PI County Fair to open next Thursday
When the Presque Isle County Fair opens its four-day run next Thursday, it will offer the traditional trappings fairgoers have come to expect. The cattle, pigs, and goats will arrive to be judged, there will be crafters displaying their wares, along with an ice cream social. Free amusement rides will be open and corn dogs and funnel cakes will be consumed by the cart load. On the fair?s opening day, a fair queen will be crowned among five candidates from Onaway, Millersburg, Posen and Rogers City.
As has been the case every year since the fair board moved back to the fairgrounds in Millersburg, the fair has done some revamping of the fairground facility and the schedule of events. The first noticeable difference on the grounds of the facility will greet visitors as they enter under a new metal archway constructed by Moran Iron Works. The fair board purchased the materials, while the Onaway-based company volunteered its labor. The sign has a trademark ?Est. 1901? across the top. Crews also were working on completing a new wing to the largest structure on the property before festivities get underway.
JULY 1, the newest event for 2006 can be found. The first-ever amateur dog show will take place with professional judging provided by Jennifer Keenen. Rabies and license information are needed to participate. Ribbons and goodie bags will be given to all participants. The fair weekend also marks the second of four mud bogs this summer. It will take place July 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The chicken drop returns this year, but with only 416 squares available. Cash prizes range from $100, to the first place check of $500. Schmidt Amusements has promised at least five rides or more, according to fair spokesperson Rita Tollini. The price of admission to enter the fairgrounds is all that is needed to get on the rides. There will be numerous exhibits, an antique tractor pull, horse speed show, and a chicken dinner and bake sale put on by Millersburg Eagles #4482, along with musical entertainment. Kicking off the entertainment on the first official day will be the queen?s pageant. The contestants have been practicing in the Millersburg gym since early June. The 2005 fair queen Amber Anderson will relinquish her crown to one of five contestants, which include:
Kristin Stricker, 16, the daughter of Margaret and Roger Stricker of Posen. She will be doing a dance routine. After graduation she plans to attend college to pursue a degree in architecture.
Demirae Vargas, 14, the daughter of Angela Vargas and Jeff Zigby of Onaway, she will be singing for her talent presentation. She plans to pursue a career in show business or modeling.
Nikki Hayner, 16, is the daughter of Kathy and Bill LaLonde of Rogers City and John and Lisa Hayner of Gaylord. She will be doing a dance routine. Her future plans include attending Northern Michigan University.
Miranda Collins, 15, daughter of Joseph and Sandy Pat Collins of Millersburg will be dancing for he
Jessica Ruppert, 15, the daughter of Dawn Ruppert of Rogers City will be singing. In the future she would like to graduate from high school within the top three of her class.
The contestants will be judged in the areas of interview, coordination, talent, and evening gown. The court will include a queen, first and second runner-up. The new queen and her court will reign over the county fair and represent the county at other events throughout the year. The fair dates are Wednesday, June 28 to Sunday, July 2.