 1 p.m. Youth and Open Class Still Exhibit Judging.
• 3 p.m. Youth horse members demonstrations.
• 6 p.m. Market swine pictures
• 7 p.m. Livestock Judging contest
• 7 p.m. Grandstand: Garden Tractor Pull
Tuesday, July 27
Dollar Day
• 3-10 p.m. Midway: Tickets are $1 and each ride one ticket per ride
• 9 a.m. Youth and Open Class Goat Judging (Market, Beef and Wool)
• 1 p.m. Exhibit buildings open.
• 3 p.m. Youth and Open Class Beef and Dairy Beef Judging.
• 7 p.m. Grandstand: Heavyweight Horse Pull. MI State Championship
• 7 p.m. Youth Dairy members judging contest.
Wednesday, July 28
Farm Bureau Day/Kids Day
1-10 p.m. Midway: $10 armband
• 9 a.m. Youth and Open class Swine Judging.
• Noon: Farm Bureau Chicken Barbecue
• 1 p.m. Exhibit buildings and vendors open.
• 3 p.m. Youth and open class Sheep Judging
• 7-10 p.m. Small Animal Barn Dance, at Walt & Margaret Johnson Building
Thursday, July 29
4H family & 4H kids Appreciation Day
• Noon to 10 p.m. Midway: Buy one armband, get one armband for free
• 9 a.m. Youth and Open class Dairy Judging.
• 9 a.m. Youth horse English Classes. Horse judging contest will follow the English classes.
• 1 p.m. Exhibit buildings and vendors open.
• 6 p.m. Market Chicken, Rabbit and Goat Auction
• 7 p.m. Grandstand: Antique Tractor Pull
Friday, July 30
Frontline and Essential Workers Day
• 1-10 p.m. Midway: $13 for armbands
• 8 a.m. Youth and Open Class Horse and Pony Judging. Miniature Horses
• 9 a.m. Dairy Goat Judging
• 1 p.m. Exhibit buildings and vendors open.
• 6 p.m. Market Livestock Auction
• 7 p.m. Grandstand: Farm Stock Tractor Pull
Saturday, July 31
Pandemic Saturday and Bike Giveaway Day
• Noon to 10 p.m. Midway: Buy one armband, get $5 off the second armband. Plus, for each armband, get one ticket for the bike giveaway. Two kid’s bikes will be given away.
• 9 a.m. Horse and Pony Exhibition Classes.
• 11 a.m. Goat Fun Show
• 1 p.m. Rabbit, Horse & Livestock Costume Classes
• 1 p.m. Exhibit building and vendors open.
• 2 p.m. Sweepstake Showmanship (about 2 p.m.)
• 6 p.m. Grandstand: AG Olympics
