The highlight of carnival and festival time in the Michigan Thumb kick off in 2024 at the 156th Huron Community Fair, running Sunday through Saturday, July 28 – August 3rd! At the fairgrounds in Bad Axe, Michigan.
A Week of Huron Community Fair
The fair opens Sunday, July 30, with free parking. Check out the 2 p.m. grandstand event featuring Harness Racing (1 pm), and the 4-H Horse Show begins at 5 p.m. The Opening Ceremony and Flag Raising is open to all at the center of the Livestock Arena at 7:00 p.m., followed by Livestock Judging at the Dennis M Hagan Show & Sale Arena at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 28, 2024 Kick-Off Day
6 p.m.: 4-H Talent Show, 4-H Ambassadors & Bean Queen Crowning
9 a.m. – Noon: JLA Unloading and Weigh-In
Noon – 3 p.m.: SLA Unloading and Weigh-In
1 p.m.: Harness Racing at the Grandstands
1 – 5 p.m.: Elkton Lions Bingo on the Midway
3:45 p.m.: JLA and SLA mandatory meetings with Opening Ceremony & Flag Raising in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena
5 p.m.: 4-H Horse Show
Fair Monday at Bad Axe Fairgrounds
Starting Monday, July 29, at 9 am with the Goat Show at the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena. The 4-H and FFA Building and Merchant Building will be open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. The Horse Racing begins at 1 p.m. in the Grandstands. The Elkton Lions Bingo runs from 3 – 10 p.m. At 3 pm the Sheep Show begins. The Gate fee is $5 per person, and kids ten and under are free.
Monday, July 29, 2024
8 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Gate Fee $5 (10 years and younger free)
9 a.m.: Market Beef Show followed by Beef Breeding Show in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.: Merchant Building Open
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.: 4-H Building Open
Noon – 9 p.m.: Miracle of Life Building Open
1 p.m.: 4-H Horse Show
1 p.m.: Harness Horse Racing at the Grandstands
3 p.m.: Sheep Show in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena
7 p.m.: Live Music by the Vinny Charles Band
3 – 10 p.m.: Elkton Lions Bingo on the Midway
Huron Community Fair Midway Fun Tuesday Kids Day
Tuesday, July 30, is Kids Day at the Huron Community Fair is packed with activities designed to delight children and families. The day starts with the Swine Show at 8:30 a.m. in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena, followed by the Rabbit Show at 9 a.m. in the SLA Community Barn and the Dairy Show at 10 a.m. in the Huron Expo Arena. From Noon to 4 p.m., kids can enjoy face-painting by Sparkles in the Merchant Building, while the USA Quack Pack entertains with impressive Border Collie herding demonstrations throughout the day.
The Midway opens at 1 p.m. with rides and games, ensuring fun for everyone. The afternoon features live music by Huron Out from 4 to 7 p.m. and a practice run for motorsports racers from 4 to 6 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., children can win bikes in a special drawing outside the Fair Office. The evening wraps up with a thrilling Motorsport Racing event at 7 p.m. in the Grandstands and the Adult Beef Show in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena. Don’t miss this exciting day tailored especially for kids at the Huron Community Fair!
Tuesday is Kids Day, with the Midway opening at 1 p.m. with a reduced ride bracelet rate. The Gate fee is $5 per person, and kids ten and under are free.
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 Kids Day!
7 p.m.: Adult Beef Show in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena
8 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Gate Fee $5 (10 years and younger free)
8:30 a.m.: Swine Show in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena
9 a.m.: Rabbit Show in the SLA Community Barn
10 a.m.: Dairy Show in the Huron Expo Arena
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Merchant Building Open
Noon – 4 p.m.: Face-Painting by Sparkles in the Merchant Building
Noon – 9 p.m.: Miracle of Life Building Open
1 p.m.: Midway Rides & Games Open
4 – 7 p.m.: Live Music by Huron Out
4 – 6 p.m.: Practice run for motorsports racers
4:30 p.m.: Communication Arts in the 4-H/FFA Building
5:30 p.m.: Kids Bike Drawing
7 p.m.: Motorsport Racing at the Grandstands
Wednesday Midweek at the Huron Community Fair
Mid-Week at the Huron Community Fair offers diverse events and activities for all ages. The day starts with the Prospect Feeder Show and Poultry Show at 9 a.m. in the Dennis M. Hagen Sale & Show Arena and the SLA Community Barn, respectively. The Merchant Building opens from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the Miracle of Life Building welcomes visitors from noon to 9 p.m.
The Open-Class Horse Show will be held at 1 p.m., showcasing local equestrian talent. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., the Huron County Master Gardeners will present a special “Meet the Grand Slam of Michigan Turtles” event featuring all ten species native to the state.
