Fairs and festivals calendar
Written by Whitney Meschke | | news@toledofreepress.comFAIRS & FESTIVALS
Elvisfest: Ypsilanti, Mich., hosts this annual salute to the King, which features concerts by tribute artists and impersonators, memorabilia, a candlelight vigil, gospel hour and car show. Also, two documentaries will be shot during the festival. 5 p.m. to Midnight July 10 ($15), Noon-midnight July 11, ($20) Riverside Park, East Michigan Avenue and North Huron and West Cross streets, (734) 480-3974, ext. 2; (800) 265-9045; or www.mielvisfest.org.
Lagrange Street Polish Festival: Toledo’s Polish Village will celebrate its heritage with polka music and dance contest, food, rides and games, and arts and craft vendors. 5 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. July 10, Noon-11 July 11 and noon-7 July 12, Polish Village, Lagrange Street, between Central Avenue and Mettler Street. $1-$3. (419) 255-8406 or www.polishfestival.org.
Fifth annual African-American Festival: Gospel music and other live entertainment, including performances by the Manhattans, the Rance Allen Group, Nick Colionne, First Creation, Joyce Cooling and Ramona Collins, plus rides and a health fair, are planned. Prayer breakfast Friday morning 8:00 a.m.; parade at 10 a.m. Saturday. Noon-10 July 11 and noon-7 July 12, UT’s Scott Park campus, Nebraska Avenue at Parkside Boulevard. $1-$6. (419) 255-8876.
Rapid Rally Days: A farmer’s market, play, parade, tractor and trolley rides, car show, children’s activities are scheduled. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. July 11 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 12, downtown Grand Rapids. www.grandrapidsohio.com.
Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival: Celebrate the Toledo Harbor structure with island music, nautical arts and crafts, a photo contest and sand castle contest, entertainment, vendors, food, boat rides to the lighthouse, children’s activities, fireworks at dusk Saturday only and more. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 11 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 12, Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Road, Oregon. (419) 836-7758 or www.toledoharborlighthouse.org/
Ann Arbor art fairs: Aesthetes flock to the city for its series of four separate but complementary events that celebrate the avant garde and the handmade, folky and just plain bizarre, taking over the streets around the University of Michigan. Shuttles, departing from Briarwood Mall off I-94 at State Street and Pioneer High School (Main Street and Stadium Boulevard), carry patrons back and forth. Music, food and children’s activities also are part and parcel of the festivities. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 15-17 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 18. www.artfair.org, www.theguild.org/art_fair_summer.html, www.a2statestreetartfair.com and www.a2southu.com.
> Ann Arbor Street Art Fair: Ingall Mall, located between Fletcher, Thayer and Huron streets and North University Avenue.
> Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair: Main, Liberty and State streets.
> Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair: surrounding State Street.
> Ann Arbor South University Art Fair: South University Avenue.
Our Lady of Lourdes Festival: Rides, games and bingo are planned, along with a chicken dinner. 6-10:30 p.m. July 16, 6 p.m.-midnight July 17, 3 p.m.-midnight July 18 and 12:30 p.m. polka mass, 1:30-7:30 p.m. July 19, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 6149 Hill Ave. (419) 865-2345.
St. Thomas Festival: 5 p.m.-midnight July 17, 3 p.m. – midnight July 18, noon-7:00 p.m. July 19, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 729 White St. (419) 698-1519.
Oak Ridge Festival: Stroll wooded trails to see more than 150 artisans and craftsmen dressed in period-style costumes as they display thousands of quality, handcrafted items. There also will be crafts and contests for kids, wagon rides, live entertainment, historical encampments, old-fashioned baseball games, antique machinery display and a car show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 18-19, Township Road 104 east of Route 4, Attica. $4-$6. (419) 426-0611 or www.oakridgefestival.com.
Crawford County Fair: Thriving Ivory (July 18: $12); Julianne Hough and Jason Michael Carroll (July 20, $18-$23); and Unspoken and Chris Sligh (July 24, $12) will perform. A pedal tractor pull, demolition derby and classic car exhibit also are planned. July 18-25, 610 Whetstone St., Bucyrus. $5. (419) 562-7936 or crawfordcofair.com.
Family Fun Festival: A “Pooch Parade” contest will be the highlight of this event, which also includes a barbecue, arts and crafts, games for visitors (and their dogs) and more. Noon-5 July 19, Sacred Heart Home, 930 S. Wynn Road, Oregon. 419-698-4331.
