There’s much to look forward to this year, Marquette County Fair Executive Board of Directors President Walt Maki said.

Classic events such as the livestock showing and auctions, as well as equine events and exposition will be on tap, along with many forms of entertainment and numerous food options.

Attendees can look forward to six musical acts — two on each day of the fair — a strolling magician, an act called Those Funny Little People, a beer tent and American Legion bingo.

A traditional piece of the fair’s entertainment is the carnival, which will open at 1 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and noon next Saturday.

From left, Cindy Johnson, Barb Brahman and Shelby Talsma stain a fence at the Marquette County Fairgrounds as part of the preparations for this yearÕs fair. The fair was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, but with 17 board members, the team took the opportunity to make upgrades and improvements around the fairgrounds. (Photo courtesy of Walt Maki)

This year’s carnival will feature a new opportunity for people with sensory sensitivity, Maki said.

“On Friday morning, they are going to run the rides with none of the music and none of the bright lights and probably run the rides a little bit slower,” Maki said in a phone interview. “… So we are really looking forward to that, that is something brand new this year.”

The Marquette County Fair was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, but with 17 board members, the team took the opportunity to give the grounds what Maki called a “facelift.”

“Our information booth is all brand new, all new paint and all counter tops. Our bathrooms are updated, our office is updated. We have a brand-new ATM now that is located next to the ticket booth…. Lots of improvements that have been made in the last two years and we are excited to have people to come out and see them,” Maki said. “It’s well worth the time if they haven’t been there lately. Or even if they have been there lately, they are still going to notice the big changes,”

Officials encourage anyone interested to come to the grounds and enjoy the traditional countryside summer event. They’re also looking for people to help out at the annual event, Maki said.

From left, Doug Barbeau and Krystle Hanson show their son Landon Barbeau, then nearly a year old, a rabbit at the Marquette County Fair’s small animal barn during the 2019 fair. (Journal file photo)

“We are always looking for volunteers. If you want to, just contact the fair through our website we can find a spot for you if you want

Gate admission prices are:

≤ Adults, 12 years or older, $6

≤ Children, 5-11 years of age, $3

≤ Children, 4 years of age and under, free

From left, Walt Maki, Dale Hauswirth and Mike Pellegrini work on the information booth at the fairgrounds. (Photo courtesy of Walt Maki)

≤ Military Appreciation Day rate, Thursday only, $3

≤ Seniors, 60+ rate, Thursday only, $3

≤ Adult, three-day ticket, $15

≤ Children, three-day ticket, $6

The grounds also have wheelchairs available. For more information and a full list of events, visit marquettecountyfair.org.

Katie Segula can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is ksegula@miningjournal.net.