IMLAY CITY — The 2022 Eastern Michigan State Fair is nearly here.
The five-day event officially opens on Tuesday, July 26 and runs through Saturday, July 30.
As is tradition, the fair’s attractions are a mix of new features and traditional favorites.
Making their debut appearance will be two new thrill shows. Jetpack Flying Water Circus and The Great American High Dive Show will both offer three shows per day on the grounds. Both will predominantly feature aerial feats by seasoned and talented performers. The Jetpack Flying Water Circus involves performers utilizing water, jet skis and jet packs to put on a high-flying show. Both water and fire will combine for the Great American High Dive Show. Described as a “classic” diving show, fairgoers will see performers doing both springboard and tower diving, up to heights of 80 feet.
Comedian and hypnotist Chuck King will appear on stage for the first time this year as well. The “King of Clean Comedy” will be headlining two shows daily. He’s known for his unique blend of comedy, magic, and hypnosis.
Also appearing under the dome will be a return of hourly magic shows.
“Some of our other favorite entertainers will be back again this year too including the Live Statue guy and our balloon stilt walker, Neil Sauter, will be returning as well and guests can look for Elvis to make an appearance,” said Fair Manager Ian Kempf.
The Eastern Michigan State Fair grounds will come to life on Tuesday, July 26, with rides and games, concessions, animal shows, magicians and much more.
Sauter, known as The Michigan Stiltwalker, will offer an array of attractions throughout the week. During the day he’ll be creating balloon sculptures and come afternoon he’ll offer balloon twisting clinics. At night he’ll strap on his stilts and stroll through the grounds. In the vendor barn, Sauter will also be making free balloon creations and setting up a giant balloon play pit too.
“We’ll be hanging some netting to contain the balloons, and then fill the area with 1,000 balloons for people to run around in, just like a ball pit. We think the kids will love it,” he said.
The fair’s beer tent will have a new, noticeable look. Earlier this year a dome structure was built to designate a larger, more permanent spot where adult beverages will be served and guests can still have a view of nightly grandstand events.
Many popular attractions return including the FFA’s A Living Experience, rides and games courtesy of Arnolds Amusements, all kinds of vendor and food concessions, youth exhibitor projects to view and much more.
Excitement at the grandstands
Grandstand events are included with paid admission at the gate. All shows begin at 7 p.m. The schedule includes Monster Trucks on Tuesday, the Lost Nations Rodeo Company Bull Riding and more on Wednesday, Figure 8 Trailer and Chain Gang Races on Thursday, Bump-N-Run on Friday and the Demolition Derby on Saturday.
Look for more information about entry fees and rules for the rodeo and races in the 2022 Eastern Michigan State Fair guide inserted in this July 20, edition of the Tri-City Times.
Livestock Auction
Eastern Michigan State Fair’s 58th Annual Youth Livestock Auction to be held on Thursday, July 28 starting at 1 p.m. in the Walker Barn.
This year’s sale order is as follows with animal numbers approximate: 15 lambs, 25 beef, two feeder calves, six goats, five dairy baskets, eight pens of rabbits, 20 pens of poultry and 45 hogs.
A complimentary BBQ dinner for bidders and buyers will be served from 12-1:30 p.m.
Admission details
Ticket prices are dependent on the day and time guests arrive. ‘Super Saver’ days offer admission for $10 per person before 2 p.m. on both Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27. Admission on Tuesday and Wednesday, after 2 p.m., and all day Thursday is $20 per person. On Friday and Saturday, the cost is $25 per person.
Once again, the fair will host Veterans Day on Thursday, July 28, and offer free admission with valid proof of service to all veterans and active duty military from 12-7 p.m., something made possibly by Ray C’s Harley Davidson, the Eastern Michigan State Fair Board and Lapeer County Veteran Affairs.
Thursday is also Special Needs Day at the fair, sponsored by Imlay City Ford. Participants are asked to pre-register through the fair’s website, easternmichiganstatefair.org. They are then welcome to check out the sights from 10 a.m. to noon with lunch to follow.
Admission includes unlimited carnival rides, all shows and grand stand events, the petting zoo and parking.
For more information, visit easternmichiganstatefair.com or call 810-724-4145.
New policy in place
As a reminder, the fair has instituted a new policy that effectively bans smoking and vaping at the 2022 fair, except for three designated smoking areas—the beer tent, parking lot and pit area.