Ottawa County Fair: Harness racing and a rodeo keep the focus on the farm, but two nights of demolition derbies make it loud and crash-y. Tractor pulls, horse shows and motorcycle racing round out the fun. July 20-26, 7870 W. Route 163, Oak Harbor. $5. (419) 898-1971 or www.ottawacountyfair.org.
KidsFest: Dora’s friend Diego will greet kids, who can making their own music videos, climb giant inflatables and try a bunch of other activities. 2-8 p.m. July 23, Riverbend Recreation Area, 16618 Township Road 208, Findlay. (419) 422- 3412 or www.artspartnership.com.
All Saints Catholic Church Festival: Barbecue chicken, a polka Mass (4 p.m. July 25), live entertainment, plus rides, games and ethnic foods. 5-11:30 p.m. July 24-25, 628 Lime City Road, Rossford. (419) 666-1393.
Summerfest: This hamlet of Hamler will “celebrate its German heritage with polkas and dancing,” food and the oddball, a corn hole tournament. 5 p.m. July 24, 3 p.m. July 25 and noon-8 July 26, Hamler Community Park, Route 109, Hamler. $5-$15. (419) 274-1465 or www.hamlersummerfest.com.
Stony Ridge Summer Festival: A flea market is this event’s highlight; there also will be food and games. 4 p.m.-dark July 24, 9 a.m.-dark July 25 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 26, Route 20, 5 miles east of Interstate 75, Stony Ridge. (419) 837-9816 or www.stonyridgeoh.net.
Great Maumee River Dragon Boat Festival: Cheer paddlers along as they navigate and race these long, fierce boats along the Maumee River. Entertainment, demonstrations of Chinese musical instruments and children’s activities are part of the fundraising regatta. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25, International Park, east bank of the Maumee, off Main Street. (419) 242-2122 or www.partnerstoledo.org.
Wayne Firefighter’s Country Jamboree: Performances by Rodney “Hot Rod” Parker & Liberty Beach, Justine Blazer, Annabelle Road and Midland Rail plus a corn hole tournament and pig roast are planned. For adults only. 3 p.m.-midnight July 25, Wayne Fire Hall, 200 N. Center St., Wayne. $5-$10. (419) 288-2819 or waynefirejamboree.net.
The Kountry Cupboard Festival: Rides, a car show, flea market, crafts and food are planned. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 25 and noon-6 p.m. July 26. 12911 Eagleville Road, North Baltimore. (419) 424-8751 or (419) 257-2573.
Seneca County Fair: A professional rope-’em-up rodeo, harness racing, demolition derby, tractor pull and antique machinery parade will be grandstanding. 8 a.m. (rides open noon to 11 p.m. starting July 27) July 26-Aug. 2, 100 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin. $6. (419) 447-7888 or www.senecacountyfair.org.
Lucas County Fair: Eddie Money and Midnight Special will perform at 7 p.m. July 30; $10-$15. Other highlights include draft horse pulls, lawnmower races, a demolition derby and rough truck challenge a Boer goat and border collie shows, chainsaw woodcarving, 11 a.m.-10 p.m July 28-Aug. 1 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 2, Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee. $6; $3 parking. (419) 893-2127 or www.lucascountyfair.com.
Ohio State Fair: Parachutists, a (spelling) bee and bears may sound like a recipe for disaster, but they are part of the entertainment at this fair, along with animals, roving entertainers, rides and more. Performers include Kelly Clarkson (July 29, $36); Keith Sweat (July 31, $15); Alice Cooper/Blue Oyster Cult (Aug. 1, $22); Kenny Rogers/Glen Campbell (Aug. 4, $28); Demi Lovato with Jordan Pruitt (Aug. 6, $23); Eric Benet with Howard Hewitt (Aug. 7, $20); David Cook with Green River Ordinance (Aug. 7 $28) and Rascal Flatts/Dierks Bentley/Darius Rucker (Aug. 9, $30-$75). 10 a.m. July 29-Aug. 9, Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. $8-$10; $5 parking. (888) 646-3976 or www.ohiostatefair.com.
Smoke on the Water: Ribs for the Red Cross. Bibs? Check. Wet Naps? Check? Appetite? You better bring it when local and national vendors dish up some of the most mouth-watering ribs in the area. Presidents of the United States of America will perform Aug. 1; Chuck Wicks will sing Aug. 2. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. July 31-Aug. 1 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 2, Promenade Park, Water Street. $3. (419) 329-2619 or www.ribs4redcross.com.
