4-H livestock demonstrations and shows are a big part of the Kalamazoo County Fair.
By Bruce Rolfe
Coming off a year when there was no official county fair, supporters of the Kalamazoo County Fair are hopeful feedback from a feasibility study and some added attractions for the 2026 Fair will shape a positive path moving forward.
While there was no official Kalamazoo County Fair in 2025, this year’s fair expands the experience with additional entertainment, family activities, and community events designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.
Kalamazoo County partnered with Michigan State University Extension to host a 4-H Showcase last year, allowing 4-H members the opportunity to show livestock and still displays.
Jeff Heppler, a Kalamazoo County commissioner, said the County Commission budgeted $100,000 to hire a company to perform a feasibility study.
Kalamazoo County Parks Director David Rachowicz said the project cost approximately $80,000.
Heppler said the feasibility study revealed about one-third of the people who responded said they wanted to see another fair; one third of the people didn’t care; and one-third of the people felt it would be good if there was a fair, but if there wasn’t, they were o.k. with that as well.
Heppler said the County allocated more money to the Kalamazoo County Parks Department to have a fair this year with some upgrades and more enhancements planned for 2027.
“We’re trying to line up a real fair for next year. We’re heading in that direction. It’s just trying to get one is the big bugaboo,” said Heppler, who said fair organizers hope a midway will return in 2027.
Rachowicz said the last time the fair had a midway with rides and multiple food vendors was in 2019.
This year’s fair builds on traditions while introducing fresh entertainment, interactive attractions and enhanced family-friendly activities that will deliver more energy, more engagement and more opportunities to connect.
Beginning Thursday, August 6, the fair expands with live music throughout the weekend, daily karaoke, a community kickball tournament (August 8 from 12-6 p.m.), the Flying Star Rodeo on Saturday evening at 7 p.m., and a variety of family-friendly attractions throughout the Fairgrounds.
Visitors can also enjoy local food, commercial vendors, community exhibits, a Maker’s Market, interactive entertainment, and featured performances while exploring everything the fair has to offer.
Agriculture remains at the heart of the fair. Visitors can experience 4-H livestock shows, horse events, demonstrations, and exhibits while learning about the dedication, leadership, and skills developed by Kalamazoo County’s youth.
Admission is $10 per vehicle on Tuesday and Wednesday and $20 per vehicle Thursday through Saturday. Fair activity tickets are available for select attractions.
Special promotions this year include:
• Senior Day: Adults aged 60 and older receive free admission on Thursday, August 6, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging Region 3A.
• Veterans Day: Veterans and active military members receive half price admission on Friday, August 7.
• Youth Group Promotion: Organized youth groups visiting Thursday or Friday receive admission plus five activity tickets for $7.50 per child, with one free chaperone admission included. Youth group promotion must be purchased in advance by calling the Fair Office at 269-383-8778.
The Kalamazoo County Fair is made possible through the support of its community sponsors. Kalamazoo County thanks FBi Buildings, this year’s Blue Ribbon Sponsor; Southern Michigan Bank & Trust and Crystal Flash, Red Ribbon Sponsors; and Meijer, Community Partner, for their support of the 2026 Fair.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY FAIR
Tuesday - August 4, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Animals
8 a.m. -12 p.m.: 4-H Poultry Show
9 a.m. -4 p.m.: 4-H Horse Dressage & Jumping Classes
1 p.m.-5pm: 4-H Rabbit Show
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.: 4-H Fashion Review, Demonstrations, & Performances
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: 4-H Sheep Show
Wednesday - August 5 - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Animals
9 a.m. -12 p.m.: 4-H Swine Show
9am-4pm: 4-H Horse Western Classes
4pm-5pm: 4-H Dairy Feeder Calf Show
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: 4-H Beef Show
Thursday - August 6, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Coming off a year when there was no official county fair, supporters of the Kalamazoo County Fair are hopeful feedback from a feasibility study and some added attractions for the 2026 Fair will shape a positive path moving forward.
While there was no official Kalamazoo County Fair in 2025, this year’s fair expands the experience with additional entertainment, family activities, and community events designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.
Kalamazoo County partnered with Michigan State University Extension to host a 4-H Showcase last year, allowing 4-H members the opportunity to show livestock and still displays.
Jeff Heppler, a Kalamazoo County commissioner, said the County Commission budgeted $100,000 to hire a company to perform a feasibility study.
Kalamazoo County Parks Director David Rachowicz said the project cost approximately $80,000.
Heppler said the feasibility study revealed about one-third of the people who responded said they wanted to see another fair; one third of the people didn’t care; and one-third of the people felt it would be good if there was a fair, but if there wasn’t, they were o.k. with that as well.
Heppler said the County allocated more money to the Kalamazoo County Parks Department to have a fair this year with some upgrades and more enhancements planned for 2027.
