Michigan investing $525K in county fairs to boost infrastructure, education

HOLLAND — The Ottawa County Fair is set to receive a technical facelift this season following a funding announcement from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

In a move to preserve rural traditions and modernize local community hubs, the MDARD announced $525,000 in grant funding aimed at bolstering county fairs and livestock expositions across the state.

The funding is split into two primary categories: $507,000 dedicated to capital improvements for physical infrastructure and $18,000 earmarked for livestock and commodity exposition support.

While the funding reached eight different counties, the investment in Ottawa County of $11,997 will help improve the electrical grid at the fairgrounds, which officials said would provide reliable power for youth projects and exhibitions and ensure consistent electricity for livestock areas, campers and vendors.

MDARD Director Tim Boring emphasized that the grants represent more than just facility maintenance; they are an investment in Michigan’s youth and economic health.

"County fairs and expositions are cherished summer traditions that boost local commerce while providing the training and education young Michiganders need to become future leaders in agriculture," Boring said in a statement.

He noted that the funds will specifically target safety, connectivity, and the vital link between residents and local food systems.

Eight organizations were selected to receive a portion of the $507,000 Capital Improvement pool. These grants focus on high-impact structural needs, ranging from ADA accessibility to animal housing:

• Lake Odessa Civic & Agricultural Association and Upper Peninsula State Fair: Both received the maximum award of $100,000 — the former for livestock facility upgrades and the latter to replace the roof of its beef barn.
• Northwestern Michigan Fair (Traverse City): Awarded $92,049 to replace its aging poultry barn.
• Chelsea Community Fair: Received $59,580 to ensure the grounds are more inclusive through ADA-compliant pathways.
• Other recipients: Funding was also secured for the Jackson County Fair (restroom renovations), Montcalm County (security and PA upgrades) and Shiawassee County (barn flooring).

Supporting livestock competitions

Beyond the brick-and-mortar projects, $18,000 was distributed via the Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grant program. These funds help non-profit fairs and events cover "premiums" — the prize money paid to exhibitors—and marketing efforts to draw larger crowds to livestock auctions.

Recipients include the Fowlerville Agricultural Society, Genesee County Agricultural Society, Shiawassee County Fair and the Upper Peninsula State Fair.

Michigan’s 86 county fairs draw an estimated 4.5 million visitors each year. Since 2019, MDARD has allocated more than $8.4 million specifically into the state's fair system.

To qualify for the competitive funds, fairs must meet strict state incorporation requirements and maintain a clean three-year record of annual reporting to MDARD.

For more information, visit MDARD’s grants web page.

— Submitted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.