Monroe County Fair: Jason Aldean will hit the stage (Aug. 3; $25). Other festivities include a demolition derby, dog demonstrations, a VIP goat milking contest (the milkers, not the goats, are the VIPs) and a rodeo. 9 a.m. Aug. 2-8, 3775 S. Custer Road, Monroe, Mich. $2-$5. (734) 241-5775, (734) 241-2600 or www.monroecountyfair.com.
Medina County Fair: Montgomery Gentry is the draw at this fair’s grandstand (Aug. 8; $27-$32). Others might like the “Rock’n S Rodeo,” demolition derbies, harness and motorbike racing and tractor pulls. And don’t forget the arm wrestling contest … 8 a.m. Aug. 3-9, 710 W. Smith Road, Medina. $2-$5. (330) 723-9633 or www.medina-fair.com.
Wood County Fair: The catch-a-pig contest may not be the highlight, that would be Little Big Town’s performance on Aug. 8 ($25) but it’s one of the other grandstand events. Aug. 4-10, Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Road, Bowling Green. $6. (419) 352-0441 or www.woodcounty-fair.com.
Northwest Ohio Rib-Off: It’s Ribs 2009, part deux, at this 26th annual barbecue competition, which offers “a taste of pure hog-heaven prepared by the best local and national grill masters.” 3-10 p.m. Aug. 6, 3-11 p.m. Aug. 7, noon-11 Aug. 8 and noon-6 Aug. 9, Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee.
Ohio South of the Border Festival: Fiesta animals will enjoy the food, music and atmosphere, Saturday’s jalapeno eating contest will be hot. Aug. 7-8, Perrysburg Heights Community Park, 12332 Jefferson St., Perrysburg. (419) 874-4529 or www.myspace.com/ohiosouthoftheborder
Arts Gone Wild: Local cultural organizations, including Toledo’s symphony, libraries, ballet, parks, museum, theater and zoo, celebrate the city’s artistic instincts with live performances, demonstrations, activities and more. For more information, visit 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 7-8, Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. www.artsgonewild.org.
Monclova Homecoming SummerFest: Performances are slated by Sinjon Smith of Detroit, MasFina, Glass City Steel Drums and Afro-Caribbean Dance & Drum group. Other activities include a canoe race, inflatable rides, a petting zoo, art show, silent auction and “hometown flair” contests (jams, pies, quilts, etc.). 4-11 p.m. Aug. 7 and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 8, Monclova Community Center, 8115 Monclova Rd., Monclova. (419) 861-1336 or www.monclovacommctr.org.
Christ the King Festival: Games, rides, bands, bingo and the prerequisite chicken dinner are planned. 5 p.m.-midnight Aug. 7-8, 1-9 p.m. Aug. 9, Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Lane. (419) 475-4348 or www.cktoledo.org.
Regina Coeli Festival: Games for kids and adults are planned, along with music by 56 Daze, Skoobie Snaks and Touch of Brass. 5 p.m.-midnight Aug. 7, 1 p.m.-midnight Aug. 8 and noon-7 Aug. 9, 530 Regina Pkwy. (419) 476-0922 or www.regina-coeli.org.
Frogtown Fair: Visitors can recycle old household batteries, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermometers, old and broken electronics; check out energy-saving ideas, such a rain barrels, and exhibits by “green” organizations; and have confidential papers destroyed. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 8, Erie Street Market, 237 S. Erie St. (419) 936-3947 or Chad.Gogley@epa.state.oh.us.
River Raisin Jazz Festival: This event regularly draws thousands of music lovers to the banks of the Raisin for smooth sounds and upbeat tempos. This year’s performers include Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons (Aug. 8), Jeff Lorber, Maysa, the Motor City Horns and festival artistic director Alexander Zonjic (Aug. 9). In addition, an art fair is held at nearby Loranger Square, Washington and First streets. Noon-9 Aug. 8-9, St. Mary’s Park, 195 W. Elm Ave., Monroe, Mich. (734) 457-1095 or www.monroeinfo.com.
Back to School Fair: Speak with local organizations and schools in preparation of the first day. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 8, Westfield Franklin Park, 5001 Monroe St. (419) 473-3317 or www.westfield.com/franklinpark.
