According to the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, the state’s 86 county fairs draw 4.5 to 8 million attendees each year contributing approximately $1.4 billion in state economic impact.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is supporting them with $525,000 in grants funding infrastructure improvements at county fairgrounds and livestock and commodity expositions.
MDARD is awarding $507,000 in County Fairs Capital Improvement Grants to eight exposition operators, including three in West Michigan.
The Ottawa County Fair is receiving nearly $12,000 for electrical service upgrades supporting 4-H activities, improving power stability for livestock areas, campers and vendors.
The Montcalm County Fair Association is receiving almost $30,000 to upgrade the fair’s public announcement and security systems.
The Lake Odessa Civic & Agricultural Association is receiving $100,000 for livestock facility upgrades.
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