The Midway opens at 3 p.m. with rides and games, followed by live music from LoraDale from 4 to 7 p.m. on the Midway, sponsored by Jahn-Farm Bureau Insurance and Countryside Transportation Service. Fairgoers can enjoy the USA Quack Pack Border Collie demonstrations and chainsaw carving displays throughout the day. The Elkton Lions Bingo tent operates from 3 to 10 p.m., and a special Senior Citizen’s Free Meal is served from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Merchant Building.
Evening highlights include the Goat Plop Bingo at 6 p.m. near the SLA Barn and the thrilling Bump-N-Run with Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. in the Grandstands. Wednesday at the fair promises a day filled with fun, education, and entertainment for the whole family.
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – Mid Week At the Fair
8 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Gate Fee $5 (10 years and younger free)
9 a.m.: Prospect Feeder Show in the Dennis M. Hagen Sale & Show Arena
9 a.m.: Poultry Show in the SLA Community Barn
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Merchant Building Open
Noon – 9 p.m.: Miracle of Life Building Open
1 p.m.: Open-Class Horse Show
1 – 2:30 p.m.: “Meet the Grand Slam of Michigan Turtles” presented by Huron County Master Gardeners
3 p.m.: Midway Rides & Games Open
4 – 7 p.m.: Live Music by LoraDale
3 – 10 p.m.: Elkton Lions Bingo on the Midway
6 p.m.: Goat Plop Bingo near the SLA Barn
7 p.m.: Bump-N-Run with Demolition Derby at the Grandstands
Thursday is Extra Special at the Huron Community Fair
Super Thursday at the Huron Community Fair features an exciting array of events for visitors of all ages. The day begins with the Goat Show at 9 a.m. in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena, followed by a special event for kids with special needs near the Grandstands from 9 a.m. to noon. The Merchant Building opens its doors from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering a variety of vendors and exhibits. Equestrian enthusiasts can enjoy the 4-H Horse Show at 3 p.m., which includes Gymkhana and Costume classes, while the Midway opens at the same time, bringing rides, food, and games to the fairgrounds.
Throughout the day, fairgoers can marvel at the impressive herding abilities of the USA Quack Pack Border Collies and watch live chainsaw carving demonstrations. From 4 to 7 p.m., live music by Ean Elliot entertains on the Midway, sponsored by Jahn-Farm Bureau Insurance and Countryside Transportation Service. The Elkton Lions Bingo tent is open from 3 to 10 p.m., providing a fun activity for all ages. At 6 p.m., the popular Goat Plop Bingo is near the SLA Barn. The highlight of the evening is the Super Kicker Rodeo at 7 p.m., sponsored by Bay Port State Bank, Thumb Cellular, and AVS Broadband, offering thrilling rodeo action in the Grandstands. With a packed schedule of events, Super Thursday at the fair promises an unforgettable day of entertainment and community spirit.
Thursday, August 1, 2024 – Super Thursday At the Fair
7 p.m.: Super Kicker Rodeo at the Grandstands
8 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Gate Fee $5 (10 years and younger free)
9 a.m.: Goat Show in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena
9 a.m. – Noon: Special Needs Kids Event near the Grandstands
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Merchant Building Open
3 p.m.: 4-H Horse Show (Gymkhana and Costume classes)
3 p.m.: Midway Rides, Food & Games Open
4 – 7 p.m.: Live Music by Ean Elliot
6 p.m.: Goat Plop Bingo near the SLA Barn
Final Friday at the Huron Community Fair
Final Friday at the Huron Community Fair will be filled with excitement and community activities. The day starts with the JLA Auction Sale at 9 a.m. in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena, where buyers can find livestock, including sheep, swine, prospect feeders, and market beef. At noon, the JLA Buyers Luncheon takes place, accompanied by the Gallon of Milk Sale and Friends of the Fair Recognition.
The Miracle of Life Building is open from noon to 9 p.m. throughout the day, offering educational displays sponsored by the Huron County Farm Bureau. Fairgoers can enjoy the unique entertainment of the USA Quack Pack Border Collie herding demonstrations and live chainsaw carving throughout the day. The Midway opens at 3 p.m., featuring a variety of rides, food, and games, while Elkton Lions Bingo runs from 3 to 10 p.m. on the Midway.