God of Our City Celebration: “Praise and worship Jesus Christ declaring the good things about Him, who He is and what He is doing for a greater Toledo.” Aug. 8, Promenade Park, Water Street. (419) 245-1607.
Erie County Fair: Fair staple Phil Dirt & the Dozers will make their appearance; DeWayne Spaw and Coco Beanos also will perform. Tractor pulls, chainsaw carving and a demolition derby also will take place. 8 a.m. Aug. 11-16, 3110 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. $7. (419) 625-1000 or www.eriecountyohiofair.com.
Attica Independent Fair: Featured events will include livestock shows, pig scrambles, Friday night rodeo, horse races, concerts and a derby. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 12-16, Attica Fairgrounds, 100 Fairgrounds Road, Attica. $7. (419) 426-3247 or www.atticafair.com.
Maumee Summer Fair and Taste of Maumee: Twenty area restaurants will kick off the event, dishing up their most tantalizing recipes. Bands will perform both days. Then the fair gets in gear on Saturday, featuring a parade, kids’ activities, arts and crafts and a classic car show. 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 14 and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 15, West Dudley and Allen streets, Maumee. A lot party, for those 21 or older, is $5. (419) 893-5805 or www.maumeesummerfair.com
Lenawee County Fair: Visitors can meet the elephants and hear Julianne Hough (July 30; $10-$15) at this fair, which also includes tractor pulls, laser tag, rides, a comedy hypnotist show Aug. 14-20, 602 N. Dean St., Adrian, Mich. $1-$5. (517) 263-3007 or www.lenfair.com.
Henry County Fair: Don’t miss the Tomato Festival Parade, with all the past Tomato Queens! Or you could go for the demolition derby, tractor pull or performances by Phil Dirt & the Dozers or the Lost Trailers. 7 a.m. Aug. 14-20, Henry County Fairgrounds, 907 S. Perry St., Napoleon. $6. (419) 592-9096 or www.henrycountyfair.org.
Barefoot at the Beach: “Great food, music, and entertainment await guests on the shores of Lake Erie.” Proceeds will support Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo. 6-11 p.m. Aug. 15, Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Rd. 1, Oregon. (419) 241-4258 or www.barefootatthebeach.org.
35th Annual Birmingham Ethnic Festival: Celebrates the community’s ethnic heritage with Hungarian and ethnic foods, arts and crafts exhibits, cultural displays and music, dance and continuous entertainment. Noon-9 Aug. 16, Consaul Street between Front and Milford streets. (419) 244-3888 or www.birminghamethnicfestival.org.
Huron County Fair: Like big burly guys with axes? Unless you’re a Michael Myers fan, you’ll probably appreciate the lumberjack shows held all week at this fair. All-terrain vehicle and motorcross races are planned, along with an Aug. 17 performance by Craig Morgan ($12-$20). 8 a.m. Aug. 17-22, 940 Fair Road, Norwalk. $7. (419) 668-0516 or www.huroncountyfair.com.
Corn Festival: Celebrate ears, kernels, sweet nibblets, meal and mash. Also, a bike race, tournaments for horseshoes, volleyball and basketball, a car show, parade and battle of the bands are planned. Danger Brothers (Aug. 22 $5) . Aug. 21-22, Swanton. (419) 460-6043. www.swantoncornfest.com.
Allen County Fair: Gary Allen, Billy Currington and Randy Houser will be a little bit country (Aug. 22; $31-$35). In addition, wood carvers, animal acts and a petting zoo will be on hand. 9 a.m. Aug. 21-29, 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima. $6. (419) 228-7141 or www.allencountyfair.org.
MetroBarks Festival: Celebrate furry friends with contests, dog-approved vendors and activities. Rescue organizations will be on hand to connect people and pooches. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 22, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.
Levis Commons Fine Art Fair: This fifth annual event will feature more than a hundred artists in various media. 10 a.m-8 p.m. Aug. 22 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 23, 3201 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-8888 or www.shopleviscommons.com.
Defiance County Fair: Todd Berry will take the stage with Brandi Lynn Howard on Aug. 22. Other grandstand events include an antique tractor pull, combine demolition derby and harness racing. Corn hole and horseshoe fans also have a chance to strut their stuff. Most midway entertainment starts at noon Aug. 22-29, Defiance County Fairgrounds, 530 S. Main St., Hicksville. $3-$5. (419) 542-7575 or www.defiancefair.com.