“We’re trying to line up a real fair for next year. We’re heading in that direction. It’s just trying to get one is the big bugaboo,” said Heppler, who said fair organizers hope a midway will return in 2027.
Rachowicz said the last time the fair had a midway with rides and multiple food vendors was in 2019.
This year’s fair builds on traditions while introducing fresh entertainment, interactive attractions and enhanced family-friendly activities that will deliver more energy, more engagement and more opportunities to connect.
Beginning Thursday, August 6, the fair expands with live music throughout the weekend, daily karaoke, a community kickball tournament (August 8 from 12-6 p.m.), the Flying Star Rodeo on Saturday evening at 7 p.m., and a variety of family-friendly attractions throughout the Fairgrounds.
Visitors can also enjoy local food, commercial vendors, community exhibits, a Maker’s Market, interactive entertainment, and featured performances while exploring everything the fair has to offer.
Agriculture remains at the heart of the fair. Visitors can experience 4-H livestock shows, horse events, demonstrations, and exhibits while learning about the dedication, leadership, and skills developed by Kalamazoo County’s youth.
Admission is $10 per vehicle on Tuesday and Wednesday and $20 per vehicle Thursday through Saturday. Fair activity tickets are available for select attractions.
Special promotions this year include:
• Senior Day: Adults aged 60 and older receive free admission on Thursday, August 6, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging Region 3A.
• Veterans Day: Veterans and active military members receive half price admission on Friday, August 7.
• Youth Group Promotion: Organized youth groups visiting Thursday or Friday receive admission plus five activity tickets for $7.50 per child, with one free chaperone admission included. Youth group promotion must be purchased in advance by calling the Fair Office at 269-383-8778.
The Kalamazoo County Fair is made possible through the support of its community sponsors. Kalamazoo County thanks FBi Buildings, this year’s Blue Ribbon Sponsor; Southern Michigan Bank & Trust and Crystal Flash, Red Ribbon Sponsors; and Meijer, Community Partner, for their support of the 2026 Fair.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY FAIR
August 4-8 Schedule
Animals
8 a.m. -12 p.m.: 4-H Poultry Show
9 a.m. -4 p.m.: 4-H Horse Dressage & Jumping Classes
1 p.m.-5pm: 4-H Rabbit Show
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.: 4-H Fashion Review, Demonstrations, & Performances
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: 4-H Sheep Show
Wednesday - August 5 - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Animals
9 a.m. -12 p.m.: 4-H Swine Show
9am-4pm: 4-H Horse Western Classes
4pm-5pm: 4-H Dairy Feeder Calf Show
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: 4-H Beef Show
Thursday - August 6, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Senior Day - age 60+ free admission
Food & Vendors
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.: Food Vendors - Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs, Cotton Candy, Lemonade & More!
12 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Commercial Vendors
12 p.m. -7 p.m.: Community Booths
12 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Maker’s Market
Animal Exhibits
9am-12pm: 4-H Goat Show
9am-4pm: 4-H Horse Versatility & Gymkhana Classes
2pm-4pm: 4-H Livestock Enduro
4pm-5pm: 4-H Mini Horse Showmanship
Family Fun
12pm-7pm: Kiddie Land*
12pm-7pm: Carnival Games**
12pm-7pm: Petting Farm presented by FBi Buildings
12pm-7pm: Pony Rides* presented by FBi Buildings
12pm-7pm: Rock Wall & Mechanical Bull* presented by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust
12pm-7pm: Mini Golf*
12pm-7pm: R/C Truck Rock Crawling Course*
12pm-7pm: Indoor Play Zone
12pm-7pm: Silent Auction
Main Stage
1pm-4pm: Karaoke
5pm-7pm: Scott Flaig Cover Artist
*requires Fair Activity Tickets
** Fee charged to play
Community Stage
12:30pm: Portage Zhang Senior Center Band
2 pm: Magic by Thomas
3 pm: Learn to Compost
4 pm: Princess Show - Cinderella, Ariel & Moana
5 pm: Super Hero Training (Spiderman & Black Panther)
Contest Central
2 p.m.: Paper Airplanes - Kzoo/BC Airport
3:30 p.m.: Hulu Hoop
4:30 p.m.: Oreo Stacking
5:30 p.m.: Stomp Rockets - Air Zoo
Featured Entertainment
12 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.: Stone Age Show
1 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m.: The Steamers Thrill Show
2 pm, 4:30pm: Foam Fun Zone
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.: Food Vendors - Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs, Cotton Candy, Lemonade & More!