From 4 to 7 p.m., live music by The Humbuckers, sponsored by Jahn-Farm Bureau Insurance and Countryside Transportation Service, will entertain attendees. Evening highlights include Goat Plop Bingo at 6 p.m. near the SLA Barn and the SLA Sweepstakes in the Dennis M. Hagen Sale & Show Arena. The day culminates with the thrilling Redneck Truck Race at 7 p.m. in the Grandstands, sponsored by the Cooperative Elevator Co. Final Friday at the fair offers a perfect blend of auctions, music, games, and adrenaline-pumping events for everyone to enjoy.
Friday, August 2, 2024 – Final Friday
7 p.m.: Redneck Truck Race at the Grandstands
8 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Gate Fee $5 (10 years and younger free)
9 a.m.: JLA Auction Sale in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena
Noon: JLA Buyers Luncheon
Noon – 9 p.m.: Miracle of Life Building Open
3 p.m.: Midway Rides, Food & Games Open
4 – 7 p.m.: Live Music by The Humbuckers
6 p.m.: Goat Plop Bingo near the SLA Barn
6 p.m.: SLA Sweepstakes in the Dennis M. Hagen Sale & Show Arena
Saturday is the Final Day of the Huron Community Fair 2024
The last day of the Huron Community Fair promises to be a grand finale with a diverse lineup of events. The day begins at 9 a.m. with the Small Livestock Association Auction in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena, featuring crafts, rabbits, goats, and poultry. Simultaneously, the Antique Tractor Games take place in the Grandstands infield, with an Antique Tractor Parade at 2 p.m.
The Midway opens at noon, offering rides, food, and games for all ages, while the Miracle of Life Building is open from noon to 9 p.m. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy the USA Quack Pack Border Collie herding demonstrations and live chainsaw carving. From 4 to 7 p.m., The XoXos perform live music on the Midway, sponsored by Jahn-Farm Bureau Insurance and Countryside Transportation Service. At 5:30 p.m., kids can participate in a drawing for free bikes and toys in front of the fair office.
The evening features Goat Plop Bingo at 6 p.m. near the SLA Barn and the TTPA Tractor Pull at 6 p.m. in the Grandstands, sponsored by Tri-County Equipment. The day wraps up with the release of 4-H Building projects, open class animals, and JLA and SLA animals starting at 8 p.m. With a packed schedule of events, the final day of the fair offers fun and excitement for the whole family.
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – Last Day of the Fair
8 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Gate Fee $5 (10 years and younger free)
9 a.m.: Small Livestock Association Auction in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena
9 a.m.: Antique Tractor Games in the Grandstands infield
Noon: Midway Rides, Food & Games Open
2 p.m.: Antique Tractor Parade
3 p.m.: JLA Sweepstakes Contest in the Dennis M. Hagen Show & Sale Arena
4 – 7 p.m.: Live Music by The XoXos
5:30 p.m.: Kids Drawing for Free Bikes and Toys
6 p.m.: Goat Plop Bingo near the SLA Barn
6 p.m.: TTPA Tractor Pull at the Grandstands
Compiled from sources including the Huron Community Fair Website and Bax Axe Chamber of Commerce.
Weather in Bad Axe Mi
Related Reading for the Huron County Fair 2024
- Gibby’s Fries – A Favorite Michigan Comfort Food – Gibby’s Fries are fresh-cut homemade French fries that can only be found at carnivals, festivals, and fairs during the summer months. We dropped in on the Huron Community fair during Sunday’s setup. Gibby’s was already doing business, and the fryers were hot.
- After a Decade in Hibernation, The Winter Carnival Returns to Port Austin – Almost 50 years ago, Port Austin was the place to get a team together and play broomball at the annual winter carnival. The event was huge in the day, with parades and the Winter Carnival Queen’s crowning. Even postcards were published.
- The Largest Festival in Michigan’s Thumb – Caseville Cheeseburger Festival – Combine the atmosphere of a carnival with parades, a NOLA feeling, and the smoky haze of grilling cheeseburgers and you can get a sense of what it’s like in Caseville during its end of the summer festival.
- Port Austin Farm Market Saturday Mornings – Each Saturday morning during the summer, the Port Austin farm market offers local locally grown produce, crafts, and flea market items from all over the thumb. The weekly event is not hard to miss as it’s only a block away from the harbor.
- Top 10 Things to See and Do in Bad Axe Michigan – Bad Axe Mi is a vibrant little city in the exact middle of Huron County. Its position in the middle of Michigan’s Thumb makes it an excellent starting point for road trip adventures in the area.
- 12 Free & Family-Oriented Things To Do In Michigan’s Thumb – If you are ever at a loss for things to do in Michigan’s Upper Thumb, you found the right spot. We went looking for a dozen neat and interesting things to do and came up with this list of free things to do in Michigan’s Thumb. Check back with us from time to time as we will find more fun down the road.
