A rainy morning made way for clearer skies this weekend during the Oakland County 4-H Fair being held July 4-14 at Springfield Oaks in Davisburg. The popular Oakland County event runs every day, and features an array of activities, free events and live animal exhibits.
Each day has special themes and with a wide variety of activities, animal judging events and special family contests. According to Oakland County 4-H Board of Directors David Coleman, the 4-H promotes strong family values and provides education for visitors and exhibitors.
Arts and crafts are also part of the fun as well. Award winning artistic creations are on display including projects in creative writing, custom pattern making, sewing and needlework, performing arts and a variety of artistic mediums.
Visitors can visit the ‘Miracle of Birth? barn to watch videos of live births, and see animals that have just given or are about due to give birth. Brian Walling, from Saline Michigan said he loved seeing the newly born piglets in the birth barn. Little babies of every kind of animal are plentiful in many areas on the fair grounds.
A special tiger and lion show with three lions and a white tiger dazzle crowds with obedient tricks. Adventurists can ride on one of the largest and smartest animals on earth, elephants, in an area sponsored by Bordines Nursery.
The line-up of events includes special shows like the globe of death, rodeos, a Figure 8 Championship Race, Monster Truck Shootout and a Noon Firefighters Muster and Antique Fire Truck Show. Local businesses also offer a slew of products and services to 4-H patrons.
Rose Mattise entered five of her roosters in a contest that judge the best cooking rooster. Mattise said she like working with roosters because they are low maintenance and can be friendly when you work with them. A rabbit barn containing a variety of furry and colorful bunnies will compete in contests and are judged on costume, breed and showmanship.
Many exhibits in the show are sponsored by areas businesses and organizations. Check out the racing pigs sponsored by The Clarkston News parent company Sherman Publications and Michigan Cat.
Playworld Amusements provides the 4-H rides which include thrillers like the Cliff hanger, G-force, Himalaya, a fun house, bumper cars and more. Wristbands are available for all day riding fun or individual tickets can also be purchased.
Tons of food is available from steak, burgers, turkey, chicken, pizza, ice cream, fries and of course elephant ears, cotton candy and other sweet treats. Plenty of games line up the midway for those hoping to win some prizes.
On Friday July 12 those that bring five cans of food donations can receive an $8 discount on a ride wristband.
Upcoming special days at the fair include Kids Day, Special Needs Day, Pirate and Princess Day and more.
Admission is $10 for parking, $5 for motorcycles or $5 if you walk in. Special grandstand shows are $10 per adult and $5 for kids ages 6-14 with kids 5 and under free. Pets are allowed on the grounds, but must be leashed and are not allowed in barns, grandstand events or the midway. The 4-H grounds are located at 12451 Andersonville Road.
For a complete list of events and hours visit www.oak.fair.org