12 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Commercial Vendors
12 p.m. -7 p.m.: Community Booths
12 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Maker’s Market
Animal Exhibits
9am-12pm: 4-H Goat Show
9am-4pm: 4-H Horse Versatility & Gymkhana Classes
2pm-4pm: 4-H Livestock Enduro
4pm-5pm: 4-H Mini Horse Showmanship
Family Fun
12pm-7pm: Kiddie Land*
12pm-7pm: Carnival Games**
12pm-7pm: Petting Farm presented by FBi Buildings
12pm-7pm: Pony Rides* presented by FBi Buildings
12pm-7pm: Rock Wall & Mechanical Bull* presented by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust
12pm-7pm: Mini Golf*
12pm-7pm: R/C Truck Rock Crawling Course*
12pm-7pm: Indoor Play Zone
12pm-7pm: Silent Auction
Main Stage
1pm-4pm: Karaoke
5pm-7pm: Scott Flaig Cover Artist
*requires Fair Activity Tickets
** Fee charged to play
Community Stage
12:30pm: Portage Zhang Senior Center Band
2 pm: Magic by Thomas
3 pm: Learn to Compost
4 pm: Princess Show - Cinderella, Ariel & Moana
5 pm: Super Hero Training (Spiderman & Black Panther)
Contest Central
2 p.m.: Paper Airplanes - Kzoo/BC Airport
3:30 p.m.: Hulu Hoop
4:30 p.m.: Oreo Stacking
5:30 p.m.: Stomp Rockets - Air Zoo
Featured Entertainment
12 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.: Stone Age Show
1 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m.: The Steamers Thrill Show
2 pm, 4:30pm: Foam Fun Zone
Friday - August 7, 9am-8pm
VETERANS DAY - half off admission for veterans and active military members
Fair Food & Vendors
11 a.m. - 8p.m.: Food Vendors - Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs, Cotton Candy, Lemonade & More!
12 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Commercial Vendors
12pm-8pm: Community Booths
12pm-8pm: Maker’s Market
Animals & Exhibits
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: 4-H Livestock Auction
10am-12pm: 4-H Horse Costume Show
1 p.m. -2 p.m.: 4-H Mini Horse Show
Family Fun
12pm-8pm: Kiddie Land*
12pm-8pm: Carnival Games**
12pm-7pm: Petting Farm presented by FBi Buildings
12pm-7pm: Pony Rides* presented by FBi Buildings
12pm-8pm: Rock Wall & Mechanical Bull* presented by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust
12pm-8pm: Mini Golf*
12pm-8pm: R/C Truck Rock Crawling Course*
12pm-8pm: Indoor Play Zone
12pm-8pm: Silent Auction
Main Stage
1pm-4pm: Karaoke
5pm-8pm: Clyde Wolfe (Indie rock)
*requires Fair Activity Tickets
VETERANS DAY - half off admission for veterans and active military members
Fair Food & Vendors
11 a.m. - 8p.m.: Food Vendors - Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs, Cotton Candy, Lemonade & More!
12 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Commercial Vendors
12pm-8pm: Community Booths
12pm-8pm: Maker’s Market
Animals & Exhibits
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: 4-H Livestock Auction
10am-12pm: 4-H Horse Costume Show
1 p.m. -2 p.m.: 4-H Mini Horse Show
Family Fun
12pm-8pm: Kiddie Land*
12pm-8pm: Carnival Games**
12pm-7pm: Petting Farm presented by FBi Buildings
12pm-7pm: Pony Rides* presented by FBi Buildings
12pm-8pm: Rock Wall & Mechanical Bull* presented by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust
12pm-8pm: Mini Golf*
12pm-8pm: R/C Truck Rock Crawling Course*
12pm-8pm: Indoor Play Zone
12pm-8pm: Silent Auction
Main Stage
1pm-4pm: Karaoke
5pm-8pm: Clyde Wolfe (Indie rock)
*requires Fair Activity Tickets
**Fee charged to play
Community Stage
1 p.m.: Magic by Thomas
2 p.m.: Kalamazoo Public Library Storytime
4 p.m.: Princess Show - Belle, Jasmine, & Rapunzel
5 p.m.: Super Hero Training - Captain America & Captain Marvel
6 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico
Contest Central
2:30 p.m. Cotton Ball Scoop
3:30 Donut Eating
4:30 p.m. Water Balloon Toss
5:30 p.m. Stomp Rockets - Air Zoo
Featured Entertainment
12pm, 3pm, 6pm: Stone Age Show
1pm, 4pm, 7pm: The Steamers Thrill Show
Foam Fun Zone: 2pm, 5pm
Community Stage
1 p.m.: Magic by Thomas
2 p.m.: Kalamazoo Public Library Storytime
4 p.m.: Princess Show - Belle, Jasmine, & Rapunzel
5 p.m.: Super Hero Training - Captain America & Captain Marvel
6 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico
Contest Central
2:30 p.m. Cotton Ball Scoop
3:30 Donut Eating
4:30 p.m. Water Balloon Toss
5:30 p.m. Stomp Rockets - Air Zoo
Featured Entertainment
12pm, 3pm, 6pm: Stone Age Show
1pm, 4pm, 7pm: The Steamers Thrill Show
Foam Fun Zone: 2pm, 5pm
Saturday- August 8, 9am-7pm
Fair Food & Vendors
10am-8pm: Food Vendors - Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs, Cotton Candy, Lemonade & More!