Lorain County Fair: Randy Owen (Aug 24) Miranda Lambert (Aug. 25) Professional Rodeo (Aug 26). Aug. 24-30, 23000 Fairgrounds Road, Wellington. $4. (440) 647-2781 or www.loraincountyfair.com.
Sandusky County Fair: Country star Joe Nichols will perform Aug. 29; $25-$30. Other grandstand events include FMX championships Aug. 26; demolition derby Aug. 27 and 30; and truck and tractor pulls Aug. 28; each event is $12. Aug. 25-30, Sandusky County Fairgrounds, 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont. $7. (419) 332-5604 or www.sanduskycountyfair.com.
Michigan State Fair: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 28-Sept. 7, Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, Detroit. $5-$10; $7 parking. (313) 369-8250 or www.michigan.gov/mistatefair.
Northwest Ohio Air Show: An all-woman skydiving team will plunge in, and a number of stunt pilots will exhibit their skills at the controls. Also scheduled are fly-bys, static plane displays and a kids’ zone. Gates open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Show starts at noon Aug. 29-30, Toledo Express Airport, 11013 Airport Hwy. (Route 2), Swanton. $15-$20; $5 parking. Jim LeMaitre, (567) 868-5225 or www.northwestohioairshow.com.
German-American Festival: The region’s oldest ethnic festival will feature non-stop music and entertainment, a stone-throwing contest, traditional foods, children’s Hummel look-alike contest, rides and a raffle. 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Aug. 28, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Aug. 29, noon-11 (German Church Service 10:30 a.m.) Aug. 30, Oak Shade Grove, Oregon. $7. (419) 691-4116, (419) 691-6460 or www.gafsociety.org.
Monarch Butterfly Festival: Festivities include butterfly crafts, games, an informal slide show and butterfly tagging demonstration as hundreds are released for their migration to Mexico. Noon Aug. 30, Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center, 1400 State Park Road, Oregon. $3 craft wristband. (419) 836-9117.
Hancock County Fair: Who will get the gold in the Ag Olympics? Harness racing, the “Jungle Island Zoo” and the Flag City Music Festival are planned, too. 8 a.m. Sept. 2-7, Old Mill Stream Fairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay. $7. (419) 429-7344 or www.hancockfairgrounds.com.
Van Wert County Fair: Edgar Winter and Hunter Brucks (Sept. 5, $15-$25) and David Phelps (Sept. 6; $15-$30) will perform. Additionally, truck and tractor pulls and the most-likely-unique-to-county-fairs text messaging contest will take place. 9 a.m. Sept. 2-9, 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert. $6. (419) 238-9270 or www.vanwertcountyfair.com.
Fulton County Fair: Charlie Daniels and the Oak Ridge Boys (Sept. 7; $5-$22) and 38 Special (Sept. 6; $5-$20) will perform. Additional festivities include a combine demolition derby; horse racing; truck and tractor pulls; and a “rough truck challenge.” Gates open most days at 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 4-10, Fulton County Fairgrounds, 8514 Route 108, Wauseon. $5. (419) 335-7469 or www.fultoncountyfair.com.
Hardin County Fair: Daredevils will enjoy the freestyle motorcross jump-off, demolition derby and truck and tractor pulls. Most everyone else will get their kicks from the pig races and Buffo, “the world’s strongest clown.” 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sept. 8-13, 14134 Fairground Road, Kenton. $6. (419) 675-2396 or www.hardincountyfair.org.
Greek-American Festival: If it’s all Greek to you, you’ll love this festival, dedicated to island nation’s Orthodox faith, culture and food. Performances by the Hellenic Dance Company all 3 days. Noon-midnight Sept. 11-12 and noon-8p.m. Sept. 13, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 740 N. Superior St. $1-$3. (419) 243-9189 or www.toledogreekfest.com.
Black Swamp Arts Festival: Creators from across the country will display their work in this juried art fair that stretches along Bowling Green’s Main Street. Music and food are side dishes to this festival. 5 p.m.-midnight Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-midnight Sept. 12 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13, Main Street, Bowling Green. (419) 354-2723 or www.blackswamparts.org.
Clinton County Corn Festival: Local corporations will compete in “a hog calling contest, the outhouse race, an outrageous obstacle course” and more for the title of king kernel in the Corn Olympics. Antique power equipment will be on display apple butter will be available for sampling and quilters will demonstrate their craft. Also planned are a petting corral, antique car show and live entertainment. Noon-11 Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 12 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13, Clinton County Fairgrounds, 958 W. Main St., Wilmington. (877) 428-4748 or www.clintoncountyohio.com.
