BY PAUL KAMPE
Clarkston News Staff Writer
Baby pigs, historic barn and demolition derby. At first, the series seems a bit out of place, but locals know that means the return of the annual Oakland County Fair.
The extravaganza makes its return to Springfield Oaks County Park next week, running July 10-15.
Organizers have added a daily circus to the mix this year and the historic Ellis Barn, moved to the fairgrounds last year, will be open for daily tours. Staples such as the figure-eight races, demolition derby, miracle of birth exhibits and pig races are also on tap.
The circus will have three daily performances, concluding prior to the nightly main events. In past years, organizers have had lumberjacks and woodcarvers to entertain, and the circus should peak visitors interest this year.
‘We’re excited to have something that big on the fairgrounds and have it for free,? Oakland County Fair General Manager L.C. Scramlin said.
‘They’re nice, fun and clean. They have some nice animals.?
Jackie Scramlin, director, Oakland County Fair Board, said positive responses to last year’s fair inspired organizers to continue the fair’s traditionally family-oriented premise.
‘The reason we put this fair on is for the kids,? she said.
‘We focus on a clean, wholesome family event.?
Also continuing this year is the fair’s affordability, Scramlin said. The $8 parking fee includes a peek at the fair’s exhibits.
‘There aren’t very many things you can do in Oakland County for eight dollars,? Scramlin said.
Nightly events, which begin at 7 p.m., and carnival attractions cost extra.
The Bullmania Rodeo kicks off the festivities July 10. Free tickets are available at the fair’s Web site www.oakfair.org. The figure-eight race is slated for July 11. Demolition Derby, Monster Truck Shoot Out and the championship Figure-Eight race round out the festivities.
The Ellis Barn, which was toured last year, is near completion with other projects, including added electricity.
‘It’s like a house and there’s always more projects,? L.C. Scramlin joked.
‘We know we’ll be ready next week one way or another.?
In addition to the independent electric lines, the barn has gotten new sub-flooring and will be filled with more circa-1800s antiques.
‘I’m lucky, I get to be here when people go in. There’s magic when people go through there and they remember (the past),? L.C. Scramlin said.
More than 85,000 people visited last year’s fair, which was plagued by rain on multiple occasions. Organizers are keeping their fingers crossed for better weather this year, but the heat can be almost as much of a challenge.
‘The first few days look like they’ll be great, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed,? L.C. Scramlin said.
‘We worry about things we can control.?
The fair runs from 9 a.m. ? 11 p.m. Tue. – Fri. and from 8:30 a.m. ? 11 p.m. Saturday. The fair wraps up Sunday, 8 a.m. ? 9 p.m.
Springfield Oaks County Park is located at 12451 Andersonville Road in Springfield Township.
For a fair lineup and more information, visit www.oakfair.org or call 248-634-8830.