11am-7pm: Commercial Vendors
11am-7pm: Community Booths
11am-7pm: Maker’s Market
Animals & Exhibits
9am-4pm: 4-H Dog Show
9 a.m.-10 a.m.: 4-H Rabbit Agility
10am-12pm: Livestock Judging Contest
12pm-1pm: 4-H Horse Drill Team
2pm-3pm: Milk Drinking Contest
3pm-5pm: 4-H Master Showmanship
Family Fun
11am-7pm: Kiddie Land*
11am-7pm: Carnival Games**
11am-7pm: Petting Farm presented by FBi Buildings
11am-7pm: Pony Rides* presented by FBi Buildings
11am-7pm: Rock Wall & Mechanical Bull* presented by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust
11am-7pm: Mini Golf*
11am-7pm: R/C Truck Rock Crawling Course*
11am-7pm: Indoor Play Zone
11am-7pm: Touch-A-Truck presented by Junior League of Kalamazoo
11am-7pm: Silent Auction
12pm-6pm: Kickball Tournament presented by Best Damn Sports Club of Kalamazoo (advance registration required**)
1 p.m. -3 p.m.: Family Open Play Kickball & Lawn Games presented by Savage Athletics
Main Stage
11am-3pm Karaoke
4pm-7pm The AJL Band (country & southern rock)
*requires Fair Activity Ticket(s)
10am-8pm: Food Vendors - Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs, Cotton Candy, Lemonade & More!
11am-7pm: Commercial Vendors
11am-7pm: Community Booths
11am-7pm: Maker’s Market
Animals & Exhibits
9am-4pm: 4-H Dog Show
9 a.m.-10 a.m.: 4-H Rabbit Agility
10am-12pm: Livestock Judging Contest
12pm-1pm: 4-H Horse Drill Team
2pm-3pm: Milk Drinking Contest
3pm-5pm: 4-H Master Showmanship
Family Fun
11am-7pm: Kiddie Land*
11am-7pm: Carnival Games**
11am-7pm: Petting Farm presented by FBi Buildings
11am-7pm: Pony Rides* presented by FBi Buildings
11am-7pm: Rock Wall & Mechanical Bull* presented by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust
11am-7pm: Mini Golf*
11am-7pm: R/C Truck Rock Crawling Course*
11am-7pm: Indoor Play Zone
11am-7pm: Touch-A-Truck presented by Junior League of Kalamazoo
11am-7pm: Silent Auction
12pm-6pm: Kickball Tournament presented by Best Damn Sports Club of Kalamazoo (advance registration required**)
1 p.m. -3 p.m.: Family Open Play Kickball & Lawn Games presented by Savage Athletics
Main Stage
11am-3pm Karaoke
4pm-7pm The AJL Band (country & southern rock)
*requires Fair Activity Ticket(s)
**Fee charged to play
*** Separate ticket required.
Community Stage
11am Magic by Thomas
12pm Wellspring Youth Company
1pm Princess Show (Aurora, Tiana, & Elsa)
2pm Super Hero Training (Black Panther & Captain America)
3pm Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
4pm Trinity Prep Dance Center
Contest Central
2:30 p.m.: Chicken Poop Roulette
3:30 p.m.: Hula Hoop
4:30 p.m.: Football Toss - West MI Whitetails
5:30 p.m.: Stomp Rockets - Air Zoo
Featured Entertainment
The Steamers Thrill Show: 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Stone Age Show: 1 p.m., 5:15 p.m.
Foam Fun Zone: 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6:15 p.m.
Flying Star Rodeo (separate ticket required): 7 p.m.***
Community Stage
11am Magic by Thomas
12pm Wellspring Youth Company
1pm Princess Show (Aurora, Tiana, & Elsa)
2pm Super Hero Training (Black Panther & Captain America)
3pm Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
4pm Trinity Prep Dance Center
Contest Central
2:30 p.m.: Chicken Poop Roulette
3:30 p.m.: Hula Hoop
4:30 p.m.: Football Toss - West MI Whitetails
5:30 p.m.: Stomp Rockets - Air Zoo
Featured Entertainment
The Steamers Thrill Show: 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Stone Age Show: 1 p.m., 5:15 p.m.
Foam Fun Zone: 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6:15 p.m.
Flying Star Rodeo (separate ticket required): 7 p.m.***
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