Jazzin’ in Tiffin: Local jazz groups will begin the day, followed by some of the best musicians in the nation. The city’s art guild also will showcase their skills. Noon-9 Sept. 12, Rotary Park, Frost Parkway, Tiffin. (419) 447-5866 or www.senecacounty.com.
Grub ‘n’ Suds Motorcycle Festival: Motors will be running for this 11th annual event, which features a poker run, bands, bike games and contests. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sept. 12, Depot Park, Elmore. (419) 862-3552.
Williams County Fair: Perhaps the best part of this fair will be the youth night events, including a pullet pursuit, pig scramble, calf catch and “mutton buckin’.” If those aren’t your style, the usual combine and car demolition derbies and truck pulls are also planned, as well as a performance by Phil Dirt & the Dozers. 9 a.m. Sept. 12-19, 619 E. Main St., Montpelier. $6. (419) 485-3755 or www.wcofair.com.
Sylvania Arts and Crafts Festival: More than 300 juried artisans will display their wares, and entertainers will take the stage, too. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 13, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $2. (419) 824-3961 or (419) 882-2135 or www.sylvaniachamber.org.
Wyandot County Fair: Only at a fair will you find both gospel concerts and demolition derbies, as well as “birds of prey” shows. 8 a.m. Sept. 15-20, 10171 Route 53N, Upper Sandusky. $6. (419) 294-4320 or email wycofair@midohio.twcbc.com.
Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival: A village from the past is brought to life in this history-focused event. A parade takes place at 11 a.m.; other festivities include music, art fair and rides. Sept. 18-20, Hedges-Boyer Park, Summit and Coe streets, Tiffin. (888) 736-3221 or www.tiffinfestival.com.
Fostoria Rail Festival: Displays, rail tours and a swap meet at Fostoria Middle School will cater to train fans; others can enjoy the farmers’ market and car show. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 19, Main Street, Fostoria. (419) 435-1781 or fostoriairontriangle.com/railFEST.htm.
Harrison Rally Day Community Festival: Historic downtown Perrysburg will host this juried fine arts and crafts fair, which also features music, children’s art, youth band and a parade. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 19, Louisiana Avenue, Perrysburg. (419) 874-9147 or www.perrysburgarts.org.
Ashland County Fair: Bull riding and a combine/lawn mower derby are planned, as well as harness racing, motorcross and a women’s skillet-tossing contest. 9 a.m. Sept. 20-26, 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland. $4. (419) 289-0466 or www.ashlandcountyfair.com.
Ottawa Hills Fall Festival and Marketplace: Otto Hill and His Hillbillies, Haywire and the Ottawa Hills High School Pep Band will perform, artists and crafters will display their work, and activities for kids and adults, straw maze, wagon rides, pie-throwing, pumpkin carving contest, pumpkin putt-putt and more will entertain visitors. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26, Geresy Field, 2532 Evergreen Road, Ottawa Hills. (419) 536-5580.
Roche de Boeuf Festival: Crafts, food and vendors will be highlighted, along with carnival rides, a car show, entertainment and a parade (10 a.m.). 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 26, River Road, downtown Waterville. (419) 878-5188 or www.watervillechamber.com.
Hillsdale County Fair: Performing will be Craig Morgan (Oct. 3; $18-$20). Horseshoes, tractor and pony pulls and a demolition derby will entertain as well. 10 a.m. Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 115 S. Broad St., Hillsdale, Mich. $1-$4; $3 parking. (517) 437-3622, (800) 585-3737 or www.hillsdalecountyfair.org.
MacQueen Orchards Apple Butter Festival & Craft Show: Apples and their derivatives are the stars of this show, which includes demonstrations of apple butter and cider making, a pie contest, craft show and wagon rides. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 3 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 4, MacQueen’s Orchard, 7807 Angola Road, Holland. (419) 865-2916 or www.macqueenorchards.com.
Grand Rapids Apple Butter Festival: Learn how this sweet condiment is made, then take in “farm exhibits, military and colonial life reenactments, pioneer demonstrations, juried crafts and collectibles” and fall foods. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 11, (parking $7) Grand Rapids. Steve Kryder, (419) 748-8238 or www.applebutterfest.org.
